Did you lose a loved one in a fatal accident in North Carolina? Was the accident someone else’s fault? You deserve all of the justice the law has to offer. Call (800) 525-7111 to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina wrongful death lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today.
Our lawyers have over 190 years of experience in personal injury law. We’ve recovered over $850 million in settlements and verdicts (see disclaimer below).
We know that it can be difficult to navigate a claim for compensation after such a devastating loss. Our attorneys are here to handle the legal battle. Contact our law offices in North Carolina today to learn more about your legal options.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help After a Wrongful Death in North Carolina?
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is one of life’s most devastating experiences. In the aftermath, the idea of navigating complex legal issues while also managing grief can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies often make the process even more frustrating, using tactics designed to minimize payouts. You may not even know where to start. That’s where we come in.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, our North Carolina personal injury attorneys have built a reputation for aggressive, compassionate representation. When you hire our nationally recognized legal team, insurance companies are forced to take your claim seriously. We understand the stakes are high, and we are prepared to handle every detail so you can focus on healing. From investigating the circumstances to building a strong case, we have the knowledge and determination to fight for justice.
Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help.
How Do I Know Whether I Have a Valid Wrongful Death Case in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina wrongful death laws, a wrongful death includes any death that is caused by someone else’s wrongful act, neglect, or default.
Accidents occur every day in North Carolina. When someone is injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault, they can seek compensation for their injuries. Fatal accident victims often don’t have the chance to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Instead, surviving family members gain the right to take legal action on behalf of the fatal accident victim.
As a survivor, you may have a valid wrongful death claim if your loved one died:
- In a negligence-based accident
- Because a doctor made a fatal medical error
- Due to someone’s intentional criminal attack
The victim’s personal representative files the wrongful death claim on behalf of survivors. Wrongful death claims are filed in civil court. The court has authority to award financial compensation if it finds the defendant to be responsible for the death.
How Much is My North Carolina Wrongful Death Claim Worth?
The value of your wrongful death case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Key factors that will influence the amount of money your family takes home include:
- Your loved one’s age and life expectancy at their time of death
- Your loved one’s lost earning capacity, considering prior work history, earnings, and education
- The age and identities of surviving dependents
- The circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death
- The ways your loved one contributed to the household
- The trauma and suffering your family has experienced
Your family has your own unique story to tell. The value of your case will depend on the unique ways that your life has changed due to your tragic loss.
Our North Carolina wrongful death attorneys have decades of experience between us. We know the laws on wrongful death inside and out. We’re prepared to do everything possible to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family work toward the compensation award you deserve.
What Types of Compensatory Damages Are Available in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Case?
As in any personal injury case, survivors can seek compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
Examples of the types of damages that victims may receive include:
- Medical expenses incurred to treat your loved one’s injuries between the date of injury and the date of death
- Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one prior to death
- Funeral costs and burial expenses
- Lost financial support provided by your loved one
- Loss of your loved one’s services provided in the home prior to death
- Loss of your loved one’s protection, care, and assistance
- Loss of support, guidance, advice, and companionship
- Loss of consortium, or loss of a spouse’s companionship and support
Punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are only available in cases where the defendant’s acts deserve punishment. These damages are reserved for cases where the defendant acted intentionally or demonstrated an extremely reckless disregard for human life.
Who Can Be Liable for Paying My Damages After a Fatal Accident in North Carolina?
Determining liability for wrongful death involves identifying the party–or parties–who share blame for your loved one’s death.
Examples of responsible parties include:
- Careless drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents
- Medical practitioners who make fatal errors
- Property owners who fail to maintain their premises in a safe condition
- Product manufacturers who sell dangerous and defective consumer products
- Employers of parties who cause fatal accidents
Determining liability requires a careful analysis of the facts and circumstances. You can count on our lawyers in North Carolina to conduct a detailed investigation. While you take care of yourself and your family, we’ll be investigating to determine who is responsible for your tragic loss.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in North Carolina?
Our team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers uses a contingency fee-based model for our billing. Your attorneys’ fees depend entirely on the amount of money your attorney recovers in your case.
You’ll never be charged attorneys’ fees if your attorney fails to recover compensation in your case. When they do recover damages, you’ll pay a fixed percentage of your final compensation award.
What Happens to My Right to Recover Damages If My Loved One Shared Some Blame for a Fatal Accident in North Carolina?
Shared fault has a significant impact in wrongful death cases. North Carolina has a strict contributory negligence law. If your loved one shares even a slight amount of blame for their own death, your family cannot recover compensation.
Most states simply reduce a victim’s compensation in proportion to the amount of fault they share. The impact is much more significant in North Carolina. Of course, that means insurance companies have an even stronger incentive to pin any blame on the victim.
If the defense claims your loved one was responsible for their own death, contact our lawyers right away. We anticipate these blame-the-victim strategies. We’ll be well-prepared to help you fight back.
What Causes Most Deadly Accidents in North Carolina?
Our lawyers handle all types of wrongful death cases in North Carolina, including those involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Sports accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Premises liability matters involving dangerous property conditions
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Assault and violence
Experience matters when you’re choosing the law firm that will handle your case. Because our lawyers have such a wide range of experience, you can trust that we have the expertise to successfully handle your case.
What is Negligence and How is it Relevant to My North Carolina Wrongful Death Case?
Negligence is the legal basis for most wrongful death cases.
Negligence is a failure to use proper care when doing something. It means something very similar to carelessness. For example, someone may be found negligent if they were texting while driving and caused an accident.
The four elements of a negligence claim are:
- The defendant had a duty of care
- They breached their duty
- That breach was the direct cause of some type of accident
- The victim suffered damages–meaning physical injuries, mental trauma and/or financial trauma
In wrongful death cases, it’s also possible that different legal theories may apply. Whether your claim is based on negligence, strict liability, medical malpractice, or even intentional torts, our lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you prove your case.
Is There a Deadline for Demanding Compensation Based on Wrongful Death in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, you must file your wrongful death lawsuit within two years. The two-year clock starts to run on the date of your loved one’s death.
After the two-year period expires, you can no longer sue the at-fault party for damages.
Contact an Experienced North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
Losing a loved one is an incredibly painful experience. When your loss was preventable, our lawyers will be here to support you.
Contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to learn how our experienced North Carolina wrongful death lawyers can fight to secure your financial future.