Charlotte Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one is never easy. Knowing that the accident was caused by someone else’s careless behavior can make your already sad situation more difficult. Survivors deserve to pursue justice and experience closure in order to have a chance to begin their healing period. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, survivors can hold the culprit responsible for their loved one’s death. A wrongful death claim also allows survivors to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial difficulties that arise from the death of a loved one. If you lost a loved one due to a fatal accident in North Carolina, the Charlotte wrongful death attorneys of Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, PA

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, PA we have over 30 years of combined experience representing partners, children, and other family members of wrongful death victims. We understand the great pain and sensitivity of these cases, and we are committed to handling your claim with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and respect for your loss. We will be there to provide guidance and support as we aggressively fight to maximize your family’s recovery. To schedule a legal consultation about how we can help your family, contact our law office online, or call Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, PA at (704) 377-3737.

Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in North Carolina?

Wrongful death lawsuits in North Carolina are subject to very strict rules. Our attorneys understand that knowing these rules is the last thing on your mind at this time. We will handle all of these details for you, including handling your insurance documentation, legal expiration dates, so that you can focus on your loved ones. However, it is important for survivors to know some basic information about who can file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina.

The person who files the lawsuit is called the “plaintiff.” The plaintiff must be a personal representative of the deceased, or deceased. The personal representative may have been named in the decedent’s will. If the deceased does not have a will or personal representative designation, the court may appoint an administrator.

According to the provisions of GS § 28ª-18-2 (a), a death is “unjust” if it is caused by a negligent act, or the fault or abandonment of another. Under this broad definition, wrongful death claims in North Carolina can arise from many types of accidents and injuries including:

• Fatal brain injuries
• Fatal burns
• Fatal bus accidents
• Fatal car accidents
• Fatal neck injuries
• Fatal slips and falls
• Fatal spinal cord injuries
• Fatal truck accidents

North Carolina Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

Since there are laws that limit who can file a wrongful death claim, there are also laws that limit the time you have to file such a claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations in North Carolina for wrongful death claims is two years. This means that the survivors have two years to bring a lawsuit from the death of the victim. However, unnecessary delays can harm a case by restricting the time available to compile and prepare the necessary evidence. The earlier your attorney can start working on your case, the more time you have to build the strongest claim possible.

If you do not file your claim within two years of the death of your loved one, you will lose your right to sue, and therefore will not be able to recover compensation or hold the parties responsible for your loss. To avoid this situation, it is crucial that you consult with a Charlotte wrongful death attorney as soon as you can.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Compensation, also called “damages.” It may be available for various losses that may arise from the wrongful death of your husband, wife, mother, father, or other loved one. The damages that are obtainable in North Carolina for wrongful death cases are contained in GS § 28A-18-2 (b). Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, it may be possible to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs and expenses
• Loss of companionship, care, comfort, protection, and services
• Loss of income
• Medical bills, such as medical expenses related to surgery, hospice care, hospitalization, or other medical services provided to the victim prior to death.
• The pain and suffering suffered by the deceased or deceased before their death.

The attorneys at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, PA know how to put the law to work for families who want an explanation related to the death of their loved ones. For a free and confidential legal consultation about your North Carolina wrongful death claim, contact us online, or call us at (704) 377-3737.