Losing a close family member alters forever the lives of the surviving ones. When the death of a loved one is caused by someone else’s negligence or by an intentional act, the loss may be even more hurtful. Beyond the emotional suffering, however, such wrongful deaths also bring about losses that can be “translated” into monetary terms. North Carolina laws allow surviving family members (or other “personal representatives” of the person who died) to seek compensation for those losses from the people or entities that caused the wrongful death.

We provide free consultations in all a wrongful death cases.

In North Carolina, personal representatives who bring a wrongful death claim can pursue financial compensation for a variety of items, including

• the cost of medical care incurred prior to the person’s death, as a result of the wrongful acts that led to the death;
• reasonable funeral expenses
• the reasonably expected income that the decedent (i.e. the person who died) would have earned over his or her expected lifetime
• the value of other benefits that the decedent would have earned (such as health or retirement benefits)
• the value of various services that the decedent would have provided to the survivors (such as household services, tutoring, or care-taking)
• the value of the companionship, comfort, and advice that the decedent would have provided.

In cases where a person experienced conscious pain and suffering prior to his or her death, the personal representatives can also seek compensation for the decedent’s pain and suffering. In addition, if the conduct that caused a wrongful death was particularly reckless (such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), a defendant may be required to pay “punitive damages”—an additional sum intended to serve as a punishment and a deterrent to similar conduct.

If someone you love was killed as a result of someone else’s negligent, wanton, or willful acts, or as a result of the use of a defective product, you should discuss your situation with an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney at Myers Law Firm as soon as possible.

At the Charlotte-based Myers Law Firm, we offer decades of cumulative experience, both in dealing with insurance companies and in litigating in local courts. We strive to be sensitive to our clients’ needs, even as we work aggressively to protect their interests.

In every case related to a wrongful death, our initial consultation is free. Contact us today to help you and your family.

North Carolina has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims—in other words, if you wish to pursue your legal remedies regarding a wrongful death, you must do so within two years of the date of the death. Some exceptions do exist; however, the passage of time (even within those two years) may erase or cloud the evidence that would be required to prove a case.

To schedule a free consultation about your particular situation, please call our Charlotte office toll-free at 1-888-376-ATTY (2889), email us at mattmyers@myerslegal.com, or fill out and submit our online “Contact Us” form.