Wrongful Death Lawyer in Charlotte

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. In Charlotte and across North Carolina, these claims are governed by the North Carolina Wrongful Death Act.

Wrongful death lawsuits aren’t just about money; they’re about accountability. These legal actions allow the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to pursue damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the fatal injury
• Loss of the victim’s income or support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and guidance

While no lawsuit can bring someone back, holding the at-fault party accountable can help ease the financial burden and provide a sense of justice.

In North Carolina, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This person may be named in a will or appointed by the court.

While the estate representative is the official filer, compensation can still benefit the deceased’s surviving family members, including:

• A spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Other dependents or heirs

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to file, an attorney can help you understand your role in the legal process.

Charlotte’s busy roads, growing population, and large commercial and healthcare presence all contribute to the risk of preventable accidents. These are some of the most common situations that lead to wrongful death claims:

Car Accidents

Charlotte’s highways and intersections can be hazardous, especially when drivers are speeding, distracted, or impaired. A fatal crash caused by a negligent driver may be grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Medical Malpractice

When doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals make avoidable mistakes, such as misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or incorrect prescriptions, the results can be tragic. These cases require detailed investigation and expert review.

Workplace Accidents

If your loved one died on the job due to unsafe conditions, faulty equipment, or a lack of proper training, their death may qualify as wrongful. Construction sites, manufacturing plants, and warehouses are common settings for fatal work injuries.

Defective Products

Sometimes, the cause of death is a product that never should have been on the market—like a faulty car part, a dangerous medication, or unsafe machinery. These cases may fall under the realm of product liability law.

Wrongful death lawsuits are based on negligence, which means showing that someone had a duty to act safely and failed to do so, leading to death. To succeed, your case must prove:

• Duty of care: The defendant owed your loved one a legal responsibility.
• Breach of duty: They failed to meet that responsibility (e.g., by speeding or misdiagnosing a condition).
• Causation: Their action (or inaction) directly caused the death.
• Damages: The death resulted in financial and emotional loss.

These cases can be complex. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, work with experts, and build a strong case on your behalf.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Missing this window could prevent you from pursuing compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.

Time matters. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer early in the process, even if you're still navigating your grief.

Wrongful death damages aim to compensate surviving family members for both tangible and intangible losses. These may include:

• Medical expenses before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income or financial support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of care, guidance, or companionship
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence

An attorney can help you assess what your case may be worth based on the facts and the long-term impact of the loss.

Wrongful death cases are emotionally and legally challenging. You’re grieving a loss, and at the same time, you’re facing medical bills, insurance companies, and legal deadlines. That’s a lot to take on alone.

An experienced wrongful death lawyer can:

• Handle communication with insurers and opposing parties.
• Investigate the incident thoroughly.
• Build a case using expert evidence.
• Maximize your potential compensation.
• Protect you from unnecessary delays or legal pitfalls.

Wrongful death lawsuits are about more than just financial recovery. They’re about clarity, justice, and securing a future for your family.

If your loved one died in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Charlotte, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve recovered billions of dollars for families in tragic situations because we believe in holding negligent parties accountable.

Our attorneys are licensed to practice in North Carolina and ready to evaluate your case. You don’t pay anything unless we win. Fill out our contact form today to schedule a free case evaluation. Justice starts with a conversation.