Wrongful Death Attorney in Raleigh

The spouse, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina. Under certain circumstances, the grandparents, siblings, and other relatives may also file. If you have questions about your right to file a wrongful death claim, Morgan & Morgan can answer them.

North Carolina law does have a specific timeline for filing a wrongful death claim. If you miss the statute of limitations, you may be ineligible to receive compensation. So, how long do you have to file a wrongful death claim?

North Carolina’s statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. That means if you do not file within two years, you lose the right to sue for damages. If you are filing a claim against a government entity, that claim must be filed within six months of the accident. If the claim is rejected by the government entity, you have an additional six months to file a lawsuit.

There are several types of compensation you may be entitled to, including medical and funeral expenses, the amount of economic support you would have received had the deceased individual lived, and, in some cases, money to compensate you for grief or loss of companionship. Punitive damages are also a possibility in some cases. These types of damages are awarded if a defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or heinous and are a means of punishing the defendant. They are typically awarded at the discretion of a jury.

Vehicle accident fatalities constitute wrongful death if someone’s negligence causes the crash. For example, if a pedestrian passed away because a drunk driver struck him or her in a crosswalk, the pedestrian’s family could sue the intoxicated driver for the death. Premises liability accidents are also common reasons to file a wrongful death claim.

The courts will hold property owners liable for a death if they were negligent in their duty to provide for the reasonable safety of visitors, resulting in the death of an individual. Imagine. Medical malpractice is another frequent cause of death. If a fatality is the result of a doctor or medical staff’s negligence, there could be solid ground for a suit.

Morgan & Morgan is the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, and we have recovered over $20 billion in damages for our clients. We can work to ensure you receive fair compensation for the loss of your loved one. Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists.