Grieving the death of a loved one is difficult and emotional under any circumstance, and it may be particularly painful when they are lost due to the poor choices of others. While nothing can make up for the loss of someone’s life, the deceased person’s loved ones may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive financial compensation for “damages.”
In North Carolina, the law defines a wrongful death as the death of person caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another person or organization that could have been filed as a personal injury claim had the person lived. Incidents that may fall under this category are workplace accidents, medical malpractice, and car accidents—especially if the driver was drunk, speeding, or reckless.
North Carolina wrongful death law can be complicated, so it may be in your best interest to seek the help of an attorney if you are going to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. One thing to keep in mind is that the statute of limitations in North Carolina for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the person’s death.
Another thing to be aware of is that only a few specific people can file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina. They must be either the person named in the will as the administrator of the decedent’s estate or someone who qualifies as a personal representative under intestate succession laws.
If you need a North Carolina-based attorney to assist you in your wrongful death lawsuit, contact me.