What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is a death that occurs due to the negligence or recklessness of another person. To bring a wrongful death claim, the family members of the deceased must prove that the other party was at fault for the death. This can be done by showing that the other party acted negligently or recklessly and that this negligence or recklessness led to the victim’s death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a personal representative for the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This may include surviving family members, such as the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents. A personal injury law firm in Charlotte can help determine if you are eligible to file a claim.
Types and Causes of Fatal Accidents in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and as such, it is no stranger to fatal accidents. There were over 300 deadly car crashes in the city alone in 2021. And while cancer and heart disease are the top two causes of death in Mecklenburg County, unintentional injury takes the third spot, accounting for over 400 deaths in recent years.
Some of the most common fatal accidents in Charlotte include:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
If you have lost a loved one in any accident, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Charlotte to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of income and benefits, and more. Contact a lawyer today to learn more.
When Do I Need to Hire a Charlotte Wrongful Death Lawyer?
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, it is important to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney in Charlotte?
When hiring an attorney, you should look for someone with experience handling wrongful death claims in Charlotte. You should also look for a compassionate attorney and understanding, as well as someone aggressive and tenacious. You can contact and set up consultations with a few attorneys to get started. You should ask questions such as:
- How long have you been handling wrongful death cases in Charlotte?
- What types of cases do you typically handle?
- What is your approach to these types of cases?
- What are your fees and costs associated with a case like this?
You should also feel comfortable with the attorney and feel confident that they will be able to handle your case.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand the pain and suffering you are going through and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We also offer free consultations to learn more about your legal rights and options without obligation.
How To Prove Liability in a Wrongful Death Case in Charlotte, North Carolina
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. To prove that the other party is at fault for the death of your loved one, you will need to show that they acted negligently or recklessly. This can be done by showing that the other party breached a duty of care owed to your loved one and that this breach resulted in their death.
For example, if a driver ran a red light and hit your loved one’s car, causing them to die, you could argue that the driver was negligent because they failed to obey traffic law. This negligence resulted in the death of your loved one, and you could file a wrongful death claim against the driver.
Keep in mind that in some cases, liability can be complex. In some instances, multiple parties may be liable for the death of your loved one. These parties may include the negligent party, their employer, or a defective product manufacturer.
A wrongful death lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor will be able to investigate your case and determine who may be liable for your loved one’s death. Contact an attorney today to get started.
What Are The Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Claim in Charlotte?
If you are successful in your wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover a variety of damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses: If your loved one received medical treatment before their death, you might be able to recover the cost of these expenses.
- Funeral and burial costs: You may also be able to recover the cost of funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of income: If your loved one was working at the time of their death, you might be able to recover the loss of their income.
- Loss of companionship: You may also be able to recover damages for the loss of your loved one’s companionship and support.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering that your loved one endured before their death.
- Mental anguish: You may also be able to recover damages for the mental anguish and emotional distress that you have suffered since your loved one’s death.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. These are designed to punish the negligent party and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Our Charlotte wrongful death lawyers will be able to help you understand the types of damages available in your case and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Charlotte, North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you generally have two years from your loved one’s death date to file a wrongful death claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you try to file a claim after this period has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations can vary depending on the facts of your case. If you are unsure how much time you have to file a claim, you should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Charlotte as soon as possible.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Charlotte, NC.
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand how devastating it can be to lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Our team of experienced wrongful death lawyers is here to help you through this difficult time.
We will investigate your case, determine who may be liable for your loved one’s death, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina.