Concord Wrongful Death Attorneys

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Concord, NC

Many different circumstances can give rise to a wrongful death lawsuit in Concord. Some common causes of wrongful death include:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful death in Concord. In 2020, there were 2,776 crashes in Concord, with six car accident victims suffering a fatality. If a driver is speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in other risky behavior, they may be liable for any resulting fatalities.

Workplace Accidents

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 189 fatal occupational injuries in North Carolina in 2020. Transportation incidents resulted in 75 fatal work injuries, and exposure to harmful substances or environments accounted for 36 fatalities. Falls, slips, and trips were the third-most frequent fatal work event, with 28 fatalities. Contact with objects and equipment resulted in 26 work-related deaths.

As the second largest city in the Charlotte metro area, Concord is a bustling community with many different types of businesses and industries. With so much activity, it’s not surprising that workplace accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the city.

Other Common Causes

In addition to car accidents, workplace accidents, and medical errors, other common causes of wrongful death include:

• Defective products
• Premises liability accidents
• Violent crimes
• Motorcycle accidents

Any accident leading to personal injury claims can also result in wrongful death claims. If you have lost a loved one in any type of accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Concord wrongful death lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Concord, NC?

In North Carolina, only the executor or administrator of the victim’s estate can actually file a lawsuit on the victim’s behalf.  The following family members may be able to serve as executor or administrator in a wrongful death lawsuit:

• The surviving spouse of the deceased victim
• The children of the deceased victim
• The parents of the deceased victim
• Relative of the deceased victim, if the victim was unmarried and had no children or immediate family.

Filing a wrongful death claim can be complicated and overwhelming, especially during such a difficult emotional time. An experienced Concord wrongful death attorney can help take on the legal burden and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

How to Prove Liability in Wrongful Death Cases

To win a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must be able to prove that the defendant is liable for the victim’s death. In many cases, this will involve establishing that the defendant was negligent. To do this, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed the victim a duty of care, that they  breached that duty of care and that the breach resulted in the victim’s death.

For example, if a driver was speeding and ran a red light, causing a fatal car accident, the victim’s family may be able to sue the driver for wrongful death. To win the case, they would need to prove that the driver was negligent in their actions, which led to the death of their loved one.

Many different types of accidents or intentional acts can result in wrongful death, and each case will have unique circumstances. A personal injury lawyer will be familiar with the laws and procedures involved in filing a claim and can help you build a strong case for compensation.

Compensation for Concord Wrongful Death Claims

If the plaintiff is successful in their wrongful death lawsuit, they may be awarded damages for:

• Medical Expenses: If the victim required medical treatment before their death, the plaintiff might be able to recover the cost of those expenses.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: The plaintiff may be able to recover the cost of funeral and burial expenses.
• Loss of Income and Benefits: If the victim was working at the time of their death, the plaintiff might be able to recover the victim’s lost wages and benefits that they would have earned in their lifetime had they survived.
• Loss of Companionship: The plaintiff may be able to recover damages for the loss of companionship and emotional support that the victim provided.

In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar egregious behavior, such as driving while impaired.

No two wrongful death cases are the same, so it is important to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights. Contact a Concord personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.