Charlotte Wrongful Death Lawyer
TOP-NOTCH WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER IN CHARLOTTE
Did you lose your loved one in a fatal accident on the road, on someone else’s premises, or during a medical procedure? Do you believe someone’s actions led to the tragic event? You may expect to collect compensation for damages like medical expenses and loss of financial support.
At Yale Haymond Law PLLC, we fight for the rights of accident victims and their families. We’re here to provide the support you need during this challenging time. Our Charlotte wrongful death lawyer will assess your case and walk you through all the steps of your claim.
WHAT COUNTS AS “WRONGFUL DEATH” IN NC?
You and your lawyer must prove fault to establish liability in a North Carolina wrongful death case. Workplace accidents are one notable exception since workers’ compensation in NC is a no-fault system.
Typically, you’ll have to show that:
- The defendant owed a duty of care toward your loved one
- The defendant’s action or inaction counted as a breach of duty
- That breach of duty led or contributed to the fatal accident
- Your loved one’s passing caused tangible damages
For example, if your family member perished in a collision that involved a trucker rear-ending their car, a truck accident lawyer in Charlotte will seek to prove that the trucker could have prevented the accident. Your attorney may look for evidence that the driver was speeding, broke traffic laws, or wasn’t paying enough attention to the road.
FILING A PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Only the deceased person’s personal representative in North Carolina can file a wrongful death claim. Usually, this personal representative is the legal executor the decedent named in their will.
If the accident victim dies without leaving a will, the victim’s relatives can request the court to name a representative who will then be responsible for filing the claim.
Who Collects Compensation for Wrongful Death?
Although the personal representative files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the victim, any settlement will go not toward the estate but to the victim’s heirs in this order:
- Surviving spouse
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Parents
- Siblings
When several eligible beneficiaries exist, it can be tricky to determine who collects compensation and what share of the settlement they may expect to receive. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you understand how wrongful death compensation works in your case.
What A Wrongful Death Settlement May Include
A wrongful death settlement may cover the following:
- Medical costs the victim incurred before their death (like emergency care and hospitalization)
- Loss of the decedent’s potential income (based on their age and earning capacity)
- Reasonable funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering the victim may have endured before death
- Loss of companionship, consortium, and practical help the victim may have provided to his spouse and family during their life
Additionally, if the fatal accident involved fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the offender and discourage future similar behavior.
TIMELINES FOR WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUITS IN NC
In North Carolina, you have two years from the victim’s passing to file a wrongful death claim. However, to improve your chances of winning an adequate settlement, you should contact a competent lawyer and start working on your case as soon as possible.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY FOR YOU
Why You Need A Skilled Wrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful death cases are complex. When a large settlement is on the table, the liable parties and their insurance companies will often do everything to avoid responsibility. You need a savvy, experienced Charlotte wrongful death lawyer to advocate for your interests and negotiate an appropriate settlement offer.
At Yale Haymond Law PLLC, we offer the following:
- Dedication. We handle every case with 100% commitment and personal attention.
- Local ties. Yale Haymond, our founding attorney, is native to Charlotte and pledges to provide first-class legal services to the community.
- Assertive approach. Attorney Yale Haymond is a skilled litigator ready to stand up for your rights.
- Free consultations. We offer free, no-obligation case assessments to people who lost loved ones in fatal accidents.
LETS GET STARTED
Yale Haymond Law PLLC: Trusted Representation For Survivorship Claims In Charlotte, NC
No amount of money will bring your loved one back, but adequate compensation can ease your financial distress and provide the support you need to rebuild your life. Contact us at Yale Haymond Law PLLC for assertive legal representation by a trusted local wrongful death and motorcycle accident lawyer.
Call 704-800-HELP (4357) or chat with us online to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte wrongful death lawyer today.
