If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you’re likely facing overwhelming grief and uncertainty. Our team of experienced Angier wrongful death lawyers, with over 90 years of combined experience, can help you during this difficult time.
With our knowledge of North Carolina’s wrongful death laws, we can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking fair compensation for your losses. Contact Whitley Law Firm to speak with an Angier personal injury lawyer now.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death?
A fatal accident can leave a trail of devastation in its wake, forever changing the lives of loved ones left behind. When someone’s negligence or reckless behavior leads to the loss of a life, it’s considered wrongful death.
You may be wondering what constitutes wrongful death. Fundamentally, it occurs when a person dies due to another party’s actions or inactions, which can be attributed to negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing.
To establish a wrongful death claim, you’ll need to prove that the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of your loved one’s death and that you, as the survivor, have suffered damages as a result. An Angier wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Angier, call (800)785-5000
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can stem from a multitude of circumstances, and understanding the common causes is essential in seeking justice for your loved one.
It’s vital to identify the underlying factors that led to the tragic event, as it can greatly impact the outcome of your case. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death include:
- Medical malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes, can lead to fatal consequences.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents caused by reckless or negligent driving can result in wrongful death.
- Product liability: Defective products, such as faulty machinery, contaminated food, or hazardous materials, can cause fatal injuries or illnesses.
- Workplace accidents: Negligent maintenance, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety protocols can lead to deadly workplace accidents.
Understanding these common causes can help you build a stronger case and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Angier Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
You’re taking the essential step of filing a wrongful death claim to seek justice for your loved one. This process can be complex and emotionally challenging, but it’s important to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
To begin, you’ll need to determine who can file the claim. In North Carolina, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate typically files the claim. This can be a family member, such as a spouse, parent, or child, or an executor named in the will.
It’s critical to work with an experienced Angier wrongful death lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you’re taking the right steps. Your lawyer will help you prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the court, including the complaint and summons.
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Proving Liability in Court
To successfully pursue a wrongful death claim, gathering evidence is only the first step. You must also prove that the defendant’s actions or inactions were the direct cause of your loved one’s death. This requires a deep understanding of the legal concept of liability and how to establish it in court.
Proving liability involves demonstrating that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, breached that duty and that this breach resulted in the death. You’ll need to present evidence that shows the defendant’s actions were negligent, reckless, or intentional.
Some key elements to focus on when building a liability case include:
- Establishing the standard of care that the defendant was expected to uphold
- Demonstrating how the defendant’s actions deviated from this standard
- Providing expert testimony to explain the causal link between the defendant’s actions and the death
- Showing that the defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of the death, meaning that they were the direct and immediate cause of the fatal outcome
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Damages Available in Wrongful Death
Justice demands that those responsible for wrongful death be held accountable, and a crucial aspect of this accountability is the awarding of damages to the surviving family members.
As a family member, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered due to the wrongful death of your loved one. In North Carolina, you may be eligible to receive economic damages, which include financial losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which encompass emotional and psychological harm, including pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were reckless or intentional.
Contact Our Angier Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
As you navigate the grieving process, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. An Angier wrongful death lawyer can help you build a strong case, proving liability and securing fair compensation.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone – seek guidance from a dedicated wrongful death lawyer to pursue justice and closure. Visit our blog to learn more.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form