Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. If you are considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you may wonder whether you will have to go to court. At Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when mourning the loss of a loved one. …
Blog: Wrongful Death
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death?
Insurance policies may provide coverage for wrongful death claims, but the amount offered by the insurance company may not fully account for the losses you and your family have suffered. While some policies—such as business liability insurance—may cover wrongful death, they often fall short of compensating for the full extent of damages. In North Carolina, …
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
According to G.S. § 28A-18-2, a personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. They do so for the benefit of other parties, such as the decedent’s spouse, parents, and children. Usually, the decedent’s will names a representative. If not, however, the court will assign one. North Carolina has established specific …
What Are Workers’ Comp Death Benefits?
Workers’ comp death benefits provide financial support to eligible family members if a loved one dies as a result of a job-related injury or illness. If you tragically lost a relative in a workplace accident, it is important to be aware of your rights. A workers’ compensation lawyer at the Whitley Law Firm can help …
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in NC?
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you should promptly consult a wrongful death attorney in Raleigh NC. Understanding your legal rights is important. Although no legal action can bring a beloved family member back, a wrongful death claim can help you and your loved ones recover the compensation you deserve for …
New Legislation Looks to Ban Asbestos Use Nationwide
Asbestos is a mixture of minerals often used in electrical and building insulation that has been known to cause Mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural effusion, pleural plaque, and pneumothorax. Each one of these brings serious medical issues including breathing problems, collapsed lungs, chest pain, and aggressive cancer. Not only does asbestos affect the person directly in contact …
Covil Corp Found Responsible for Wrongful Death of Firestone Employee
A North Carolina jury has awarded Franklin Finch’s estate $32.7 million. Finch was a Firestone employee for 20 years, where he spent some of his time in the cure room working on replacement parts and tire molds supplied by Covil Corp. Unfortunately, these parts contained asbestos, and Finch was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which caused him …
Durham Gas Explosion Leads to Death and Multiple Injuries
On April 10, a 61-year old man—and owner of Kaffeinate Coffee Shop—was killed after a contractor, hired by Crown Castle, struck a gas line in downtown Durham, North Carolina. According to a press conference given by Durham officials, this explosion injured numerous others and engulfed the city skyline in smoke. At the Whitley Law Firm, …
Talcum Powder Causes Wrongful Death, Johnson & Johnson to Pay $72M
A St. Louis jury has determined that pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) should pay a total of $72 million in compensatory and punitive damages to the family of Jackie Fox, a woman who passed away in 2015 due to complications related to her ovarian cancer. After only four hours of deliberating, the jury decided …
Family Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit With Hospital
Monday, May 12, 2014, a family reached a settlement in their claim against a hospital, the hospital they blame for a 13-year-old boy’s death. The teen had suffered a skateboard accident on June 28, and a respiratory therapist was in the ambulance that transported the boy. Medical personnel had chosen to insert a breathing tube, …