It is heartbreaking for a person to lose a family member. In addition to emotional pain, you could experience financial setbacks and other challenges as you deal with the aftermath of your loss. A Kinston wrongful death lawyer can provide you with legal guidance and support during this difficult time.
The Whitley Law Firm team has more than 120 years of combined legal experience. Let a Kinston personal injury lawyer from our law firm review your case and help you determine if you have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact us today for more information.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
This refers to a legal case brought against a party relating to a death. Often classified as a personal injury claim, a wrongful death occurs due to an intentional act or negligence. Kinston personal injury attorneys representing plaintiffs in wrongful death cases include:
- Kinston car accident lawyers: A family member dies in an auto accident in which the other motorist ignored the rules of the road. Hire a wrongful death lawyer serving Kinston, and they can help you hold this motorist accountable for their actions.
- Kinston truck accident lawyers: If a negligent truck driver causes a fatal accident in which a member of your family loses their life, you have legal options. Work with an attorney to sue the at-fault trucker, their employer, or both.
- Kinston motorcycle accident lawyers: A motorist does not see a motorcyclist and, sadly, slams their car into this individual and their bike. If your family member is the victim of a fatal motorcycle collision, seek legal help from a Kinston wrongful death attorney.
- Kinston pedestrian accident lawyers: After a pedestrian accident in which a family member is killed, a wrongful death claim may be warranted. To find out, speak with a lawyer about your case.
- Kinston product liability lawyers: Defective products can be dangerous and cause fatalities. If a family member dies due to a faulty product, a lawyer can help you request compensatory damages from the manufacturer and other liable parties.
- Kinston premises liability lawyers: A family member encounters a property hazard, resulting in a fatal accident. In this scenario, you can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim against a negligent property owner.
- Kinston nursing home abuse lawyers: There is no excuse for abuse in nursing homes or anywhere else. If your family member dies due to abuse in a nursing home, have a lawyer file a claim on your behalf.
At the Whitley Law Firm, our team understands the challenges associated with your claim. We work diligently to help you seek justice and damages from the person at fault for a family member’s death. Schedule a consultation with our team.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Kinston, call (800)785-5000
How North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Doctrine Applies to a Kinston Wrongful Death Lawsuit
North Carolina adheres to a contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, a victim who contributes to their injury may be barred from recovering damages from the other party. This is the case even when the other party is 99% at fault.
In your case, the defendant could claim that the deceased person (decedent) contributed to their death. As such, it is important to have a wrongful death attorney serving Kinston at your disposal. During the legal process, your attorney will combat claims of fault and help you prepare a compelling argument.
Your lawyer understands what types of damages are compensable in a wrongful death claim. They will encourage you to ask for damages for burial and funeral expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other quantifiable and subjective losses. With your lawyer’s help, you are well-equipped to maximize your economic and non-economic damages.
Kinston Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000
Statute of Limitations for Your North Carolina Lawsuit
According to North Carolina G.S. § 1-53, you have two years from the date of a family member’s passing to submit a lawsuit. Do not wait to take legal action. If you wait too long to sue for damages, you will lose your right to request damages at a later time.
Your lawyer understands the statute of limitations for your case. They will file your lawsuit and craft an argument designed to prove you deserve compensation for your losses. Along with this, your attorney can negotiate a settlement.
Prior to your trial date, your attorney can work with the defendant in your case and their lawyer to discuss settling your case. If the defendant offers a settlement, your lawyer notifies you. Next, you can evaluate the proposal and determine if it is in your best interests to accept, reject, or counter it.
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Our Kinston Wrongful Death Lawyers Provide Compassion, Support, and Care
You are mourning the loss of a loved one and have no idea how you and your surviving family members will stay afloat financially moving forward. A lawyer focuses on you and your family at this time. They handle your legal matters so you and your loved ones can care for one another as you cope with your loss.
The Whitley Law Firm treats our clients like family. If you give us the opportunity to assist you with your case, we will do everything we can to help you achieve optimal results. Request a case consultation with our lawyers.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form