Greensboro Wrongful Death Attorneys Help Families Seek Legal Relief
North Carolina trial lawyers pursue compensation for clients following tragic losses
The shock of losing a loved one to a fatal accident may fade, but it’s never completely gone. If the fatality resulted from someone else’s carelessness or willful misconduct, legal relief might be available. At Sigmon Klein, PLLC in Greensboro, we understand that nothing we can do can ever bring your loved one back. But we also know how badly you need closure and how important it is to see justice done. You might also be suffering financially, missing the support your loved one provided. For all of these reasons, our North Carolina wrongful death attorneys aggressively pursue full compensation for bereaved family members. When you retain our services, you get compassionate, personalized service and determined representation that strives to hold wrongdoers fully accountable.
Common causes of wrongful death claims
In North Carolina, legal grounds exist for a wrongful death claim when there would have been grounds for a personal injury action had the victim survived. The most common cause of fatal injuries that give rise to wrongful death claims are:
- Motorcycle, truck and auto accidents, including pedestrian fatalities
- Slip and falls incidents, especially from high locations
- Medical and surgical malpractice
- Defective products
- Dangerous drug complications
- Construction accidents
- Public transportation accidents
- Boating accidents
- Accidents occurring due to unsafe premises, at locations including resorts, theme parks, and fairgrounds
Every fatal accident requires thorough investigation. Typically, an insurance company vigorously defends the potentially liable party. For these reasons, it’s important to retain and experienced wrongful death attorney who is committed to the pursuit of justice.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, a representative of the decedent’s estate may file a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries. Anyone who is in line to inherit from the deceased, such as a surviving spouse, children, parents or siblings, can benefit from the lawsuit.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death action is only two years from the date of death, so if you delay, your claim could be barred. Evidence becomes more difficult to locate as time goes on. To present the strongest case possible, you should contact an attorney immediately.
What types of compensation are recoverable?
Under North Carolina law, a personal representative of the decedent’s estate can seek the following damages for wrongful death:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses from the time of the injury to death
- Compensation for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering from the time of the injury to death
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious
A plaintiff can also recover what the law calls the “present monetary value" of the decedent, which includes:
- The net income the decedent would have been expected to earn over the course of a normal working lifespan
- The value of the protection, care, assistance and services the decedent provided
- The value of the companionship, comfort, guidance and advice the decedent provided
The damages recovered go into the decedent’s estate and pass to the surviving heirs. Our firm understands the gravity of untimely fatalities and works diligently to secure an appropriate verdict or settlement.
Contact our Greensboro wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation
Sigmon Klein, PLLC in Greensboro provides trustworthy wrongful death representation for families whose loved ones were tragically taken from them. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 336-697-6790 or contact our office online. Our office is conveniently located at 114 North Elm Street, adjacent to Center City Park.
