Wrongful Death Claims

The loss of a loved one can be devastating to the family left behind. However, for deaths resulting from accidents relating to defective products, individual negligence, or other mistakes, North Carolina Statutes allow the Estate of the deceased to seek compensation from the wrongdoer in a Wrongful Death Claim. The experienced Personal Injury Attorneys of Arnold & Smith, PLLC are fully prepared to represent clients in wrongful death actions and will work with you to obtain full compensation for your losses. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you believe you may have a claim for Wrongful Death.

In North Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and expenses if your loved one has suffered a Wrongful Death. North Carolina law recognizes the following damages and expenses for recovery:

• Hospital Bills and Medical Expenses
• Funeral Costs
• Compensation for Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Future Earnings
• Loss of Consortium
• Loss of Employment Benefits
• Loss of Inheritance
• Other General Damages

While your loved one can never be replaced, our talented attorneys will work tirelessly to seek a large financial settlement or verdict to help compensate you for your loss. If you have lost a loved one due to the fault of another, contact our office today to speak with one of Charlotte’s premier attorneys.

Although the suffering from an unsuspected loss can be difficult to overcome, the filing of a Wrongful Death Claim must be filed promptly. Furthermore, successfully initiating a Wrongful Death Claim requires an immense amount of preparation and experience, as the process is highly complex and emotionally taxing. Our attorneys can immediately go to work for you by investigating the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, gathering statements, and developing a powerful case for your compensation. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to speak with a skilled attorney and begin developing your claim.

If you’ve suffered from a Wrongful Death under any of the following circumstances, the passionate advocates at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are prepared to fight on your behalf:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Commercial Vehicle Accidents
• Trucking Accidents
• Airplane Accidents
• Explosions
• Industrial Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Defective Products
• Construction Site Accidents
• Dangerous Pharmaceutical Products
• Property Defects
• Prescription Errors
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Drunk Driver Accidents

Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. Although the circumstances may be unbearable, speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later can save additional heartache and difficulties resulting from a latent investigation.

A minor may be able to file a Wrongful Death Claim if he or she is the last remaining member of the immediate family. Often, North Carolina courts will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests.

Wrongful Death Claims must be filed within the Statute of Limitations as provided by North Carolina Statute, which is generally two years from the time of the accident. However, because the time limit may begin running at various times depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, it is imperative that you seek advice from experienced counsel as soon as possible to ensure your loss does not go uncompensated.

North Carolina Statute provides for punitive damages if the wrongdoer caused the death of the decedent through malice or willful or wanton negligence. These punitive damages are capped by statute and may be triple the amount of compensatory damages, or $250,000, whichever is higher.

Under North Carolina, an injured party who is partially at fault is considered “contributorily negligent” and is barred from recovering for any injury. However, contributory negligence is a legal issue which may not be apparent from the underlying facts, so contact an attorney to evaluate your claim.

Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC for an experienced attorney who can guide you through your Wrongful Death Claim.

The North Carolina Wrongful Death Statute can be viewed here.

The North Carolina Statute permitting punitive damages can be viewed here.