The unexpected loss of a loved one can lead to long bouts of grief. Discovering that someone’s negligence caused that death can add anger to feelings of pain and loss. We understand what you are going through. You have the right to hire a Huntersville wrongful death lawyer to compensate you for your loss.
At The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., we treat wrongful death cases with exceptional compassion and care. A wrongful death can be both emotionally and financially devastating. Justice can come in the form of financial compensation once you have retained legal counsel.
Following a wrongful death, you are likely dealing with multiple serious challenges. Beyond the immediate burden of settling the deceased’s estate and organizing funeral arrangements, you likely have serious financial setbacks to contend with. The financial cost of a wrongful death can add stress to an already difficult situation. This is where we come in.
Our founding attorney focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases. This has made him the go-to attorney for wrongful death cases in and around Huntersville. Our legal team never backs down in the face of setbacks, and we can take cases to court when necessary.
A wrongful death can occur from a wide range of causes. Given the high volume of traffic in and around Huntersville, it is no surprise that car crashes are a leading cause of wrongful deaths in the community. When a driver is negligent or engages in misconduct, they put the lives of those around them in danger.
Speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are all common causes of wrongful deaths. Following a serious car collision, a wrongful death attorney representing the decedent’s personal representative can establish fault before taking legal action.
Premises liability can lead to a wrongful death case. Property owners have a duty of care to maintain their businesses and property. If someone is harmed, either due to a criminal attack or a slip-and-fall, and later dies from their wounds, it can leave the property owner liable for playing a role in causing the death. Other common causes of wrongful death include medical malpractice, defective products, and pedestrian accidents.
Once you have retained legal counsel, your wrongful death attorney can examine and document the financial hardships that resulted from the decedent’s death. These financial losses and hardships can be used to determine what a fair settlement should look like.
Medical bills are a common financial hardship that surviving loved ones have to contend with. There is often medical intervention undertaken to try and save the deceased loved one. These medical interventions can be quite costly.
Additionally, there are burial and funeral expenses that can pile up. If the decedent worked, the loss of their income can add yet another financial burden to surviving loved ones.
To seek compensation following a wrongful death in North Carolina, begin by hiring an experienced attorney with a focus on wrongful death cases. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights. Start by appointing a personal representative for the deceased’s estate, which could be you if you are the decedent’s widow or child.
Your attorney can help you gather evidence that could include medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your claim. Your lawyer may reach out to the at-fault party directly to negotiate a settlement outside of court. There may also be insurance companies involved in the negotiations. If negotiations fail to resolve the matter, your lawyer can take the at-fault party to court by filing a wrongful death claim.
In North Carolina, compensation from a wrongful death claim is typically distributed to the deceased’s heirs based on state law. First, funeral and legal expenses are covered, and the remaining funds are divided among beneficiaries, like spouses, children, or parents. An estate representative usually manages the process, ensuring fair distribution according to North Carolina’s intestacy rules.
Filing a wrongful death claim in North Carolina involves several key steps, and hiring an experienced attorney is crucial. An attorney helps navigate complex legal procedures, starting with appointing a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who files the claim. An attorney can gather essential evidence, including medical records, witness testimonies, and professional opinions, to strengthen the case.
The statute of limitations for a wrongful death case in North Carolina is two years. This means that anyone seeking compensation on behalf of the decedent’s estate must file a wrongful death claim within two years after the death of their loved one. There are few exceptions to this law, and missing a filing deadline could mean that the plaintiff’s case could be dismissed.
In North Carolina, a wrongful death settlement is typically divided among the deceased’s beneficiaries according to intestacy laws. The personal representative manages the distribution, ensuring that funeral expenses and debts are paid first. The remaining funds are shared among the spouse, children, or parents, with the specific allocation depending on family dynamics and relationships.
No amount of money can bring back your loved one, but a verdict in your favor or a favorable settlement can bring a semblance of closure following an unfortunate tragedy. You should not have to live with financial hardships that result from someone else’s negligence or misconduct.
The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., can represent you in court and guide you through the process of claiming compensation. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.