The death of a loved one is traumatic, especially when it is the result of another person’s negligence. No amount of money can bring back a family member, but a successful wrongful death claim may offer some much-needed financial relief. In addition to the emotional loss, surviving relatives often have to deal with large medical costs, loss of income and funeral expenses. You may be able to recover these losses in a wrongful death claim. If your loved one died because of another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, contact an accident lawyer as soon as possible. Over time, evidence can disappear, witnesses may change their contact details, and the statute of limitations could expire, in which case the courts would not hear your claim. If the incident happened in North Carolina, contact a NC accident lawyer from Tien Law Firm. We can handle the legal side of your wrongful death claim so you can focus on emotional recovery. Call (919) 800-2000 to schedule a consultation. According to the North Carolina General Statutes, a wrongful death claim may arise when a victim dies as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional harmful act. These claims can stem from a variety of situations such as:
- Car Accidents: If a driver’s negligent actions kill another person, then he or she may be liable for damages.
- Assault : An assailant may be civilly responsible for damages, on account of inflicting physical harm resulting in death.
- Murder: If the defendant deliberately committed the murder, then he or she may be liable for damages.
- Premises Liability: When injury occurs on the property of another.
For a free legal consultation, call (919) 800-2000.
You can file a wrongful death claim for almost any kind of personal-injury situation. However, if the wrongful death occurred while at work, you may have to go through the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
What Must I Prove in a Wrongful Death Claim?
As the plaintiff in a wrongful death claim, you face the same burden of proof as a plaintiff in a personal-injury claim. You must prove that the defendant owed the victim a duty of care. You also must prove that the defendant’s breach of this duty of care was a direct cause of the victim’s death. Also, you will need to prove that the damages you are demanding relate directly to the victim’s death. Proving a wrongful death claim can be a complex matter. Each case is unique. Your accident lawyer may also reference expert testimonies, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, and medical records. In some cases, making a civil claim against the at-fault party may save other people from the same misfortune. If your loved one died due to another person’s negligence in North Carolina, contact Tien Law Firm. A wrongful death attorney will guide you through the legal process. Call (919) 800-2000 to schedule a consultation.