Wrongful Death Lawyer in Jacksonville NC

When we need support, we turn to the people we love. They give us the care and companionship that we need. When an accident takes a loved one away, it can uproot our lives and leave us without any clear path forward. Wrongful death can leave us searching for answers at a difficult time.

At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we understand how painful and infuriating it can be to lose someone in an accident that could have been prevented. For three generations, our compassionate Jacksonville, N.C., wrongful death lawyers have been helping our friends and neighbors seek justice after devastating losses. We are committed to demanding answers and full compensation for families after fatal accidents in Jacksonville, Onslow County, and the surrounding areas.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help after a wrongful death. For a free and confidential consultation, call us or contact us online today.

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death in North Carolina?

The legal definition of wrongful death in North Carolina is when someone else’s actions or neglect causes a person’s death. This could be an action such as someone causing a traffic accident that results in death. Another example could be a situation where staff in a nursing home or hospital fail to give adequate medical care to a resident or patient. If you believe someone else’s careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions lead to your loved one’s death, you should speak with an attorney from our firm to learn about your legal rights.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina?

Under the North Carolina wrongful death statute, only the overseer of a deceased person’s estate can bring a wrongful death case. When someone passes away with a will, the person named as the executor would be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. If there’s no will, the administrator of the estate can file a wrongful death case. The damages obtained through a wrongful death claim would go to the estate and surviving family members.

Compensation in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Claim

There’s no replacing someone whose life was lost in an accident that could have been prevented. But wrongful death compensation can help family members find the support and care they need. Types of compensation that you can seek in a wrongful death claim may include:

• The loss of the companionship, care, and support the deceased provided. When we lose a loved one, we lose so much that we relied on. In North Carolina, you may seek compensation for the advice, comfort, and care that your loved one provided.
• Loss of income. Many times, those left behind relied on their loved one’s income. As part of a wrongful death claim, you may pursue compensation for the loss of this income.
• The cost of medical care the person needed before passing away. Some people may need extensive medical care and support before they pass away. This can leave behind a mountain of medical bills for families. A wrongful death claim may seek compensation for these costs.
• Funeral costs and burial expenses. A funeral can be an important way for those left behind to honor someone they loved. As part of a wrongful death case, you may seek compensation for the deceased’s final costs.
• Compensation for any pain and suffering the person experienced before passing. Before someone passes away, they may experience pain and suffering because of their injuries. As part of a claim, you may seek compensation for this.
• Punitive damages may also be available when the conduct that led to someone’s death was particularly willful or malicious. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their behavior.

If you have questions about what compensation your family may be entitled to, contact a wrongful death law firm in Onslow County today.

What Are Some Common Causes of Wrongful Death in North Carolina?

Leading causes of wrongful death in Onslow County include:

• Car accidents. Car accidents are a leading cause of wrongful deaths in North Carolina. Careless and reckless drivers can leave families to cope with the senseless loss of life.
• Truck accidents. These crashes can be devastating. Commercial trucks traveling at even a low speed can fatally injure others on the road.
• Motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle riders are often at the mercy of other drivers. One driver’s mistake can prove deadly for a motorcyclist.
• Pedestrian accidents. A person walking down the street has no protection against cars, trucks, and other vehicles on the road. That’s why pedestrian accidents often result in fatalities.
• Bicycle accidents. Even with a helmet and careful behaviors, a cyclist can still be killed in a crash with a motor vehicle.
• Medical malpractice. We trust hospitals and doctors to provide the care we need. When they fail in their duties, wrongful death may be the result.
• Defective products. Poorly designed or manufactured products can lead to death. When someone is lost because of a defective product, you may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.

How Our Jacksonville, NC, Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You

When you’re dealing with the wrongful death of someone close, you don’t need the additional strain and stress of handling a legal claim. Our wrongful death attorneys in Jacksonville, N.C., regularly work with clients and families on these difficult cases. We can take the pressure off you by:

• Answering any questions you have. After a loss, you may have questions about how wrongful death claims work and what North Carolina law may mean for you. Our lawyers can answer your questions about the process in a free consultation, with no obligation to you.
• Working to determine who could be held responsible. After an accident, we will work quickly to determine everyone who is at fault.
• Finding all sources of compensation. Depending upon the facts of wrongful death, there may be multiple sources of compensation available. Our lawyers know what to look for and can seek out all possible sources of compensation.
• Managing the calls, discussions, and paperwork with insurance companies and those responsible. A wrongful death claim can involve a huge amount of correspondence and discussion. Our lawyers can handle the letters and calls while you focus on your family.
• Gathering all the documents and evidence that your claim needs. Wrongful death claims require extensive evidence, as well as input from many different types of experts. Our lawyers will put together a strong case on your family’s behalf.
• Advocating for you in wrongful death settlement negotiations. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts, not providing you with the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers will fight for the full amount you are entitled to receive.
• Taking your case to trial. Some wrongful death cases need to go to court when the at-fault parties refuse to offer a fair settlement. If that happens, our lawyers will be prepared to go to trial.