The wrongful death of a loved one can cause emotional pain as well as financial loss for the surviving family. Similar to a personal injury claim or medical malpractice lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit is the result of the negligence of another person.
“These cases are extremely important to me,” said Ballantyne-based attorney, Thomas D. Bumgardner. “The victim’s family is seeking resolution for this event, and I help provide them with the justice and the compensation they deserve.”
In this week’s blog, we explain the basic framework of wrongful death lawsuits in North Carolina.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death
In most cases, these suits would otherwise be filed as a “personal injury” case had the event not resulted in the victim’s death. This means the victim would still be alive if not for the negligent acts of the defendant. In other instances, the defendant intentionally harmed the victim, resulting in death.
The surviving family members must have suffered emotionally and/or monetarily as a result of their loved one’s death.
Acts That Can Cause Wrongful Death
Most cases of wrongful death are the result of the following events:
- An automobile accident
- Death while being supervised
- Criminal activity
- Exposure to hazardous materials while on-the-job
This list is not all-encompassing, but it shows the most common causes of wrongful death.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Collecting Damages
In North Carolina, only the spouse, children, parents or power of attorney over the estate of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit. These people can receive compensation for a combination of the following:
- Compensation for medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of future earnings and financial support
- Loss of love
- Support and guidance
- Punitive damages
“The loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another can cause emotional and financial hardship,” said Bumgardner. “I will make it my mission to ensure the responsible party is held accountable.”
If you wish to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit, let the Law Office of Thomas D. Bumgardner provide you with the justice you and your family deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us at (704) 870-4779.