Losing someone you love always leads to grief. However, when a loved one dies because of another person’s negligence, it is nothing less than heartbreaking. When a spouse or other close relative dies, those left behind need resolution. In other words, survivors need justice for the one they have lost.
North Carolina law allows you to seek damages for the wrongful death of a family member. A civil lawsuit can provide a solution and a little closure for the bereaved.
Why do people file wrongful death suits?
Those who seek justice for a lost family member are not looking for a payday. They want accountability more than anything else. At the same time, most people need financial resources to move forward after losing someone. For example, if a family’s breadwinner dies in a drunk driving crash, the survivors will have lost a significant source of income necessary for survival.
What damages are available?
North Carolina law allows victims of personal injury and wrongful death to pursue a variety of damages:
- Monetary compensation for pain and suffering (experienced before death)
- Financial expenses related to the injury and subsequent death (hospital stays, medical treatment, etc.)
- Reasonable funeral costs
- Punitive damages the deceased may have won in a personal injury claim (had the victim survived)
Bereaved family members may also recover damages known as the “present monetary value” of the deceased. For example, you may be able to secure an amount totaling the decedent’s net income at the time of death.
Acquiring compensation allows you to move forward with few financial hardships in the wake of your loved one’s death. In most cases, a personal injury attorney can help you decide whether to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
