An Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney in New Bern, NC
Losing someone you love is always a painful experience, but when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief is that much worse. In addition to the knowledge that someone is at fault for your loved one’s passing, you may also be struggling with paying for high medical bills and loss of income. While we understand that there is no financial compensation that makes up for your loss, we can fight to help you get justice for your loved ones. When you need a compassionate and dedicated wrongful death attorney in New Bern, NC, Attorney Harry H. Albritton, Jr. at Irons & Irons P.A. will fight on your behalf to hold those responsible accountable and help you secure the settlement you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Death in North Carolina
Wrongful death in North Carolina is defined as the loss of life caused by a “wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” While it’s similar to personal injury in that a jury may require the responsible party to pay damages, in a wrongful death claim, a representative of the victim’s estate brings the claim. This claim can be used to secure damages for the survivors of the victim as well as for their estate.
In North Carolina, there is a two year statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim and the time begins on the date in which the victim died. After two years, the court may choose to dismiss the case and the victim’s estate is barred from receiving financial compensation.
Common Reasons for Wrongful Death Cases
Personal injury cases are often tried as wrongful death if the action, or lack thereof, led to a loss of life. Common causes of a wrongful death include:
Vehicle Accidents
A vehicle accident in which the driver was negligent, either through reckless driving, distraction, or avoidable vehicle malfunction and the victim died as a result could be considered a wrongful death. These cases may include commercial trucks, motorcycles, boats, or pedestrians, as well as cars.
Medical Malpractice
When a medical professional, including a doctor or nurse, fails to provide the standard level of patient care, and a patient dies as a result, they may be held liable beyond medical malpractice.
Workplace Accidents
If a fatal accident occurs in the workplace, the employer may be at fault if the accident is caused by:
- Faulty equipment
- Hazardous working conditions
- Unsafe work environments leading to illnesses
- Accidents related to machines
- Improper training
If a loved one dies due to these circumstances, the employer can be held liable.
Victim of a Crime
If the malicious or intentional act of an individual resulted in the death of a loved one, or if they died while someone was committing a criminal act a civil case can be brought against them. Examples include assault or robbery.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Claims
There is both economic and noneconomic compensation you may be entitled to through your wrongful death claim.
Economic losses may include:
- Final medical expenses costs
- Wages lost
- Loss of benefits and future income
- Reasonable burial and funeral expenses
Noneconomic losses may include:
- Suffering and pain
- Loss of the victim’s protection services, assistance, and care
- The loss of society, comfort, companionship, advice and guidance.
Why Choose Irons and Irons, P.A. for Your Wrongful Death Case
When you need a wrongful death attorney, it’s important to choose one who has experience, knowledge, and a track record of success. Attorney Harry H. Albritton is dedicated to getting justice for his clients and has a reputation for excellence. Some of our successes include:
- $225,000 to a client who was pregnant who presented to the hospital with elevated blood pressure and preeclampsia eventually resulting in death
- $320,000 against a home health employee who failed to treat an elderly paralyzed gentleman’s bed sores
- $375,000 to estates of a son and father after a fall from approximately 1,500 feet during the painting of a cellular tower
- $425,000 for the estate of an elderly man who failed to receive proper treatment for his neck injury while he was in a hospital’s emergency department.
- $895,000 for wrongful death of a man who had trench walls collapse around him as he was laying pipe.
Schedule a Consultation with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Bern, NC
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or an intentional act, we understand your struggle and are dedicated to holding the responsible party accountable. Contact our experienced team today by calling (252) 320-7399 or submitting the below contact form for assistance in receiving compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death.