Raleigh Wrongful Death Lawyers

Put Decades of Experience in Your Corner

Nothing can really prepare you for the sudden, avoidable death of a loved one. You and your family have suffered a terrible loss, and on top of that, you must now deal with the details that come in the aftermath. At the very least, however, you don’t have to do this alone.

If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file suit for wrongful death—and seek compensation for his or her estate. While you battle to cope with loss, defendants and insurance companies may try to settle your claim fast, and at low cost to them. You deserve full and fair compensation—and sound legal guidance that can help you obtain it.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?​

According to North Carolina law, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file a wrongful death​ claim. This personal representative may have been named in the deceased’s estate plan, if one exists, or the court may appoint an individual to fill this role. Common individuals who fill this role include, spouses, adult children, or parents of the deceased. While it is a representative of the estate who must file a claim, damages can be awarded to both the estate and the deceased’s family members.

Statute of Limitations on Wrongful Death Claims

According to North Carolina law, claimants have two years to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased love one. If a claim is not filed within this time period, you will most likely lose your right to file a claim and recover compensation. There are exceptions to this two-year rule so it’s important to speak to an attorney from our firm as soon as possible about your case.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

As stated above, damages can be recovered by both the deceased’s estate and the surviving family members of the deceased. Damages that can be pursued include:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering the deceased endured
• Loss of income
• Loss of companionship

There are other damages that individuals may be eligible to pursue, including punitive damages. Unlike other damages that seek to compensate the deceased’s estate and family members, punitive damages seek to punish the negligent party. Punitive damages are not often awarded, an attorney from our firm will be able to advise you if you may be eligible to pursue such damages.

Your Family Deserves Justice

The Raleigh wrongful death attorneys at Thorp Law are experienced and adept at fighting for justice for victims throughout North Carolina. We travel throughout the country if necessary to discover and preserve evidence, and consult with trusted experts to establish causation. We then weave this information into a narrative that paints a clear picture of the loss you have suffered for the judge and jury.

Winning compensation won’t bring your loved one back, but it can provide you with the means to begin rebuilding your life. It may also help shield other families from the loss and suffering you have experienced. Serving clients from Wilson County, Cumberland County, Durham County and Orange County. Thorp Law offers a reduced attorney fee on wrongful death cases.

Call (919) 373-3390 to schedule a free consultation today. We work on contingency fees, so you do not owe us anything until we win compensation on your behalf.