Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina (NC)

All Serious Injuries : Wrongful Death

North Carolina (NC) Wrongful Death Lawyers
Attorneys Licensed in NC and South Carolina (SC) with Office in Elizabeth City, NC

If you've had a loved one who died in a North Carolina (NC) wrongful death

First Review our Frequently Asked Questions:

I think I have a wrongful death claim in North Carolina as my husband died from injuries in a car wreck, but how does a court calculate loss of comfort, sorrow, mental anguish and solace?
What if a loved one dies from the injuries sustained in a serious accident while the case is pending?
What exactly is a wrongful death claim?
Are the laws or rules applying to a wrongful death claim different from a personal injury not involving death?

You've lost a loved one in an accident. The pain and suffering is virtually unbearable. We understand and are very sorry for your loss. While picking up the pieces of your life, you may wonder if your loved one’s death could have been prevented if not for the carelessness, or neglect, of another person or company. You may wonder if you should pursue a wrongful death claim.

Then: Get your free North Carolina wrongful death guide

If You Lost a Loved One in an Accident, This Report is For You

Virginia (VA) Wrongful Death Lawyers: Report on What To Do When an Accident Causes Loss of Life

If you are looking for information and/or legal advice about what to do after a loved one was taken from you in an accident, read this free report.
Order Now

Next: Review our case results:

Wrongful Death Case of CSX Rail Worker Leads to $8.6 Million Jury Verdict Awarded: $8.6 Million Jury Verdict

Wrongful Death-Car Struck By Tractor Trailer Awarded: $2,400,000.00

Carolina Collision Kills Moped Rider Awarded: $400,000.00

Wrongful Death settlements-Asbestos/Mesothelioma Cases

Car Accident-Death of Minor/Child-Wrongful Death Settlement

As the family of someone who was killed in an accident that wasn’t their fault, you are entitled to monetary compensation for the loss you have suffered. This may include:

• Funeral expenses and burial expenses.
• Medical bills accumulated after the accident but before the death.
• Loss of support and other monetary losses.
• Loss of future income.
• Loss of medical benefits, retirement benefits, and other benefits.
• Loss of companionship and affection as well as other emotional damages.
First review our most frequently asked questions regarding wrongful death claims. You should be aware that in NC, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is normally two years. We have handled a wide range of wrongful death cases involving:
Car accidents

Truck crashes
Motorcycle collisions
Surgical errors
Railroad accidents and train wreck fatalities

Mass transit accidents
Traumatic Brain Damage

Boating accidents

Dog maulings
Theme park accidents
Deadly food poisoning
Slip and falls

You can learn more about your case by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Contact us by either filling out the quick contact form on the right-hand side of this page or by call our toll-free number, 1-800-752-0042.

Blog for Wrongful Death

Teen Killed and Five People Hurt in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-485
Description: The woman was driving on the inner lane of the southbound highway of I-485 when she was sideswiped by an undisclosed white car – possibly a Lexus.
One Dead, One Driver Charged in North Carolina Wreck
Description: The accident occurred when the driver of a 2011 Volkswagen failed to slow down as he approached cars that were stopped in front of him.
Man Charged in Deadly South Charlotte Wreck
Description: The surviving family of the 68-year-old man should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina to discuss their legal options.
Pedestrian hit and killed by pick-up truck in Winston-Salem, NC
Description: A man in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (NC) was struck by a pick-up truck on Friday February 17 and died as a result of the accident after being transported to the hospital. In this article, a North Carolina wrongful death attorney discusses how the investigation is ongoing as no charges have yet been filed against the driver.
Railroad Bridge Worker Falls to Death in Florida
Description: The man's employer was fined by OSHA in 2011 for failing to provide adequate protections for employees working at heights or over open water.
Young Couple Killed and Teen Passenger Injured When Car Plunges Off North Carolina Overpass
Description: The single-vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 52 in Lexington, NC, claimed the lives a 21-year-old and a 19-year-old. A 16-year-old was taken to the hospital.
DWI Driver Who Caused Pamlico, NC Fatal Wreck Also Charged With Injuring Passengers
Description: This tragic accident occurred on Creek Point Road in Pamlico County, NC.
Woman Killed While Crossing Busy Charlotte NC Roadway
Description: The victim was actively petitioning for a crosswalk on the very road where she was hit.
King, NC Woman Dies Following Crash Near Madison
Description: A woman driving a Ford F-350 neglected to see the Nissan truck and attempted to turn into a driveway.
Asheville, NC Man Dies in Fairview Wreck
Description: The accident occurred in Fairview when a Nissan Sentra took a left-hand turn onto U.S. 74 from Old Fort Road.
Red Light Runner in Brunswick County, NC Caused Fatal Traffic Accident
Description: The at-fault driver is facing multiple charges associated with this tragic accident.
SC Moped Rider Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident on I-26
Description: The fatal crash occurred near the Bush River Road exit from the interstate in Columbia at around 4 m on January 22, 2012.
Raleigh, NC Man Charged With Supplying Alcohol to Teen Who Caused Wreck That Killed Millbrook High Student
Description: The 16-year-old driver was reportedly speeding -- going 75 mph in a 30 mph zone -- when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree.
More Charges Pending in Fatal N.C. 58 Car Crash
Description: A female passenger in a Mitsubishi whose driver pulled into the path of an oncoming vehicle lost her life in the Cape Carteret, North Carolina, crash.
Raleigh, NC Car Crash Leads to Death of Teenager
Description: A teenage passenger was killed in an accident involving a drunk driver.
Falling Soccer Goal Kills Third-Grader in Newton Grove, NC
Description: The 9 year old died from head injuries sustained when the metal goal collapsed on top of him.
SC Man Killed, Woman Injured in 'Non-Contact' Hit-and-Run on I-20 Near Columbia
Description: Excess speed and an unsafe lane change appear to have cause the fatal accident in South Carolina on January 7, 2012.
Accident on NC Highway 49 Involving a Tractor-Trailer Causes Loss of Life
Description: The trucker hit the victims' car head-on while making an illegal pass in a no-passing zone.
Speeding Teen Driver in Salisbury, NC Causes Injuries, Loss of Life
Description: A 23-year-old passenger was killed and a woman was seriously injured in the two-car accident on Jake Alexander Boulevard.
NC College Student Killed in Bicycle Accident
Description: A Lees-McRae freshman has died after being struck by a vehicle.

Library for Wrongful Death:

What’s The Difference Between Wrongful Death And Murder?
Description: How can someone be convicted of both wrongful death and murder? Or just one and not the other? learn more about the difference between civil and criminal law.
Wrongful Death Settlements and Gender Bias
Description: When it comes to wrongful death cases and settlements in North and South Carolina, are men seen as being more valuable them women, even in death?
ATV Accidents And South Carolina Wrongful Death
Description: Especially because of a lack of regulations in the ATV industry, ATV deaths, injuries and accidents often lead to ATV wrongful death lawsuits in the Carolinas.
Fentanyl Pain Patches And North Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
Description: In the Carolinas and across the country, families are suing doctors and hospitals after their loved one dies from an fentanyl pain patch drug overdose.
Five Common Types Of Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
Description: What are the most common types of wrongful death lawsuits? Traffic accidents, medical malpractice incidents, fall accidents, work accidents, and faulty products
Five LESS Common Types Of Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
Description: Most people are familiar with wrongful death car accident cases or medical malpractice cases, but what about wrongful death dog attack cases or fireworks cases?
Wrongful Death Statistics And Facts
Description: Read about some shocking wrongful death statistics and wrongful death facts from the United States, compiled by a Carolina wrongful death attorney
What Types of Damages Can You Sue for in a Carolina Wrongful Death Case?
Description: Losing a family member in a preventable accident can leave you with unpaid medical bills, reduced earning and unrelieved grief from loss of companionship.
Traffic Accidents And Carolina Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Description: Car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that lead to wrongful death lawsuits in North Carolina and South Carolina. Any number of factors can lead to a car accident wrongful death case, such as poor road design, drinking and driving, trucker fatigue, speeding, reckless driving, street racing, and traffic violations.
Client: "Never did I send an email or left a message in Rick's office that we did not get a speedy answer. The courtesy he extended to our family was unmatched by anyone in his profession."
Description: This client testimonial represents the professionalism and dedication we put forth with every client we represent.
Fireworks Explosion in Ocracoke, North Carolina (NC) Kills Three
Description: According to an article in today’s Virginian Pilot, a pyrotechnics crew was injured when a truck carrying fireworks exploded Saturday. Two of the crew members were killed and three others were injured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmonella Food Poisoning
Description: Salmonella is a dangerous form of food poisoning that kills about 400 Americans each year. In this article, we answer some common questions about salmonella food poisoning that can educate you on how to keep your family safe from this sometimes dangerous bacteria.
Carolina Amusement Park Accidents And Theme Park Accidents
Description: A trip to the amusement park in North Carolina or South Carolina is supposed to be fun, but each year hundreds of people are injured on theme park rides and some even lose their lives. Learn more about theme park ride accidents and amusement park injuries.
The Best North Carolina (NC) Attorneys Use Focus Groups to Win Serious Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
Description: The injury lawyers from our Elizabeth City, North Carolina law firm regularly run focus groups to discover the best way to convince jurors that they should award large amounts of money to our clients who have the most severe injuries, like cases where the person died, suffered a brain injury, or was left a paraplegic or quadriplegic.
Dog Bite Statistics
Description: You may know that dog bites are somewhat common injuries, but the true extent of dog bite incidents is extremely shocking. Learn actual dog bite statistics.
Top Three Ways the Wrong Lawyer Can Ruin Your Wrongful Death Case
Description: As a seasoned personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, I have learned by observing some of the best and some of the worst lawyers how the client’s lawsuit can be affected for good or ill by the approach and habits of the lawyer they select to represent them. Judges have definite opinions of the attorneys who come before them. Attorneys’ reputations often are known to the judge and the courthouse personnel before they get there.
Top Four Causes of Severe Burn Injuries Resulting in Lawsuits
Description: Horrible burn injuries can occur in all sorts of different situations which can give rise to an insurance claim because they were caused by negligence.

View All

Frequent Questions for Wrongful Death:

Videos about All Serious Injuries:

How to Find the Best Injury Lawyers in North Carolina

How to Find the Best Injury Law Firm in North Carolina

Injury Lawyer in Elizabeth City Talks About Importance of Experience

Social Media Can Effectively Destroy Your Injury Case - Advice from a North Carolina Injury Lawyer

Our NC Injury Law Firm Focuses Exclusively on Personal Injury Law

Expert Testimony Plays Important Role in North Carolina Personal Injury Cases

We Pride Ourselves on Keeping Our Personal Injury Clients Fully Informed

Properly Gathering and Presenting Medical Evidence is Extremely Important

Group Meetings a Key Component to Personal Injury Claim Success

Serious Injuries from Electrocution and Electric Shock

Paralyzed Arms and/or Legs Are a Common Consequence of Serious Accidents

Personal Injury Law Firm in North Carolina and South Carolina Has Excellent Support Staff

Law Firm Helps Injured Victims Who Can't Help Themselves In North Carolina and South Carolina

West Virginia/Virginia/North Carolina/South Carolina Law Firm Helps Injured Recover for Occupational Diseases

Personal Injury Law Firm Tells How to Choose An Attorney In North Carolina And South Carolina

Have You Been Injured By Asbestos? Carolina Law Firm Can Help

Accident Attorney In North Carolina/South Carolina on Insurance Company Tricks

Outer Banks Injury Lawyer Explains What Makes Their Firm Different From Others - Foster Vid

North Carolina Injury Law Firm Will Not Turn You Away Because Of a Preexisting Condition- Foster Vid

Randy Appleton, North Carolina Injury Lawyer, Became a Lawyer to Help People- Foster Vid

Web Resources for Wrongful Death:

Norfolk Injury Board
Description: Blogs articles on wrongful death
North Carolina Wrongful Death Statutes
Description: This link is for the North Carolina legislature's definition of what constitutes a wrongful death claim.
South Carolina Statutes on Wrongful Death
Description: This is the South Carolina Legislature's web site detailing what constitutes a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful Death
Description: Personal Injury FYI provides information on wrongful death lawsuits. You can also find and compare local personal injury and wrongful death lawyers.
Wrongful Death & Injury Institute
Description: Addresses issues involving wrongful death cases and medical negligence inside prisons.

View All

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm whose attorneys focus on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. We serve every area of North Carolina, including the Outer Banks, Nags Head and the western mountains, as well as all the cities and counties in between. In South Carolina, we cover the state from Myrtle Beach and Charleston to Orangeburg, Columbia, Florence, Rock Hill, Darlington, Aiken, Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and listed in the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. Our North Carolina injury law firm has also been named one of the Best Injury Law Firms in North Carolina for personal injury plaintiffs since 2010 by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, our firm has the highest rating of AV from national lawyer ranking organization Martindale-Hubbell. That means we have a reputation for demonstrating preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential injury case consultations. So call us toll-free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call promptly.