In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, North Carolina residents can understandably experience a wide range of emotions: rage, fear, despair, sorrow—these are all possible, among others, especially if the death was sudden and unexpected. Some people who find themselves in this type of situation feel like they need to take some kind of action. A wrongful death lawsuit may be an option.
So, are you considering a wrongful death action? If so, you should know the basics about these types of lawsuits. For starters, when can you file this type of lawsuit? Well, these lawsuits are typically filed on behalf of the deceased loved one’s surviving family members—the close family members who will be directly impacted by the death of the loved one.
And, the cause of the death must be related to negligence, recklessness or deliberate conduct by another person—the person you are trying to hold liable for the loved one’s death.
But, what is the point of a wrongful death action? In short, it is to attempt to recover financial compensation that can be used to help pay the many expenses that arise in the aftermath of a person’s sudden death, such as medical and funeral expenses, as well as for lost wages the deceased loved one would have earned in life. Each case is different, so the compensation to seek can vary.
Taking action
You might be hesitant to think about legal action in the aftermath of a loved one’s death, but a wrongful death lawsuit could be the key to moving forward with recovery from a traumatic event that cost you a loved one. Consider all options and you may find that a wrongful death lawsuit could put you on a path to dealing with your grief.