When Your Back Is Against The Wall

North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyers

Compassionate, Dedicated Representation for Your Family

If someone you love has died as a result of negligence, no lawsuit can bring him or her back. While filing a wrongful death claim may seem like the least of your concerns at the moment, it can provide you with the compensation you may need to pick up the pieces after your tragedy.

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we have a reputation for being compassionate with our clients and unforgiving with the opposition.

We realize the pain you are experiencing can feel unbearable. If someone else is to blame for the passing of your family member, we want to help you fight for the justice and recovery you and your family deserve. We have several offices across North Carolina to conveniently meet with you.

Call 919-342-1368 to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina wrongful death attorney at our firm. Se habla español.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

When the negligence of another person or entity results in a fatal accident or incident in North Carolina, the personal representative of the deceased is entitled to file a lawsuit on behalf of the estate of the deceased and his or her legal heirs.

A personal representative is appointed by the court to act as a fiduciary representative of a deceased person and manage his or her affairs. This person may be designated in the deceased’s will or may be a relative who qualifies under state law.

The net settlement proceeds of the action are divided in accordance with North Carolina’s Intestate Succession Act is distributed to survivors in accord with North Carolina’s intestacy rules. This means that a surviving spouse receives the entire amount unless there are also surviving children or parents of the deceased.

If there are surviving parents or children, they may also be entitled to a share depending on the amount recovered and other circumstances. Without professional guidance, it can be difficult for families to handle these complex matters — especially when emotions are running high after a death.

Benefits to Heirs

If you have recently lost a loved one due to wrongful death, an experienced North Carolina wrongful death attorney at our office can meet with you to discuss filing a claim. Under North Carolina law, the surviving family members of a wrongful death victim may have the right to be compensated for their loss.

Types of recoverable damages include:

Expenses for care, treatment, and hospitalization relevant to the injury that resulted in death
Compensation for pain and suffering of the decedent
The reasonable funeral expenses of the decedent
The present monetary value of the decedent to the persons entitled to receive the damages, including compensation for the loss of the reasonably expected:
- Net income of the decedent
- Services, protection, care, and assistance of the decedent, whether voluntary or obligatory, to the persons entitled to the damages recovered
- Society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices, and advice of the decedent to the persons entitled to the damages recovered
Such punitive damages as the decedent could have recovered pursuant to Chapter 1D of the General Statutes had he or she survived, and punitive damages for wrongfully causing the death of the decedent through malice or willful or wanton conduct, as defined in G.S. 1D 5

In many cases, a person suffers a catastrophic injury and passes away after undergoing medical treatment. If this was the situation with your loved one, in addition to recovering for the loss the family has suffered. Our legal team has helped countless clients who lost family members to injuries caused by negligence.

Documents to Gather for a Wrongful Death Claim

As we pursue your wrongful death case, it will be helpful (and, for some things, necessary) to provide us with the following information and items:

Decedent’s federal and state income tax returns for the five years preceding his/her death
Federal estate tax return filed in decedent’s estate
Decedent’s birth certificate (if available)
Decedent’s death certificate
Autopsy report of decedent (if available)
Decedent’s military discharge papers (if available and applicable)
Any obtainable photographs of decedent (not limited to those directly related to the wrongful death incident in question):
- Recent family portrait
- Pictures with family and friends
- Photographs pertaining to the accident in which decedent received fatal injuries
- Photographs documenting decedent’s personal history and accomplishments
- Pictures of decedent’s funeral, headstone, etc.
- Any other photographs that would help convey a feeling of what kind of a person your loved one was, as well as show his or her interactions with family, friends, relatives, and coworkers
Testamentary letters or letters of administration of the person appointed as the personal representative of decedent’s estate
Letters of guardianship of any person appointed as guardian of any orphaned children
Decedent’s marriage certificate (if applicable)
Decedent’s last will and testament (if any)
Bills and statements pertaining to the decedent’s funeral or burial expenses
Company documents or other outlines of fringe benefits, pensions, or retirement plans of decedent’s employer
Decedent’s employment contract or union contract (if applicable)
Any awards, plaques, citations, honors or other recognition received by the decedent
Sympathy cards and letters of sympathy received as a result of decedent’s death
Special correspondence or writings by the decedent
Obituary notices you may have received or that were published in newspapers
Documentary evidence that verifies the decedent shared a portion of income with a spouse or partner
A sampling or list of any items that decedent may have made (e.g., hobbies, crafts, woodworking, needlepoint, canning, paintings, etc.)

Examples of Negligence That Can Qualify for a Wrongful Lawsuit

A death is considered “wrongful” if it resulted from the careless, reckless, or negligent actions of another person or party. Such deaths can happen virtually anywhere and due to any degree of negligence.

Workplace accidents: OSHA violations, lack of safety training, and defective construction equipment.
Motor vehicle accidents: distracted drivers, defective auto part, and truckers who violate federal safety regulations.
Defective products: drugs with dangerous side-effects, faulty medical devices, and poorly manufactured consumer products.
Medical malpractice: mistakes during surgery, misdiagnosis of an illness, and failure to perform a C-section during labor/delivery.
Drunk drivers: you may file a lawsuit against the driver, as well as, potentially, the bar, tavern, or restaurant that served the defendant alcohol.
Nursing Home Neglect/Abuse

Why Work with a North Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney at Our Firm?

At Lanier Law Group, we are dedicated to providing families throughout North Carolina with the compassionate, professional, and respectful representation they need following a wrongful death incident. We handle wrongful death cases with sensitivity and compassion, but we also pursue damages for our clients with tenacity and skill.

We can meet with you in person to discuss your legal options, advise you of your rights, and help you get the claims process underway. You can depend on us to provide you with support, guidance, and advice throughout this process; we can help make sure your family’s rights and best interests are protected at all times.

We know that no amount of compensation or any legal action will be enough to make up for your loss. However, by making the decision to file a claim, you may recover the compensation you deserve, as well as a much-needed sense of justice.

Contact Lanier Law Group online or call 919-342-1368 today to get started with your free initial consultation.

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Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

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Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.