Greensboro Wrongful Death Lawyer
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Experienced and Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys in Greensboro, NC
Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to the negligence or wrongful act of another is a devastating experience. Beyond the emotional toll, families often face significant financial burdens and complex legal challenges. At Roane Law, our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Greensboro, NC, understand the profound grief you are experiencing and are dedicated to helping you seek justice and obtain the compensation your family deserves.
Attorney James M. Roane has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases throughout North Carolina, including Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Lexington, and across the Piedmont Triad and beyond. He is committed to providing compassionate legal support while aggressively advocating for your rights.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in North Carolina
What Constitutes Wrongful Death in NC?
In North Carolina, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligence, wrongful act, omission, or default of another party. This could be an individual, a company, or a government entity. Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Premises liability incidents (like slip and falls)
- Intentional acts
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Legally, a wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action brought by the deceased person’s estate to recover damages that the deceased could have pursued had they survived.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina law ($G.S. 28A-18-2$) stipulates that only the personal representative (also known as the executor) of the deceased person’s estate has the legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is true even though the compensation recovered benefits the deceased’s legal heirs, not necessarily those named in a will.
The distribution of any settlement or judgment in a wrongful death case is governed by North Carolina’s Intestate Succession Act, regardless of whether the deceased had a will. This means the deceased’s legal heirs, as defined by state law, are the beneficiaries. This can sometimes lead to complex situations, as legal heirs may include individuals who were not closely connected to the deceased. Your attorney can explain how intestate succession laws apply to your specific case.
Recoverable Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim seeks to provide financial compensation for the losses suffered as a result of their untimely death. In North Carolina, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses: Costs associated with the deceased’s final injury or illness, prior to death.
- Funeral and burial expenses: Reasonable costs for the deceased’s funeral and burial or cremation.
- Lost future income and benefits: The income and benefits the deceased would have likely earned over their lifetime had they survived.
- Loss of inheritance: The value of the estate the deceased would have accumulated and passed on to their heirs.
- Loss of companionship, comfort, guidance, and support: The intangible losses suffered by surviving family members due to the absence of their loved one.
- Pain and suffering of the deceased: Compensation for the physical pain and mental suffering experienced by the deceased from the time of injury until death.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the death was caused by malicious, willful, or wanton conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Generally, any recovery in a wrongful death case is not considered an asset of the deceased’s estate for the purpose of paying their debts, offering some protection to the beneficiaries.
The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in NC
It is critical to understand that there is a strict time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the deceased’s death to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
Building a strong wrongful death case takes time. It involves a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence such as medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. This is particularly true in complex cases like medical malpractice or nursing home wrongful death claims, which often require review by medical experts. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after the death allows ample time to build your case effectively.
Why Choose Roane Law for Your Wrongful Death Case?
At Roane Law, we focus solely on personal injury and wrongful death claims, giving your case the specialized attention it deserves. Based in Greensboro, we represent grieving families across North Carolina, from Spruce Pine to Lumberton and especially throughout the Piedmont Area. With nearly 30 years of experience, our team is known for providing compassionate support and fearless advocacy in the most difficult moments. We don’t rush to settle—we prepare every case for trial to ensure your loved one’s memory is honored with the full measure of justice. Our firm is rooted in care, determination, and a relentless pursuit of truth. Our specific expertise includes:
- Deep Experience With Wrongful Death Claims: Successfully handling complex and emotionally sensitive cases involving fatal accidents and negligence.
- Thorough Investigations: Quickly securing key evidence, witness testimony, and documentation to build a strong case from the start.
- Litigation-Ready Representation: Known for taking cases to trial and holding negligent parties fully accountable when settlements fall short.
- Full Compensation Pursuit: Fighting for damages including lost future income, emotional loss, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
- Family-Focused Approach: Prioritizing clear communication, empathy, and guidance through every stage of the legal journey.
Roane Law offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to lift legal burdens off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s legacy while we handle the fight for justice.
If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact our wrongful death attorneys today. We’re here to stand beside you and help you take the first step toward closure and accountability.
Meet Our Attorneys
James M. Roane III has dedicated decades of his legal career to representing individuals whose lives were disrupted by serious injury or professional negligence. A life-altering car accident in the mid-1990s exposed him to the realities injured people face when dealing with insurance companies and legal uncertainty, shaping the way he now advocates for his clients.
His practice concentrates on medical malpractice, catastrophic and permanent injuries, nursing home neglect, and complex personal injury litigation. Known for thorough investigation and disciplined trial preparation, James Roane partners with leading medical experts, scrutinizes medical documentation, and builds every case with courtroom presentation in mind.
A lifelong member of the Greensboro community, James earned his undergraduate degree with honors from UNC Greensboro and later received his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. While there, he distinguished himself in competitive trial advocacy and received the Most Outstanding Advocate Award. Prior to launching Roane Law, he held a senior litigation role at a large North Carolina injury firm. His credentials include:
Decades of Litigation Experience: Representing injured plaintiffs in North Carolina courts since 1999.
Nationally Respected: Recognized by peers with honors including AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell and Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite.
Educator & Speaker: Instructs trial advocacy at Elon University School of Law and presents on malpractice and serious injury litigation.
Results-Focused Advocacy: Proven history of securing substantial recoveries in high-stakes injury cases.
Kara F. McIvor serves as the head of Roane Law’s Workers’ Compensation practice and is among a small group of attorneys statewide certified as Specialists in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law. Licensed since 1998, she is known for her precise legal strategy and unwavering commitment to injured employees.
Kara holds Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating and has been named a Top 25 North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney by the National Trial Lawyers. Her work has resulted in significant recoveries for clients facing catastrophic injuries, including seven-figure traumatic brain injury settlements. She is also actively involved in mentoring attorneys and contributing to legal education programs.
Christopher J. Woodyard is a litigation attorney at Roane Law who represents individuals and families in serious personal injury matters, including nursing home abuse and neglect, catastrophic motor vehicle collisions, and complex injury claims throughout North Carolina. His practice spans the state, with experience representing clients from urban centers to rural communities.
Chris is a seasoned trial lawyer who has successfully taken cases to verdict in both North Carolina Superior and District Courts. He approaches each case with a strong command of evidentiary strategy and courtroom advocacy, preparing matters from the outset with trial in mind while maintaining a clear, practical focus on client goals.
Before entering private practice, Chris spent several years in legal academia as a law professor in Charlotte, North Carolina. During that time, he taught a wide range of courses including tort law, criminal law, criminal procedure, legal ethics, and specialized elective subjects. He also served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he instructed students from the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing on medical malpractice law and the civil justice system.
In addition to his courtroom and teaching experience, Chris has contributed legal analysis to regional and national media outlets. His commentary has included discussions on law enforcement body camera usage, high-profile criminal matters, and medical malpractice legislation, with appearances on platforms such as NPR and regional radio broadcasts.
How Roane Law Fights for Your Family
Wrongful death cases are legally and emotionally challenging. Our team at Roane Law is here to handle the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on healing. We will:
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of death.
Identify all potentially liable parties.
Work with experts (medical, financial, etc.) to build a strong case.
Gather and preserve critical evidence.
Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf.
Represent you fiercely in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
We understand the tactics insurance companies and defense teams often employ, especially in cases involving corporations or institutions like nursing homes. We are prepared to counter these strategies and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death Case Results
Attorney James M. Roane has a proven track record of achieving significant results for clients in serious injury and wrongful death cases. While every case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation. Some examples include:
$3,800,000
Catastrophic Car Wreck
A young woman and her fiance were hit head-on by a drunk driver who crossed the center line; her fiance died instantly. Trapped in their burning car, she suffered severe burns, resulting in the loss of toes and extensive medical bills. Despite the defense’s denials, we uncovered the drunk driver’s prior history of alcohol treatment. After a year of hard-fought litigation, the case settled for $3.8 million to provide for the young woman’s significant needs.
$4,000,000
Nursing Home Fatality
An elderly woman with Alzheimer’s was going to take a bath, but the hot water heater was broken in the nursing home causing the water to be far too hot. The nursing home literally knew the heater was broken. The management ordered that the gas company “tag out” be taken off and the water heater cut back on. When she got into the tub, she received severe scald burns over the bottom half of her body that lead to her death.
We are prepared to leverage our trial experience and resources to pursue the best possible outcome for your family.
See more of our case results here.
Client Testimonials
Over 50 Five-Star Reviews on Google Alone
Our clients’ words speak to the level of dedication and support we provide during their most challenging times:
– Ms. Gregory
– Stephanie
– Monica
See more of our client testimonials here; we are honored to support families through the legal process following a tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Greensboro, NC
Here are answers to some common questions about wrongful death cases in North Carolina:
How long does it take to resolve a wrongful death case?
The timeline for a wrongful death case varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and court schedules. Some cases may settle relatively quickly, while others may go to trial and take several years.
What is the role of the personal representative in a wrongful death claim?
The personal representative in a wrongful death case is appointed by the court to act on behalf of the deceased's estate. They are responsible for filing the lawsuit, making legal decisions regarding the case in consultation with their attorney, and distributing any recovered funds to the legal heirs according to North Carolina law.
Will I have to go to court?
Not all wrongful death cases go to trial. Many are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, our team prepares every case as if it will go to court to be ready to litigate if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How are attorney fees handled in a wrongful death case?
At Roane Law, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fees upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.
What if the deceased was partially at fault?
North Carolina follows a strict pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if the deceased is found to be even slightly at fault for the incident that led to their death, their estate and heirs may be barred from recovering any compensation. Investigating liability is a critical part of these cases.
Choose an Experienced Greensboro Wrongful Death Law Firm: Contact Us Today!
Wrongful death cases are complex and demand the expertise of a skilled attorney. Greensboro wrongful death lawyer James Roane and the team at Roane Law have the experience, dedication, and compassion needed to fight for you and your family during this difficult time. We will tirelessly work to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.