Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys In Greensboro, NC
Attorney James M. Roane is highly experienced in wrongful death cases and is available to meet with you to discuss your case. We have successfully tried wrongful death cases in Guilford County, Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, Davidson County, Lexington, and have managed cases from North Carolina’s coast to its mountains.
Reasons to Choose Attorney Roane:
Holds a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo
Member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
Active member of the American Association for Justice
Practicing personal injury law in North Carolina since 1999
Received an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®
You’ll need an experienced Greensboro wrongful death lawyer to manage your case effectively. Don’t risk having an associate attorney learn on the job with your case.
If you’re ready to start pursuing the compensation your family deserves after this tragedy, contact our firm today.
Key Points About Wrongful Death Cases in NC: Heirs Only
In North Carolina, wrongful death claims are filed for the benefit of heirs, not necessarily those named in the deceased’s will. Heirs are determined by the state’s intestate succession laws, which take precedence over any will instructions. This often leads to emotional and complex situations among family members.
Consider, for example, a son who left home and never looked back. Even if he led a troubled life and had little contact with his parents, he remains an heir by law. The law does not consider individual circumstances but rather adheres to its definition of legal heirs. Given the complexities of intestate succession, discussing specific concerns with your attorney is essential.
Damages
In a wrongful death case, the deceased lost their life due to the negligence (or other legal liability) of another party. Wrongful deaths can result from defective products, car accidents, slips and falls, or even intentional harm. Legally, the challenge arises because the deceased is no longer able to sue the person responsible.
A wrongful death lawsuit addresses this by allowing the family of the deceased to bring a civil claim, separate from any criminal proceedings. Recoverable damages in such cases can vary but often include compensation for lost future income, loss of inheritance, loss of companionship, and funeral costs. Additionally, the deceased’s pain and suffering before their death is also considered. Generally, any recovery in a wrongful death case is not treated as an estate asset.
Trials
In wrongful death cases, attorneys must convey to jurors the depth of loss experienced by the family. Jurors might sometimes wonder, “What difference will this make if we can’t bring them back?” The wrongful death attorneys at Roane Law in Greensboro work closely with families to understand and articulate what has truly been lost. While death is a natural part of life, wrongful death is an unnecessary tragedy caused by someone else’s negligence, taking a loved one too soon.
For the family, moving on is incredibly painful, as each birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or other special occasion becomes a reminder of the loved one taken. It’s essential for the jury to understand these lasting impacts. Additionally, jurors need to know that the law assigns a monetary value to this loss as part of seeking justice. The justice system serves not only to compensate but also to deter; holding negligent parties accountable discourages reckless behavior that could harm others. Ensuring that defendants face consequences and helping to prevent future tragedies are central to pursuing wrongful death claims.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death, which imposes strict time constraints. Though this may seem ample, gathering essential documents—such as medical records, incident reports, and photos—requires time. In medical malpractice cases, like nursing home abuse, a medical expert witness will also be necessary.
You can rely on our office to handle the challenging aspects of this difficult time, working to secure compensation for you and your family from the responsible party. Remember, while the deceased cannot advocate for themselves, you and your family retain legal rights. At Roane Law, our Greensboro wrongful death attorneys are here to support you with respect, dignity, and compassion as you navigate the loss of your loved one due to wrongful death. Nearly all nursing home abuse cases we take on involve wrongful death.
Nursing home wrongful death cases have a statute of limitations of two years, requiring prompt action. We need time to obtain medical records, gather licensing information for the facility, speak with witnesses, and have experts review the case—all before filing the wrongful death lawsuit. Nursing home companies, unfortunately, rarely settle without litigation. In our experience, they often use this time to understand the case, identify witnesses, and build a defense.
Choose an Experienced Wrongful Death Law Firm
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 needed to fight for you. Contact us today.
