Losing someone you love is difficult. The grief and sense of loss can be overwhelming. For people who lost a beloved family member in an avoidable accident, though, that grief can quickly turn to anger and a sense of injustice. If you lost someone due to the negligence of another person, a Chapel Hill, NC, wrongful death lawyer can help you. At Burton Law Firm, we represent families like yours in your quest to hold the at-fault party accountable for the death of your loved one and demand that your family be fairly compensated for your loss. Although we know that no amount of money can replace the person you lost, we believe that a fair settlement can provide the means for you to move forward with your life after the loss. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Does A Chapel Hill Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
Wrongful death lawyers are personal injury attorneys who help families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence or carelessness of another party. These are civil matters, with the purpose of securing compensation for your material losses and your pain and suffering, and trauma after losing someone you love. We agree that money cannot replace your loved one’s companionship, guidance, and place in your heart. However, we also recognize that this unfair loss has placed a significant financial burden on your family, from the funeral and burial costs to the loss of contribution to the household.
As your attorney, we take the lead in handling all aspects of your claim, including the court filings and investigation into the incident. We can also handle communication with the other party on your behalf so that you and your family can mourn privately.
Proving Negligence In A Wrongful Death Case
There is a difference between a wrongful death and an accident death, and it lies in the legal concept of negligence. Some examples of a wrongful death include:
- A product manufacturer releases a contaminated or malfunctioning consumer product that causes injury or death when used as intended
- Someone assaults another person, causing their death
- A reckless or drunk driver causes a wreck that kills one or more people
- An employer fails to ensure proper safety equipment or fails to properly maintain the facility, causing the death of a worker
- Someone was mauled by a dog or other animal
In all of these cases, the at-fault party (the defendant) had a duty of care for the safety of your loved one but failed to fulfill that duty, thus leading to the accident. We believe they should be held accountable, pay for the harm they caused, and be an example to others of what could happen should they be tempted to engage in similar reckless actions.
Skilled Attorneys Helping You After Your Loss
Have you lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence? We urge you to reach out to a Chapel Hill wrongful death lawyer. At Burton Law Firm, we focus on your needs and help you through this difficult time. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding The Types Of Compensation Available In Wrongful Death Cases
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when it happens due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct. In these situations, family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation and hire a Chapel Hill, NC wrongful death lawyer. While no amount of money can truly compensate for a lost life, wrongful death compensation can alleviate the financial burdens that come with such an unexpected loss and help secure the family’s future. Here’s a breakdown of the types of compensation available in wrongful death cases and what each category covers.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages aim to compensate for the financial losses directly resulting from the loved one’s death. These damages are often easier to calculate because they are based on measurable expenses and financial needs. Common types of economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: If the deceased incurred medical costs due to the injury or illness that led to their death, the family might be entitled to reimbursement for these expenses.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Funerals can be costly, and families are often overwhelmed by the expense. Wrongful death compensation can cover burial and funeral expenses, lessening the financial impact.
- Loss of Financial Support: This includes the loss of the deceased’s income that would have contributed to the family’s needs. Calculating this can be complex, as it often requires considering the deceased’s age, occupation, earning potential, and work-life expectancy.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that family members suffer due to their loved one’s death. These losses are more difficult to quantify, as they impact the emotional and psychological well-being of the survivors. Common non-economic damages include:
- Loss of Companionship and Love: This type of compensation recognizes the deep emotional loss suffered by family members. For instance, a spouse may receive damages for the loss of their partner’s companionship, guidance, and emotional support.
- Pain and Suffering: Family members, particularly immediate family members like spouses, children, or parents, may receive compensation for the mental anguish and emotional pain caused by their loved one’s death.
- Loss of Parental Guidance: Children who lose a parent can be compensated for the loss of guidance, nurturing, and moral support they would have received. This damage helps acknowledge the profound impact a parent’s loss has on a child’s development.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not available in every wrongful death case but may be awarded when the death resulted from particularly reckless, egregious, or intentional misconduct. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. For example, if a company knowingly ignored safety regulations leading to an employee’s death, the court may award punitive damages to send a strong message to others in the industry.
Conclusion
Navigating a wrongful death claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with grief. Understanding the types of compensation available can help families feel more prepared and supported through this difficult process. Working with a Chapel Hill wrongful death lawyer from Burton Law Firm can make a significant difference in ensuring that families receive fair compensation, covering both financial and emotional losses. By pursuing a wrongful death claim, families can hold those responsible accountable, provide for their future, and find a small measure of justice in their loved one’s memory.