A North Carolina wrongful death can take place in an instant. The grief and tragedy of the situation are undoubtedly made worse by unpaid medical bills, and the loss of income. More to the point, death is the loss of camaraderie. If you recently experienced a loss by way of wrongful death, you can speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer about your potential claim.
How do I know if my family member’s death was wrongful?
If you lost a member of your family due to someone else’s negligence, the North Carolina wrongful death lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you pursue financial compensation for your losses. You shouldn’t be forced into financial hardship because of the actions of another person. Call us today for a free consultation.
How is Wrongful Death Defined in North Carolina?
Wrongful death is one that is caused by the disregard, wrongful act, or negligence of another. Wrongful deaths occur due to the wrongful conduct of corporations or individuals. A wrongful death claim is not filed by a district attorney or a prosecutor. Neither are they filed in criminal court nor will they lead to criminal charges, fines, or incarceration. ,
A wrongful death claim is pursued in a civil court for the purpose of recovering monetary losses. They are handled by private attorneys for plaintiff compensation.
What Are the Leading Causes of North Carolina Wrongful Deaths?
There are multiple common causes of North Carolina’s wrongful deaths. Among the top three are defective products, workplace accidents, and dying during supervised activities.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are a common cause of wrongful death suits. Many workplace accidents involve improperly maintained machinery or equipment, or a lax adherence to or absence of safety practices and policies, Another way that workplace deaths happen is from dangerous chemicals like those that are toxic, flammable or stored improperly. Trip, slip, and fall accidents caused by spills, haphazardly secured ladders, or unfastened scaffolding platforms can also occur.
When job sites use outdated or defective tools and equipment, or fail to comply with the safety protocols set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it can lead to potentially fatal accidents. A lack or shortage of safety equipment like HAZMAT suits, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and welding masks are some other common causes of wrongful death. Improper or unsafe use of construction and work vehicles could also play a role in a wrongful death
Defective and Dangerous Products
Products that are dangerous or defective could create liability for wrongful death. Some examples of dangerous product liability are children’s toys that are small enough for a child to choke on, faulty medical appliances, dangerous prescription drugs, and vehicles made with defective parts. Keep in mind that intentionally using a product in a way not intended by the manufacturer does not create liability for wrongful death.
Death During a Supervised Activity
Wrongful death during an unsupervised or supervised activity often takes place when the person in charge lacks the necessary training or fails to properly supervise activities that require attention and skill. A death at a swimming pool where a lifeguard did not have the necessary training or was negligent in their duties is an example of wrongful death during a supervised activity. Another example of this would be a guardian or caregiver who fails to adequately supervise their elderly patient when they take their medication, which is part of their duties.
What to Do After A Wrongful Death
Understanding what needs to be done following the wrongful death of a family member is hard when you are mourning. Speaking with a knowledgeable North Carolina wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible is crucial to helping you survive the financial aspects of your loss. All relevant evidence, including medical records, workplace reports, employment records, and proof of earnings, must be collected. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out the best way to collect the evidence you need to support your case and ensure a successful outcome to your North Carolina wrongful death case.
Talk to a North Carolina Wrongful Death Lawyer Now
If you lost a loved one in a manner that you feel qualifies as a wrongful death, you should let an experienced North Carolina personal injury lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp review your potential claim. Call (833) 997-1774 to schedule your free consultation with our legal team today.