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How Wrongful Death Cases Can Help Save Lives

By Brown Moore

October 22, 2015

Home News & Resources How Wrongful Death Cases Can Help Save Lives

There is no way to bring back a child who perished in an accident and when that accident only occurred because of the negligence of other individuals, parents can experience unimaginable grief. Our Charlotte wrongful death lawyers understand that grieving families do not want to deal with the stress of litigation in times like these. However, taking legal action can represent a vital first step in the healing process.

Legal Action Can Help Serve the Greater Good

Consider the WSOC-TV report of the tragic death of an 11-year old boy who suffered from asphyxiation in a Boone hotel room due to a gas leak from a faulty pool water heater. The hotel knew about the leak, which killed two people weeks earlier. In fact, the company’s president and the hotel manager was indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter after allegedly taking no action to repair the problem.

Although no amount of money can possibly compensate the parents for this tragic loss, they filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which, if successful, could serve to reimburse them for some of the monetary and emotional damages they suffered. Just as important, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can help obtain a degree of closure, providing the mother with the strength and resources that helped her to choose action over anger.

This woman is working hard to keep her son’s memory alive by helping prevent other deaths from a silent killer like carbon monoxide. She has created a nonprofit organization in her son’s name to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide, using a multi-faceted approach:

  • Working toward getting more laws on the books that require carbon monoxide detectors in hotels, dormitories, and restaurants
  • Encouraging schools to educate students so they can recognize unsafe practices and prevent them in their homes
  • Recommending that vacationing families carry portable detectors with them for use in their hotel rooms

The individuals who work with her to achieve her mission are providing her with valuable emotional support while they all strive to make carbon monoxide poisoning a thing of the past.

NC Law Provides a Short Timeframe to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Particularly after the loss of a child, families need significant time to work through their grief. However, the North Carolina statute of limitations places a basic limitation of only two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Many families cannot imagine having the emotional strength to handle complex legal issues during a time when emotional anguish remains at its peak.

It is vital to seek help from attorneys who understand the emotional issues as well as they understand the law. A compassionate wrongful death attorney handles the legal details so family members have the time they need to grieve. Call us at 800-948-0577 or use our convenient online contact form to obtain the full range of supporting your family needs.