Asheville Wrongful Death Cases: Common Causes
Various types of accidents and circumstances can result in the untimely passing of a loved one. Examples include (but aren’t limited to):
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Product liability accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
Often, these accidents may occur because someone is negligent. For example, if your loved one lost their life in a motor vehicle accident caused by an intoxicated driver, they would likely still be alive today were it not for said driver’s carelessness.
It’s not always clear whether a passing resulted from negligence. If you believe you may have grounds to seek financial compensation via a wrongful death claim or lawsuit, but you’re not entirely certain this is an option, review your case with an expert for more information. A team member at our Asheville wrongful death law firm will explain how you may proceed.
Who Can Seek Compensation in an Asheville Wrongful Death Case?
North Carolina law allows the personal representative of the decedent to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Who this individual may be depends on a variety of factors.
If the decedent left a will, they may have named a personal representative. If they didn’t, the state will typically appoint someone to this role. A personal representative is often a close loved one like a:
- Spouse
- Adult child
- Parent
Don’t worry if you’re not sure whether your relationship with the decedent grants you the right to recover compensation in these circumstances. A qualified Asheville wrongful death lawyer can answer any questions you may have about this topic.
How an Asheville Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Losses and damages for which one might recover financial compensation after a wrongful death include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) the following:
- Medical bills, if the decedent received treatment prior to their passing
- Reasonable burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of the income the decedent might have earned over the course of their lifetime had they not passed away
In some instances, it’s also possible for surviving loved ones to recover financial compensation for losses and damages that lack an objective dollar value. For instance, the children of someone who died as a result of negligence could potentially recover compensation for loss of a parent’s mentorship and guidance.
A skilled Asheville wrongful death attorney will account for all your compensable losses to determine approximately how much compensation you may be eligible to receive. They can also assist you by:
- Investigating a loved one’s passing to identify the liable parties
- Collecting evidence of negligence
- Filing a claim and negotiating with the insurance company
At Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, we know that no amount of money can make up for the loss of a spouse, parent, or other such individual. However, we also know from experience that recovering financial compensation can help surviving loved ones ease many of their burdens during what can otherwise be a challenging time. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 704-335-1500.
