Raleigh Wrongful Death Lawyer

An Honest Wrongful Death Attorney in Raleigh, NC

The death of a loved one as a result of another party’s negligence can be traumatic and overwhelming. In the aftermath, many seek justice but do not know how to obtain it. A skilled Raleigh wrongful death lawyer can help you during this difficult period. While compensation can never replace a loved one, it can ease financial hardship and may even provide some degree of closure. A Personal Injury claim may also be appropriate depending on the circumstances.

About the Law Office of Jacob Goad

The Law Office of Jacob Goad is committed to helping people in Raleigh, Durham, Burlington, and across North Carolina with their wrongful death claims. We use a client-first approach where claimants work directly with our attorneys.

Personal injury attorney Jacob Goad, who is proudly fluent in Spanish, has years of experience handling matters ranging from minor accidents to negligent deaths. His tireless efforts earned him the title Rising Star in 2022 from Super Lawyers. *

* Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

How Wrongful Death Claims Work in Raleigh

Fatal accidents can occur in countless scenarios. In 2023, the leading unintentional cause of death in Wake County was falls, with a rate of 15.5 per 100,000 residents. Other top causes include poisonings at 14.0, motor vehicles at 7.5, and firearms at 3.1 per 100,000 people.

Wrongful death claims center around incidents where an individual or entity’s reckless, negligent, or malicious actions directly cause another person’s death. Common grounds for legal action include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Fatal car crashes occur on routes ranging from the Beltline to neighborhood side streets. A wrongful death claim may be applicable if the driver who caused the accident was impaired, distracted, or driving recklessly.
• Product liability. Product liability refers to any deadly incident caused by a manufactured good. This can take the form of failing to provide proper warning labels, negligent designs, or reckless manufacturing errors.
• Medical malpractice. Patients receiving treatment at WakeMed or any other Raleigh hospital or clinic should be able to trust their medical professionals. Medical malpractice cases occur when a healthcare worker’s actions cause someone’s death through neglectful care, a misdiagnosis, a failure to diagnose, surgical errors, or medication mistakes.
• Workplace incidents. Employers in North Carolina are expected to maintain safe working conditions for employees. Grounds for wrongful death claims in workplace settings involve fatalities caused by OSHA violations and other dangerous operations.

Hire a Trusted Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one comes with countless emotional, financial, and logistical concerns that are hard to balance when pursuing legal action. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer to handle your claim, you ease a large part of the burden that comes with the death of a loved one. This may be especially important when a fatality results from a Truck Accident or Construction Accident.

Your Raleigh wrongful death attorney can be at your side through each stage, from initial claim filing to settlement negotiations. Services offered by the Law Office of Jacob Goad include:

• Option exploration. After a death, it may be unclear whether your situation qualifies for a wrongful death claim. Your attorney can learn your story, identify responsible parties, and provide options that fit your specific needs.
• Evidence collection. North Carolina has high standards for demonstrating negligence, which can make documentation necessary to receive damages. Our team can assist in gathering evidence such as videos, photos, communication logs, witness testimonies, and medical reports that may strengthen your case.
• Paperwork completion. Wrongful death claims can require extensive paperwork. Skilled legal counsel can draft and file all necessary documents for your case.
• Negotiations. Many civil matters are settled before reaching trial. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf throughout discussions with negligent parties, increasing the likelihood of getting the compensation you are owed. This approach may also be relevant in a Workers Compensation claim.
• Legal representation. At the Law Office of Jacob Goad, we aren’t afraid to litigate or go to trial. If your case requires court oversight, our team can represent you at all appearances at the Wake County Courthouse.

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?

The standard statute of limitations under state wrongful death laws is two years from the date of death. This deadline is strict, with little room for exceptions, making swift action necessary to qualify for and receive any compensation. When you hire a wrongful death attorney at the Law Office of Jacob Goad, you are receiving legal counsel with a background in promptness and expedience, abiding by this requirement.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?

One common point of confusion among family members after a fatal incident is who can file a wrongful death claim. Under North Carolina wrongful death laws, the only person who can file a claim is the deceased’s personal representative. The eligible person is the named executor in a valid will or the person appointed by the Superior Court to serve as estate administrator.

What Compensation Can You Receive in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Claim?

The exact compensation you may be eligible for in your North Carolina wrongful death claim depends on the different ways the death has impacted you. Economic damages cover direct financial harm, such as medical bills, loss of income, and funeral expenses. Noneconomic damages encompass intangible impacts like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or loss of a child’s guardian.

What Is the Average Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, wrongful death claims vary in resulting compensation and do not have a set average across all cases. Factors that can influence the final sum include the level of financial harm, the case type, the negligent party, the deceased’s age and health, and the extent of reckless action. During your initial meeting, we can provide you with a rough estimate of what you may receive based on the details of your situation.

Speak With a Raleigh Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Our team at the Law Office of Jacob Goad recognizes how devastating losing someone in an accident can be. Our team of experienced wrongful death lawyers can help you with every aspect of your case and make a positive difference in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can analyze your case and explore strategies for obtaining just compensation. You may also visit our Raleigh Offices, located at 3622 Haworth Drive.