Southport Wrongful Death Lawyer

Southport Wrongful Death Attorney

The term “wrongful death” applies to any death caused by any wrongful act, any form of negligence, or an intentional act. It is possible for any incident that might result in a personal injury to cause fatal harm, and a wrongful death suit is a specific type of personal injury case meant to address such incidents. An experienced Southport wrongful death lawyer is an invaluable resource for any family who has recently lost a loved one due to an act of negligence.

Compassionate Wrongful Death Counsel in Southport, NC

Christina Rivenbark & Associates has more than 30 years of professional experience handling a wide range of complex personal injury cases in Southport and surrounding areas, including wrongful death cases. We know how difficult it is to lose a family member unexpectedly and that you are likely to have many difficult questions in the aftermath of such an incident, and our goal is to provide guidance and support in your legal efforts.

We can help you determine liability for your loved one’s wrongful death, guide you through the process of building a strong civil case against them, and uncover all the various forms of compensation you are eligible to claim. Money cannot replace your loved one, but the proceeds from a successful wrongful death suit can help your family adjust to new financial circumstances more easily and provide a sense of closure.

Building Your Wrongful Death Suit in Southport

Some of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Southport include motor vehicle accidents, work-related accidents, medical malpractice, and criminal actions. In the aftermath of your loved one’s death, if you believe another party directly caused the death, it is crucial to consult an experienced Southport wrongful death lawyer as quickly as possible. You have a limited time in which to build and file your wrongful death suit.

Success with your wrongful death claim will require meeting the state’s statutory requirements for this type of case and identifying the party responsible for causing your loved one’s death. In North Carolina, only certain parties are eligible to file wrongful death claims. State law requires the personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file this claim, but if the deceased had no estate plan, the court could appoint a personal representative.

Your Southport wrongful death lawyer will help you gather the evidence needed to prove the defendant in your case directly caused your family member’s death. Once you have proven fault, you can claim compensation for various damages, including the loss of financial support the deceased provided, damages to their estate, and pain and suffering compensation. The family can also claim reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses.

There are many statutory requirements you must meet to file your case successfully, and having the right Southport wrongful death lawyer on your side dramatically improves your chances of success. The team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates has the skills, resources, and experience necessary to address the unique challenges your case presents, so it is vital to reach out for the legal counsel you need in this difficult situation as quickly as possible.

FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Can My Family Recover From a Wrongful Death Suit?

A: The amount of compensation your family could recover from a wrongful death suit will be difficult to estimate without an attorney’s help. It’s impossible to assign monetary value to a person’s life; the proceeds from a wrongful death suit are intended to alleviate the economic strain of the death on the victim’s family. It’s possible for the plaintiff to recover various economic and non-economic damages from the defendant who caused the wrongful death.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Homicide?

A: The main difference between wrongful death and homicide is that while a wrongful death results from an act of negligence, homicide results from an illegal action. A wrongful death claim functionally replaces a standard personal injury suit that the victim could have filed if they had survived, and this case unfolds in civil court. A homicide case is prosecuted by the state in the criminal court system and is intended to punish the defendant for breaking the law.

Q: Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Wrongful Death in Southport?

A: It is possible for a defendant to face jail time for causing a wrongful death in Southport. While a wrongful death typically results from an act of negligence, it is possible for illegal actions to cause fatal injuries. In these cases, defendants face prosecution in criminal court, but they also face civil actions from the families of their victims. Your attorney can advise you as to how any such variables could impact your case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Southport Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Southport wrongful death lawyer because you are significantly more likely to succeed with your wrongful death suit when you have legal counsel you trust advising you. The right attorney will be an invaluable asset through all stages of your case, from gathering the evidence you need to prove fault to helping you prove the exact extent of your claimable damages. You’re more likely to win and more likely to maximize your recovery with their help.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Southport Wrongful Death Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a Southport wrongful death lawyer will vary from attorney to attorney. However, Christina Rivenbark & Associates can represent you with no upfront fees with our contingency fee policy. We take all personal injury cases on contingency, meaning our client pays a percentage of their case award as our fee, but only after we have won their case. If we cannot obtain a recovery for the client, there is no fee.

Experiencing a wrongful death in the family is never easy, and you are likely to have many difficult questions in the aftermath of such an incident. Christina Rivenbark & Associates can lead and advise you through every stage of your case, from proving fault for the death to uncovering all the various forms of compensation you and your family can claim. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Southport wrongful death lawyer.