Your Salisbury Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when their death could’ve been prevented. If you’re dealing with the loss of a family member because of someone else’s carelessness here in Salisbury, we know how overwhelming that can feel. At Lewis & Keller, we’re here to help you make sense of your legal options and take the pressure off your shoulders. Our Salisbury wrongful death lawyers are ready to stand by your side, answer your questions, and help you fight for justice and the compensation your family may deserve.
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Experience
Our personal injury attorneys have years and years of experience fighting insurance companies and have successfully handled thousands of cases.
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We Win
Working on a contingency-fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win!
Table of Contents
- Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in North Carolina
- Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Salisbury
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina?
- What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
- Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Salisbury?
- What Sets Lewis & Keller Apart
- Wrongful Death FAQs
- Contact a Salisbury Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in North Carolina
When someone else’s actions—or failure to act—lead to a fatal accident, the law allows certain family members to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Through these claims, surviving loved ones can recover financial compensation for their losses while also holding the responsible party accountable.
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Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Salisbury
Sadly, fatal accidents can happen in many ways, but some of the most common causes we see in and around Rowan County include:
- Car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers
- Workplace accidents (particularly when a third party is involved)
- Defective or dangerous products
- Accidents involving unsafe premises
- Fatal injuries linked to medical complications
If your family member died in a situation where someone else may have been at fault—even partially—it’s worth speaking with a wrongful death attorney who understands North Carolina law and how it applies locally.
How North Carolina Law Defines a Wrongful Death Claim
Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2), a wrongful death claim can be brought when a death is “caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default,” and that act would have allowed the person to sue for damages had they survived. In other words, if your loved one could’ve filed a personal injury claim, you may now be able to file a wrongful death claim instead.
Our Results Speak For themselves
$
7000000
Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
$
3000000
Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.
$
1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, not just anyone can bring a wrongful death claim. The law designates the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate—also known as the executor or administrator—as the one legally allowed to file the lawsuit.
What If There Was No Will?
If your loved one didn’t leave behind a will naming an executor, the court can appoint someone—typically a surviving spouse, adult child, or parent—as the estate administrator. This person will act on behalf of all eligible beneficiaries.
Who Receives the Compensation?
Even though the personal representative files the claim, the compensation recovered goes to the deceased’s legal beneficiaries, not the estate itself. This often includes:
- Spouse
- Children (including adopted children)
- Parents (in some cases)
- Other dependent or next-of-kin family members
Every family situation is different, and determining who can receive compensation can get complicated, especially in blended families or when multiple relatives are involved. A Salisbury wrongful death lawyer from Lewis & Keller can walk you through your specific options and help ensure everything is handled correctly.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
A wrongful death claim isn’t just about holding someone accountable—it’s also about helping families cope with the financial and emotional impact of their loss. North Carolina law allows eligible family members to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages.
Economic Damages
These are the measurable, financial losses caused by your loved one’s death. They may include:
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s future income and benefits
- Loss of services, protection, and care your loved one would have provided
Non-Economic Damages
While harder to put a dollar amount on, these damages are just as important. They reflect the emotional toll and loss of companionship, such as:
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
- Emotional distress and mental anguish (loss of consortium)
How Courts Value Compensation in Salisbury Cases
While every case is different, local factors—such as cost of living, jury tendencies, and precedent in Rowan County courts—can influence the outcome. Having a wrongful death attorney who knows the Salisbury legal landscape can make a difference when it comes to valuing your claim accurately and negotiating with insurance companies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim In Salisbury, NC?
In North Carolina, you typically have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit—but waiting can seriously hurt your case. These claims take time to investigate, and key evidence or witnesses can disappear if too much time passes. While rare exceptions exist, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to help protect your family’s rights and avoid missing this important legal deadline.
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Salisbury?
Wrongful death cases are emotionally heavy and legally complex. Trying to navigate the system alone—especially while you’re grieving—can be overwhelming. That’s where a local attorney can make a real difference.
At Lewis & Keller, we understand the courts, judges, and insurance companies that operate right here in Salisbury and throughout Rowan County. We know how to build strong cases that stand up to scrutiny—and we know how to tell your loved one’s story in a way that truly resonates.
A local wrongful death lawyer can also help:
- Investigate the cause of death and gather key evidence quickly
- Handle communication with insurance companies and opposing attorneys
- Ensure you meet all legal deadlines and procedural requirements
- Maximize your chances of a fair settlement—or take the case to trial if needed
We’re not just here to handle paperwork—we’re here to help lift the burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
our Salisbury Wrongful Death attorneys
What Sets Lewis & Keller Apart
When your family is facing something as difficult as a wrongful death, you need a law firm that’s ready to fight—and keep fighting—until you get the justice you may deserve. At Lewis & Keller, we’ve built a reputation for being relentless advocates for our clients across North Carolina, including right here in Salisbury.
We know the courts, the judges, and the legal terrain. We’ve successfully handled cases throughout North Carolina, and we bring that experience to every case we take on.
Here’s how we stand out:
- We fight to win. Our team prepares every case with the mindset that it could go to trial—because that’s how you get real leverage with insurance companies.
- We focus on results. Whether it’s through settlement or litigation, we stay focused on one goal: helping you recover the full compensation you’re potentially owed.
- We have a proven track record. Together, our team has decades of combined experience winning settlements and providing award-winning service.
If you’re looking for a law firm that brings grit, experience, and unwavering commitment to every case, Lewis & Keller is ready to stand up for your family.
PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
Lewis & Keller is a recognized Best Law Firm in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, as well as Personal Injury Litigation-Plainitffs by U.S. News and World Report. The firm has also been given an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Founding partner Mike Lewis has procured the title of one of the Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation and eminent domain, and was also distinguished as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in personal injury. These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of the attorneys at Lewis & Keller and their clients who placed their trust in them.
Wrongful Death FAQs
1. Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate—usually an executor or administrator—can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If there’s no will or no representative was declared, the court may appoint a family member like a spouse, parent, or adult child to serve in this role.
2. What is the average payout in a wrongful death case in NC?
There’s no fixed amount, as every case depends on the circumstances. Settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on factors like medical bills, lost income, funeral costs, and emotional suffering. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help estimate the value of your specific case.
3. How long do wrongful death cases take to resolve?
It depends. Some cases settle in a few months, while others can take over a year—especially if they go to trial. At Lewis & Keller, we work to resolve cases efficiently without sacrificing the full value of your claim.
4. Will I have to go to court if I file a wrongful death claim?
Not necessarily. Many wrongful death claims in North Carolina are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, our team at Lewis & Keller is fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the outcome you might deserve.
Contact a Salisbury Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers—and legal support you can trust. At Lewis & Keller, we’re ready to help you take the next step with confidence. Our team will guide you through your options, handle the legal legwork, and fight for the compensation your family may be owed.
Schedule your free case evaluation today.
