A Greensboro Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
In the wake of a loved one’s untimely death, you may find yourself facing not only emotional hardship but also a complex legal landscape. In such tragic circumstances, a wrongful death lawyer in Greensboro can offer much-needed support and guidance. They can help you navigate the intricacies of the law, hold responsible parties accountable, and seek just compensation for your loss.
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What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person’s demise is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, or default of another party. If the deceased would have had grounds to sue for damages, the responsible party and their representatives can be held liable for damages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injury deaths were the third highest cause of death in 2023.
Wrongful Death Causes
Wrongful death can occur during a variety of accidents. Some of the most common ones we see include:
- Car Accidents & Truck Accidents: Tragic incidents on the road that result in fatal injuries.
- Workplace Fatalities: Accidents or negligence in the workplace leading to loss of life.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors or negligence by healthcare professionals causing fatal outcomes.
- Other Preventable Accidents: Various types of incidents such as slip and falls, defective drugs, or product defects that result in wrongful death.
Each case is unique, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation in all wrongful death matters.
Wrongful Death Claims in Greensboro and Guilford County
Families across Greensboro and Guilford County experience sudden and preventable loss each year due to fatal crashes, unsafe work environments, medical errors, and other negligent acts. Greensboro’s mix of commuter traffic, major highways, and active employment sectors means serious incidents can occur in many different settings.
When a death occurs because another party failed to act responsibly, North Carolina law allows certain surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases are often about accountability and helping families manage the financial and practical realities that follow an unexpected loss.
Greensboro serves as a regional hub in the Piedmont Triad, with steady daily traffic between nearby communities for work, healthcare, and commerce. Residents, commuters, and visitors often share the same roads, job sites, and public spaces, increasing the likelihood of serious incidents in many settings.
Because wrongful death claims can arise from a wide range of circumstances, families are often left navigating unfamiliar insurance, medical, and legal processes while coping with an unexpected loss.
Fatal Crashes and Safety Concerns in the Greensboro Area
Traffic-related fatalities continue to affect families in Greensboro and Guilford County each year. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s crash data, the Guilford County crash profile in the 2024 Crash Facts report shows fatal motor vehicle crashes each year from 2020 through 2024, including 74 in 2024.
High-traffic corridors in and around Greensboro, such as Interstate 40, Interstate 85, Wendover Avenue, and Gate City Boulevard, see daily traffic from commuters, commercial vehicles, and regional travelers. Crashes on these roadways can be especially severe when factors such as speed, impairment, or distracted driving are involved, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries or loss of life.
Families affected by fatal crashes often need official documentation to understand what occurred and to pursue insurance claims or other legal matters. Collision reports may be requested through the investigating agency, including the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or the Greensboro Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred.
Medical Care and Emergency Response in Greensboro
When serious accidents or other tragic incidents occur, immediate medical care is critical. Injured individuals in Greensboro and throughout Guilford County may receive emergency treatment, trauma care, or follow-up services at one of several local medical facilities. These providers also generate medical records that may become relevant in wrongful death and injury claims.
Local medical facilities serving Greensboro and surrounding communities include:
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital: This hospital provides emergency services, trauma stabilization, and critical care for severe injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions and other life-threatening incidents.
- Wesley Long Hospital: Offers emergency medical services and inpatient care, often serving patients transported from crash scenes and other serious incidents within Greensboro.
- MedCenter Greensboro at Drawbridge Parkway: Provides emergency and urgent care services, diagnostic imaging, and treatment for serious injuries requiring prompt medical attention.
- Alamance Regional Medical Center Emergency Department: Located nearby in Burlington, this emergency department serves patients from eastern Guilford County and may provide specialty or overflow emergency care when needed.
Emergency medical services are often the first responders at the scene of fatal or catastrophic incidents, providing life-saving care before transport to these facilities. Medical documentation created during emergency response and hospital treatment can play an important role in understanding how an incident unfolded.
PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers 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 Injury Lawyers and their clients who placed their trust in them.
North Carolina Wrongful Death Laws
North Carolina law § 28A-18-2 allows only specific individuals to file a wrongful death claim when a loved one’s death is caused by another’s negligent or intentional actions. Comprehending these regulations can be difficult, which is why having a well-informed wrongful death lawyer in Greensboro can be of value after a tragic loss.
Who Can File a Claim?
In Greensboro, North Carolina, the personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate is typically who can file a wrongful death claim. If no representative has been named in the decedent’s will, the court can appoint one. While surviving family members will be the recipients of wrongful death compensation, they cannot file the claim themselves; they must go through the appointed representative.
Statute of Limitations
Each state has a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing wrongful death claims. This time limit under North Carolina law is set at 2 years, starting from the date of death. Be aware that if a wrongful death claim is not filed within this designated period, it may be dismissed by the court. Therefore, it is important to take timely action to protect your loved one’s rights and seek the justice you deserve.
What Damages Can Be Sought?
While no amount of money can ease the heartache of losing a loved one, compensation for expenses related to their death can alleviate some stress and allow your family to grieve in peace. Some of the damages that may be awarded in a wrongful death case include:
- Medical & Funeral Expenses: Medical treatment prior to the decedent’s death, funeral arrangements, and burial expenses
- Loss of Income: The income the deceased would have earned that would have helped support their family or dependents
- Loss of Services: The value of the services the deceased would have provided to their family or dependents
- Punitive Damages: Damages for wrongful death caused by malice or willful misconduct
The specific damages sought may vary depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances of the case. For legal counsel regarding the loss of a loved one, reach out to a wrongful death lawyer in Greensboro.
Local Support Resources for Families After a Loss
The legal process is only one part of what families face after a wrongful death. Greensboro and Guilford County offer access to grief counseling, mental health services, and community-based support programs that may help individuals and families cope during difficult periods.
Local resources that provide grief support and counseling services include:
- AuthoraCare Collective: Offers grief counseling and bereavement support services for individuals and families coping with the loss of a loved one, regardless of whether hospice services were used.
- Hospice of the Piedmont: Offers professional counseling services, including grief and loss counseling, to adults, children, and families throughout Greensboro and its surrounding communities.
- Cone Health Behavioral Health Services: Offers mental health and emotional support services, including counseling and therapy options, for individuals dealing with trauma, grief, and significant life changes.
- Guilford County Behavioral Health Services: Connects residents with county-supported mental health resources and referrals for counseling and crisis support.
While wrongful death claims focus on accountability and financial recovery, emotional and mental health support often plays a critical role in helping families navigate the aftermath of an unexpected loss.
Our Results Speak For themselves
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7000000
Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
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3000000
Auto accident resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder.
$
1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
Our Greensboro Wrongful Death Attorneys
Why Local Experience Matters in Greensboro Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims often involve coordination with local law enforcement, medical providers, insurance companies, and court systems. Understanding how cases move through Guilford County courts and how local agencies document fatal incidents can affect how a claim is handled from the beginning.
Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers represents families dealing with wrongful death claims in Greensboro and surrounding communities. We can help gather records, communicate with insurers, and explain how North Carolina law applies to a family’s specific situation.
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Our Compassionate Attorneys Fight for Fair Compensation
At Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers, our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to being a champion for every client. We understand the devastating impact of losing a loved one, and no amount of compensation can truly make up for your loss. However, by pursuing a wrongful death claim, we can help alleviate financial burdens and hold the responsible party accountable. Contact us today to speak to a wrongful death lawyer in Greensboro for free.
