[Director] NC Wrongful Death Attorney / Lawyer

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In NC, as in most states, when a person is killed as an approximate result of a person or corporation’s negligence, or other misconduct, the personal representative of the decedent's estate can bring an action for compensation. NC’s wrongful death statute is enumerated in N.C.G.S. section 28A-18. The damages which can be recovered include compensation for the pain and suffering of the decedent, expenses for medical care as a result of the injury, funeral expenses, and the net present value of the decedent to the persons entitled to recover for damages including but not limited to the net income of the decedent, services, protection, care and assistance of the decedent, in society, companionship, comfort, etc. Also, in certain cases, punitive damages can be recovered. For instance if a death is caused by malice or willful or wanton conduct on behalf of the defendant.

While it is difficult to imagine trying to place a dollar value on a person’s life, after an individual has been killed, the only remedy under the law is recovery of monetary damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, it is ultimately up to a jury to have the responsibility to place a dollar value on the decedent’s life.

There are specific procedural requirements which must be met before an action for a wrongful death can be brought. They can get complicated and anyone with a potential wrongful death claim should consult with an attorney immediately to discuss the potential of bringing an action.

The beneficiaries of a wrongful death action are the decedent’s survivors. Beneficiaries are determined by the intestate succession act. A decedent’s will is not controlling with respect to the proceedings of a wrongful death action.

Brunswick County is the southeasternmost county in North Carolina. It is bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west by Columbus County and to the northeast by New Hanover County. The county seat of Brunswick County is Bolivia, NC which is approximately 20 minutes south of Wilmington, NC. If you receive a traffic ticket such as a speeding ticket or a criminal charge anywhere in Brunswick County, which is not a federal crime, your court date will be in the Brunswick County courthouse located in Bolivia, NC.

While Collins Law Firm located in Wilmington, North Carolina does not have an office in Brunswick County, attorney David Collins regularly represents people charged with crimes or traffic violations in Brunswick County.

The Brunswick County Courthouse is located at 310 Government Center Drive, NE, Bolivia, NC 28422.

Wilmington NC Lawyer - Attorney David Collins - Licensed in North and South Carolina since 1993

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