[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.

Sunset Beach is a beach town in the southwestern tip of Brunswick County, North Carolina. Sunset Beach, NC has its own police force but other agencies also have jurisdiction in Sunset Beach, NC including the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. If you receive a speeding ticket or any other traffic citation or if you are charged with a crime in Sunset Beach, NC your court date will be in Bolivia, North Carolina at the Brunswick County courthouse. The Brunswick County courthouse is located about 20 minutes from the New Hanover County courthouse in Wilmington, North Carolina.

While Collins Law Firm has its office in Wilmington, North Carolina, and does not have a branch in Sunset Beach, NC, attorney David Collins regularly represents people charged with traffic citations or crimes in Sunset Beach, NC at their court appearances in the Brunswick County Courthouse, 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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