Raleigh Wrongful Death Lawyer

Was your loved one killed in a tragic accident in Raleigh, North Carolina? Count on our team at Bello Law Firm, PLLC to help your family fight for justice and full compensation. Contact us at (919) 884-0031 today for a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh wrongful death lawyer who will go the extra mile for you.

We are prepared to guide your family through every stage of the legal process with care, compassion, and determination. Our goal is to provide steady guidance and strong advocacy when you need it most.

Why Choose Bello Law Firm, PLLC to Handle My Wrongful Death Claim in Raleigh, NC?

When you work with Bello Law Firm, PLLC, you’re hiring a law firm that will take a personal interest in your case. We know that no amount of time or money can ever undo the loss you’ve suffered. For most families, however, fighting for compensation is the only way to get justice. 

Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers won’t back down until we’ve recovered every possible dollar. 

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We have successfully handled hundreds of personal injury claims and secured millions of dollars for families across North Carolina.
• We conduct thorough investigations to uncover the truth and identify every responsible party.
• We prepare each case with the expectation that it may need to be resolved in court.
• We will maintain consistent communication so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

It’s never too early to start exploring your legal options. If you lost a loved one in Raleigh, NC, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. Call our law office today to get started. 

North Carolina’s Laws on Wrongful Death

North Carolina’s wrongful death laws allow survivors to seek compensation when their loved one dies due to someone else’s “wrongful act, neglect, or default.” 

When accidents happen, victims typically have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible party. Fatal accident victims don’t get that chance. However, that doesn’t mean the at-fault party is simply let off the hook. The victim’s personal representative has the right to file a wrongful death claim for compensation on behalf of the victim’s survivors. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death case. This person is named in the will or, if no will exists, appointed by the court. 

While the representative files the claim, compensation is distributed to eligible family members—typically the spouse, children, or parents—according to the state’s intestacy laws. This process ensures that the claim is handled on behalf of all rightful beneficiaries.

Wrongful Death Claims vs. Criminal Charges

The important thing to understand is that wrongful death matters and criminal actions are entirely separate. The party responsible for your loved one’s death may or may not face criminal charges. Most wrongful death actions don’t involve crimes at all.

However, even if the at-fault party is facing criminal charges, you can still pursue compensation in civil court for wrongful death. Wrongful death cases are designed to compensate surviving family members for the losses they have suffered. Criminal charges, of course, are meant to punish offenders for criminal acts.

How Much Is My Raleigh Wrongful Death Case Worth?

Even for experienced attorneys, this is a complicated question to answer. We must thoroughly assess the facts before we can offer an accurate estimate of your case’s value.

As our lawyers build your case, we’ll evaluate several factors, including:

• The circumstances of your loved one’s death
• Your loved one’s age and life expectancy at the time of death
• The identity of surviving loved ones left behind, considering the needs of children
• Your loved one’s earning capacity, considering prior work and education
• Your family’s financial losses, including medical costs, funeral expenses, estate administration fees, etc.
• How your family’s life has changed due to your loss
• Your loved one’s pain and suffering prior to death

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Raleigh personal injury attorneys for a free initial consultation. We can help you learn more about your case value. Getting top financial results for our clients is our number one priority. 

You can count on us to put the full weight of our experience and resources to work as we fight for the maximum compensation possible. 

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Raleigh Wrongful Death Case?

Grieving families in North Carolina are entitled to pursue compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. 

Examples of the types of compensation your family may receive include:

• Medical expense reimbursement for treatment between the date of an injury and the date of death
• Funeral costs and burial expenses
• Estate administration expenses 
• The pain, suffering, and trauma your loved one experienced prior to death
• Loss of your loved one’s financial support
• Loss of job-related benefits, including retirement and health insurance
• Loss of your loved one’s protection, care, and assistance
• Loss of the value of household services 
• Loss of parental support, guidance, advice, and companionship
• Loss of consortium, or loss of a spouse’s company and support

While punitive damages are rare in North Carolina, they may be available if the evidence shows that the defendant’s acts were intentional or malicious. 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Raleigh?

Our wrongful death attorneys in Raleigh work on a contingency fee basis. That means our fee is a fixed percentage of any settlement or verdict we recover for you. We only get paid if we successfully obtain compensation on your behalf.

You’ll never be asked to cover any upfront costs. 

What Happens To My Right To Compensation If My Loved One Was Blamed for a Fatal Accident in North Carolina?

Sharing fault is a serious issue in North Carolina. Because North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence law, your family may lose its right to recover compensation if your loved one was even slightly responsible for the injuries that caused their death.

This is a harsh, defense-friendly law. Expect the defendant to try pinning at least some of the blame on your loved one. It is particularly important to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney if there’s even a shred of evidence to support the allegations. 

If the defendant manages to convince a judge that your loved one was even slightly responsible, your family will lose its right to compensation entirely.

What Causes Most Wrongful Deaths in Raleigh?

At Bello Law Firm, PLLC, we’re prepared for any situation. We represent clients who have lost loved ones due to:

• Car accidents
• Large truck accidents 
• Construction and workplace accidents 
• Dangerous property conditions
• Slip and fall accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Bus accidents
• Swimming pool accidents
• Boating accidents
• Falls from heights
• Dog bites
• Defective products
• Medical negligence
• Nursing home abuse and neglect
• Intentional torts

Never underestimate the importance of a dedicated attorney. Even when a case initially seems cut-and-dry, insurance companies are skilled at finding ways to avoid paying what victims deserve.

If you lost a loved one, call our lawyers in Raleigh to learn about your legal rights today. We’re prepared to take on even the strongest defense. 

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Deadly Accident in North Carolina?

The majority of personal injury and wrongful death cases are based on negligence. 

To demonstrate that another party was negligent, you must generally prove four elements:

• A duty of care existed
• The defendant breached their duty
• The breach was the direct and proximate cause of the death
• Your family suffered damages

Negligence means something similar to carelessness. Your family will need evidence to prove your case by a “more likely than not,” or “preponderance of the evidence” standard.

How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in North Carolina?

The statute of limitations for most North Carolina wrongful death lawsuits is two years. The two-year period begins on the date of your loved one’s death. After this time, you’ll no longer be able to sue for damages. 

Exceptions do exist. For example, if the defendant is facing criminal charges related to your loved one’s death, the clock may stop running until those charges are resolved. Still, relying on an exception is never the best idea. 

Your lawyer’s success may depend on how quickly they can begin locating evidence and building your case. 

Contact an Experienced Raleigh Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Your family has already suffered a tremendous loss if your loved one was killed in an accident in Raleigh, NC. You shouldn’t have to worry about your finances on top of everything else. To learn about your right to seek compensation, call Bello Law Firm, PLLC today. 

We offer a free consultation with an experienced Raleigh wrongful death attorney.