Shipman & Wright is here to help if you are grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one. Our compassionate and skilled Greenville wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional and financial impact such a loss can have on your family. We are committed to providing you with personalized and effective legal representation to provide you with the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to see how our dedicated team can guide you through every step of your wrongful death claim. Call (910) 762-1990.
Choosing Shipman & Wright for Your Greenville Wrongful Death Claim
Choosing Shipman & Wright to handle your Greenville wrongful death claim offers a distinct advantage over other firms. Here are reasons why you should choose us:
- Experienced Legal Representation: Founded in 1980, Shipman & Wright has built a reputation as a top firm taking care of families facing the loss of a loved one. At Shipman & Wright, you benefit from a team of seasoned attorneys, including Gary Shipman and William Wright, who bring decades of combined experience in wrongful death and personal injury law in Greenville, NC.
- Personalized Approach: We understand that each wrongful death case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Our firm is committed to understanding the specifics of your situation.
- Comprehensive Legal Services: From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, Shipman & Wright offers comprehensive legal services designed to cover all aspects of your wrongful death claim. This includes meticulous investigation of the incident, skilled negotiation with insurance companies, and vigorous representation in court, if necessary.
- Community and Client Commitment: Since our founding, Shipman & Wright has been deeply committed not only to excellence in the legal profession but also to serving the community of Greenville.
Why You Need a Lawyer in a Greenville Wrongful Death Claim
A Greenville wrongful death claim can be overwhelmingly complex. Here are some ways how our Greenville personal injury attorneys will assist you in the process:
- Legal Experience in Complex Laws: Wrongful death laws involve intricate legal principles and procedures that can be difficult to understand without legal knowledge. An experienced Greenville wrongful death lawyer is well-versed in these laws and can handle the legal complexities, ensuring that the claim is properly filed, meets all legal requirements, and adheres to strict deadlines. This experience is crucial in avoiding common pitfalls that could jeopardize the case.
- Thorough Investigation and Case Building: A Greenville wrongful death lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to support your claim. This includes collecting medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies that are vital for proving negligence or fault in court or in settlement negotiations.
- Maximizing Compensation: A Greenville wrongful death attorney understands the full range of damages that may be available in a wrongful death claim, including economic losses like medical expenses and lost future earnings, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. They will work diligently to ensure that you receive fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses, often securing higher settlements than individuals who choose to navigate the claims process alone.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often seek to minimize payouts. A wrongful death lawyer has experience negotiating with these companies and can advocate effectively on your behalf, ensuring that the settlement offered truly compensates for the wrongful death. Their negotiation skills can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
- Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a Greenville wrongful death lawyer is prepared to take your case to court. They have the trial experience necessary to present a compelling case to a jury, advocating on your behalf to seek justice for your loved one.
Proving a Greenville Wrongful Death Claim
Proving a wrongful death claim in Greenville requires demonstrating that the death resulted from another party’s negligence. Here’s a detailed look at how to prove a wrongful death claim:
- Establishing Duty of Care: The first step is to establish that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. This duty varies depending on the relationship between the parties and the circumstances of the case. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely to avoid harming others, while medical professionals must provide care that meets the standards of the medical community.
- Demonstrating Breach of Duty: Once a duty of care is established, it must be shown that the defendant breached this duty through their actions or failure to act. This could be a driver speeding and causing a car accident in Greenville, a doctor failing to diagnose a treatable disease correctly, or a manufacturer producing a defective product that leads to fatal injuries.
- Causation: The third critical element is causation, where you must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the deceased’s death. This means linking the breach directly to the events that led to the death, demonstrating that the death would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions or negligence.
- Damages: Finally, it must be shown that the death resulted in quantifiable damages. This includes medical bills incurred during the final treatment of the deceased, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s expected earnings, loss of companionship and support for the surviving family members, and other pecuniary losses.
Statute of Limitations in a Greenville Wrongful Death Claim
In Greenville, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 28A-18-2. According to this statute, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two (2) years from the date of the deceased’s death. The two-year statute of limitations is a strict deadline. This means that wrongful death claims must be initiated within two years of the date on which the death occurred. Failing to file within this time frame typically results in the loss of the right to seek compensation, as the claim will likely be barred by the statute of limitations. In certain cases, there may be exceptions or extensions to the standard statute of limitations period. For example, if the cause of death was not discovered immediately and could only have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence, the time limit may start from the date the cause was or should have been, discovered. However, these exceptions are rare and specific to the details of each case. A Greenville wrongful death attorney can help you understand the nuances of a wrongful death claim.
Contact Our Greenville Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you are facing the devastating loss of a loved one, we are here to provide you with legal representation. We understand the emotional and financial toll such a loss can take, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation, where we will review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and outline the steps necessary to pursue justice and compensation. Our team is committed to advocating for your rights and making sure that those responsible for your loss are held accountable. Let our compassionate and dedicated wrongful death lawyers help you through. Call now to begin the journey toward healing and closure. Contact Shipman & Wright today to discuss your Greenville wrongful death claim with our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Greenville.