Compassionate Guidance From Dedicated Wrongful Death Lawyers In Greenville
Last updated on March 6, 2026
Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be exceedingly difficult, especially when it is caused by the negligence of another party. There are numerous differences between a wrongful death case and a standard personal injury case, so it is important to make sure you hire a dedicated Greenville wrongful death attorney who is not only experienced in these types of cases but also sensitive to you and your family’s needs.
In a wrongful death case, an attorney needs to get to know both the person who died because of a fatal injury and their surviving family members. An attorney handling these types of cases needs to understand the loss that those family members have suffered due to the death of their loved one. This is the type of service and care you can expect when you collaborate with our skilled team of Greenville wrongful death lawyers at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP.
The Basics Of Wrongful Death Litigation
The North Carolina statute § 28A-18-2 defines wrongful death as a death “caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another,” and is generally filed as a lawsuit by the victim’s surviving family members.
However, under North Carolina law, only the fatal injury victim’s estate executor or personal representative can serve as the plaintiff. If the victim passed away without a valid will, the court will appoint a personal representative for them. Adult family members can be named as executors and could file suit in this capacity.
We Answer Your Questions About Wrongful Death
After you lose someone whom you relied on and loved, you might feel lost in many ways. Legal questions are natural to have at this time and we want to help you get the answers you need to your most important questions. Below are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions we get:
What are the most common causes of wrongful death?
There is no one cause of wrongful death. In fact, the loss of life due to negligence can happen under any circumstance, including:
- Car crashes
- Medical mistakes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Animal attacks
- Slip-and-fall accidents
Any accident where someone sustains significant injuries is as likely to cause a loss of life as any other. In fact, from 2020 to 2022, there were over 5,000 deaths from car accidents across the state. Taken together with the number of car crashes at that time, this leads to a rate of one death for every 169 accidents. That may not sound like a lot, but it is a difficult moment for families.
How long do wrongful death claims take?
No one can tell you exactly how long it will take to come to a resolution about a wrongful death claim. It can take months to years to reach a settlement or a verdict. However, it is important to move quickly when you believe you have a claim, as you only have two years to begin. If the estate waits too long, the statute of limitations will run out and will not be allowed to pursue compensation.
Will I have to go to court for the claim?
As the claim will be filed on behalf of the estate by the personal representative, you will not necessarily have to go to court. However, it is likely that you can provide testimony that speaks to the loss, difficulties and struggles you’ve had since your loved one’s death. Your contribution to the lawsuit will be a considered piece of the overall strategy.
What kinds of compensation are available?
In North Carolina, plaintiffs in a wrongful death lawsuit can seek the following types of damages:
- Costs of the victim’s medical care and treatment related to the fatal injury
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Compensation for the victim’s pain and suffering prior to death
- Compensation to surviving family members for the victim’s lost wages/income (present and future)
- Compensation to family members for loss of the victim’s companionship, protection, services, guidance, etc.
The compensation available in a wrongful death claim is connected to the economic and personal loss you suffered in complex ways.
Reach Out To A Trusted Greenville Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Our attorneys will help you carefully and fully account for the financial costs of your loved one’s death and help you seek compensation appropriately. We have extensive experience in wrongful death law, and we want to offer you the compassionate guidance you deserve during this challenging time. Your case is not only about the family member you lost but also about the loss suffered by the entire family.
While no amount of compensation can ease the loss of your loved one, we understand that compensation can help alleviate the financial burdens of their unpaid medical and funeral expenses.
If you have lost a loved one due to a negligent party, contact our Greenville law firm, Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, by calling us at 252-787-4627 today or by completing our online contact form.