Who can you sue for wrongful death?
A wrongful death claim arises under North Carolina law when someone’s death is caused by another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or default, and the victim could have filed a personal injury claim had they survived.
Who you can sue for your loved one’s wrongful death depends on who is responsible for their fatal injuries. A number of different parties might cause a wrongful death, depending on the type of accident and the circumstances surrounding it. For example:
- A negligent driver in a fatal car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian crash
- A medical provider whose error or inaction caused a patient’s death
- A business that failed to maintain safe premises
- A manufacturer or distributor of a defective or dangerous product
- A government agency responsible for roadway hazards or safety violations
- The employer of a negligent driver if they were driving in the course and scope of their employment at the time.
