Unexpectedly losing a loved one is never easy, and the closer your relationship is with that person, the harder it will likely be to adjust to their loss. Your entire life can change in an instant due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts.
Some families choose to pursue wrongful death claims under North Carolina civil statutes to recover at least some of the financial losses they suffer when a loved one dies. You probably realize that a wrongful death lawsuit could help surviving family members recover medical and funeral costs, lost wages and even compensation for the pain and suffering of your loved one.
What you may not realize is that you can also request the monetary value of the support that they provided in your relationship.
North Carolina recognizes the value of unpaid family support
State law is very clear that family members have the right to place a monetary value on the services, protection, care and assistance of their loved one who died. They can also claim the financial value of their companionship, comfort, guidance and advice that they can no longer receive.
Maybe your loved one used to clean the gutters before spring rain started every year. Perhaps they maintained your vehicles or filed your taxes. Maybe you spent so much time talking about your life with them that they filled the role of the therapist.
Looking at the relationship you had with your deceased loved one and determining what professionals provide similar services can make it easier for you to place a monetary value on different aspects of the relationship you had with them and thereby maximize the claim against the person who caused their death.
