What’s the Typical Wrongful Death Settlement in Greensboro, North Carolina?

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience. Along with the emotional weight, families are often left facing unexpected expenses such as medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and the loss of future income. In the middle of this grief, it is natural to start looking for answers about what support the law provides. One question that often comes up is whether there is such a thing as a typical wrongful death settlement in Greensboro or across North Carolina.

The truth is that no two wrongful death cases are alike. While there is no single amount that applies to every situation, North Carolina law does provide a framework for the types of compensation surviving family members may seek. To understand how compensation may work in North Carolina, it helps to first look at how the law defines a wrongful death claim.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?

A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2), the claim must be brought by the deceased person’s personal representative—the executor named in a will or an administrator appointed by the court. That representative files the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.

The statute outlines who may benefit from the claim and what damages may be recovered, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. While the law sets the framework, the details of how it applies in your family’s situation depend on the facts of the case. That is why many families turn to attorneys for wrongful death in Greensboro to guide them through the process.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Greensboro

Wrongful death cases in North Carolina stem from many different situations where another party’s negligence led to an untimely death. Common causes include:

• Car accidents involving reckless driving, impaired driving, or distracted driving
• Truck accidents where a commercial vehicle operator or company failed to follow safety regulations
• Defective products that caused fatal injuries due to design flaws or manufacturing defects
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or prescription errors
• Workplace accidents, including falls, equipment failures, or unsafe job sites

Each cause of death carries different evidence requirements and challenges. What remains consistent is the right of surviving family members to seek compensation when another party’s negligence caused the death.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Case?

While there isn’t a “typical” dollar figure, North Carolina law outlines specific categories of compensation that may be recovered in a wrongful death action. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2, these damages can include:

• Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased prior to death
• Loss of income and services the deceased would have provided to the family
• Loss of companionship, comfort, and guidance
• Punitive damages in cases involving willful or reckless conduct

These categories highlight why wrongful death settlements vary so widely. For example, a case involving extensive medical bills and a high earning potential for the deceased person may result in greater compensation than a case without those elements.

Factors That Influence a Wrongful Death Settlement in North Carolina

Several factors affect the outcome of a wrongful death case. Courts and insurance companies will consider:

• The age and health of the deceased person at the time of death
• Their income and earning capacity and what they likely would have earned over a lifetime
• The needs of surviving family members, such as a spouse or dependent children
• The strength of the evidence proving another party’s fault
• The insurance coverage or assets available to pay compensation
• The presence of punitive damages, which may apply if the responsible party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct

Because of these variables, wrongful death settlements in North Carolina are not uniform. Two cases that look similar on the surface may lead to very different case resolutions once all the details are considered. No matter the potential value of a case, it can only move forward if it is filed on time. That’s why the statute of limitations is so important in North Carolina wrongful death actions.

Time Limits

It’s important to be aware of the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4), the statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years from the date of death.

If a wrongful death claim is not filed within this time limit, the court will likely dismiss the case, and the surviving family members lose the right to seek compensation. This strict deadline is one reason it is important to act promptly if you are considering filing a claim.

What Public Numbers Actually Show in North Carolina

Because many wrongful death settlements in North Carolina are confidential, there is no official “typical” or reliable range you can point to. Each case turns on its own facts, the damages suffered, and the insurance or assets available. What can be said with certainty is that recoveries are shaped not only by the circumstances of a loved one’s death but also by limits built into state law.

State Rules That Affect Recoveries

Two North Carolina statutes also influence how much families may be able to recover:

• Medical malpractice damages cap: In wrongful death cases arising from malpractice, noneconomic damages are capped. As of January 1, 2023, the cap is $656,730, and it adjusts every three years.
• Punitive damages cap: Punitive awards are usually capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000, but the cap does not apply when the conduct involved impaired driving.

While these statutory limits provide context, the wrongful death claim resolution for your family depends on the facts of the case, the available evidence, and how North Carolina law applies. Working with a North Carolina wrongful death attorney who has trial experience is important because they can evaluate all potential damages, account for the limits in state law, and pursue the maximum compensation available for your family.

Compassion and Strength When Your Family Needs It Most

At ER Law Trial Lawyers, we know that no settlement can replace the life of a loved one. What we can do is listen to your story, honor your loss, and use the law to hold the responsible party accountable.

Founding attorney Eric Richardson built this firm to give North Carolina families a stronger voice in the justice system. With decades of trial experience and a reputation for fighting hard in court, he and his team focus on guiding clients through the maze of litigation while never losing sight of the human side of each case.

If your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyers in North Carolina are ready to pursue compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the immeasurable loss of companionship.

Call (336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. During this difficult time, we are ready to stand by your family, listen, and fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.

Copyright © 2025. ER Law Trial Lawyers. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

ER Law Trial Lawyers
1931 Richardson Drive
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000
https://erlaw-nc.com/