When negligence leads to a tragic loss of life, Wilmington families rely on our wrongful death lawyers to pursue justice and secure their future
When someone else’s poor decision leads to a fatal accident in Wilmington, families are left facing immense grief and difficult practical realities at the same time. At Wilder Pantazis Law Group, we understand that medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income can quickly add to an already overwhelming situation.
While a wrongful death claim cannot undo what’s happened, it can help your family get the answers, accountability, and financial stability you deserve.
The Wilmington wrongful death attorneys at Wilder Pantazis Law Group have more than 8 decades of experience handling serious and fatal injury cases right here in New Hanover County. We approach every case with careful investigation, strategic preparation, and a clear focus on securing meaningful results for the families we represent.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one in a vehicle accident, a workplace incident, or any other preventable tragedy, we invite you to contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help your family move forward during this incredibly difficult time.
Want to sit down and talk through your case in person? Visit us at our Wilmington office.
What families say about working with us
Went above and beyond
Attorney Annemarie Pantazis was great to work with. She was very knowledgeable about the law and went above and beyond to ensure that I had a favorable outcome. I would more than recommend her to others. One of the best attorneys I have ever worked with. She cared!!
– Debbie F.
They make you feel at home
The people working at Wilder Pantazis Law Firm are delightful to work with. They are all friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, and very professional. They all make you feel at home in their office and that you are the most important client they have. I would definitely recommend this law firm for your legal needs. They are worth every penny.
– Jackie R.
Compassionate legal advice from North Carolina attorneys who truly care
Every client who comes through our doors is treated like family, and we take pride in understanding your unique story and concerns. We work every day to make our clients’ lives better, to help them recover in all aspects of their lives – financially, emotionally and physically.”
– Attorney Beau Wilder
Answers to common questions about wrongful death claims in Wilmington
What is considered a wrongful death?
In North Carolina, a wrongful death happens when someone dies because another person or company acted carelessly, recklessly, or intentionally caused harm.
At its core, a wrongful death case is about responsibility. The law asks a simple question: Did someone’s failure to act safely lead to a preventable death?
Common examples of accidents that can lead to wrongful death claims in Wilmington include:
- Car crashes and truck accidents. Fatal crashes caused by distracted driving, speeding, or other reckless behavior may qualify. In cases involving commercial vehicles, both the driver and the company may be responsible.
- Workplace accidents. If an employee is killed on the job, their family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. In other situations, such as when an independent contractor is fatally injured, the family may need to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent employer or third party.
Every case is different, but if the person who caused the fatal accident could have been sued for personal injury had the victim survived, the family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
What are the damages for wrongful death in NC?
Under North Carolina law, a wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to be compensated for certain financial and personal losses related to the loss of their loved one.
Recoverable damages in a Wilmington wrongful death claim may include:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- The decedent’s lost income and benefits, including what they likely would have earned over a lifetime
- The value of services the person provided, such as childcare, household support, or guidance
- The loss of companionship, care, protection, and advice they provided
- The pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death, if supported by evidence
- Punitive damages meant to punish and deter similar behavior in cases involving egregious misconduct like drunk driving
Every case is different. The value of a wrongful death claim depends on factors such as the person’s age, health, earning capacity, role within the family, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal event.
Our Wilmington wrongful death lawyers can help you through this process, ensuring the financial and personal impact of your loss is fully accounted for so that your family can get the compensation you deserve.
Who gets money from a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
That person is:
- Named in the will, if there is one, or
- Appointed by the court if there is no will.
The personal representative files the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and the eligible beneficiaries. Even though a spouse, parent, or child may ultimately receive compensation, they cannot file the claim individually unless they are the appointed personal representative.
Who receives compensation depends on which relatives survive the deceased:
- If the person leaves behind a spouse and children, the law splits the recovery between them based on set percentages.
- If there is a spouse but no children, the spouse usually receives the entire amount.
- If there are children but no surviving spouse, the children divide the recovery equally.
- If there is no spouse or children, the deceased person’s parents may receive the proceeds.
- If none of those family members are living, North Carolina law sets out a specific order of other relatives who may be eligible.
If you have questions about who may be entitled to compensation from a wrongful death claim or how to get the process started, reach out to a wrongful death attorney in Wilmington for guidance.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death suit in NC?
In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit in North Carolina must be filed within 2 years of the date of death. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
If the claim is not filed within that 2-year window, the court will typically dismiss the case, so it’s always best to discuss your case with a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.
Standing with Wilmington families. Delivering real results.
Trench collapse wrongful death (Construction accident/defect)
Tractor trailer motor vehicle collision, wrongful death of a child
Wrongful death of child, school bus case (Pedestrian accident)
Get help from an experienced wrongful death attorney in Wilmington
The local Wilmington wrongful death attorneys at Wilder Pantazis Law Group have been representing families in Wilmington and all across New Hanover County for more than 85 years. We handle every claim with care and respect, knowing that the families who turn to us are part of the same community we call home.
When you turn to Wilder Pantazis Law Group, you can expect straightforward advice, careful preparation, and clear communication throughout every stage of the process. Our goal is to take on the legal complexities so your family can focus on healing while pursuing accountability in a way that honors your loved one’s life.
If you are considering a wrongful death claim in Wilmington, contact Wilder Pantazis Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to listen and help your family move forward.