Wrongful Death Attorney In Chapel Hill

Compassionate Legal Support After a Sudden Loss

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct is one of the hardest experiences a family can face. In the middle of grief, you may suddenly be dealing with medical bills, funeral arrangements, and questions about how your family will move forward. It can be difficult to know whether you should reach out to a lawyer or what that conversation would even look like.

At Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, we help families in this area understand their options under North Carolina wrongful death law and decide whether pursuing a claim makes sense for them. Our firm is based in Chapel Hill, and our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to serious injury and wrongful death matters. We work to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your family and your own healing.

When you contact us, our goal is to listen first. We explain the law in clear, everyday language, answer your questions, and outline possible paths forward. There is no pressure to make an immediate decision. We simply give you the information and guidance you need to decide what is right for your family.

Call (919) 619-3242 today or contact us online to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Why Families Turn To Our Chapel Hill Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you are looking for a wrongful death attorney Chapel Hill families can rely on during a difficult time, it helps to understand how a firm approaches these cases. Wrongful death claims often involve complex questions about liability, insurance coverage, and the long-term impact on surviving family members. You need a legal team that can see the full picture, not just one piece of it.

Our attorneys bring more than four decades of combined experience across several areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and estate planning. This breadth matters in wrongful death cases because the loss of a loved one can trigger issues in each of these areas. For example, a claim may overlap with the administration of an estate, child custody questions, or even a related criminal investigation. We are able to look at your situation from multiple angles, so important details are not overlooked.

Because we are based in Chapel Hill, we are familiar with how civil cases can move through the Orange County court system and other courts that serve families in the Triangle. We understand the local procedures that can affect timing and logistics. Just as importantly, we prioritize transparent communication. We keep you informed about what is happening, why certain steps are being taken, and what choices you have at each stage, so you never feel left in the dark about your own case.

Do You Have a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Chapel Hill?

One of the first questions many families ask is whether their situation qualifies as a wrongful death under North Carolina law. In general terms, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another party, and the deceased person could have brought a personal injury claim if they had survived. This can arise from many kinds of incidents, including vehicle collisions, unsafe property conditions, dangerous products, or other negligent or wrongful conduct.

In North Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit Chapel Hill families may consider is brought in the name of the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This person might be named in a will or, if there is no will, appointed by the court. The personal representative files the claim, but they do so for the benefit of the surviving family members who are eligible to receive any recovery under state law.

There are specific time limits for filing these cases. In many situations, a wrongful death claim must be filed within a set number of years from the date of death, and delays can make it harder to gather evidence or protect your rights. The exact deadline can depend on the facts of the case, including how the death occurred and which parties may be involved. When we meet with you, we review these details carefully so you understand the timing that applies to your situation.

Because every loss is unique, online information can only go so far. If you are unsure whether what happened to your loved one could give rise to a wrongful death claim, we encourage you to contact us. We can walk through the facts with you and explain how North Carolina's wrongful death law may apply.

What Families May Recover in a North Carolina Wrongful Death Case

Types Of Compensation That May Be Available

No legal claim can replace the life of a spouse, parent, child, or other family member. Even so, a wrongful death case can provide practical support and a measure of accountability. Understanding what compensation may be available can help you decide whether bringing a claim would help protect your family’s future.

Under North Carolina law, damages in a wrongful death case can include several categories. These may involve medical expenses related to the final illness or injury, reasonable funeral and burial costs, and the income or financial support your loved one would have provided over their expected lifetime. The law also allows recovery for loss of the deceased person’s companionship, guidance, and services, as well as for the pain and suffering they experienced before death in some circumstances.

How We Help You Evaluate Damages

At Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, we look at both immediate needs and the long-term impact when we help families evaluate potential damages. That may involve discussing current bills, ongoing financial obligations, and the broader role your loved one played in the household. We also consider how any recovery might be distributed through the estate and in line with North Carolina statutes. Our goal is to help you understand what a claim could mean for your family’s financial stability, while always recognizing that no dollar figure can measure the value of the person you lost.

For some families, pursuing a wrongful death case is also part of seeking accountability, especially when serious safety failures are involved. We talk with you about your priorities so that any strategy we develop reflects what is most important to you, whether that is financial security, accountability, or both.

How Our Chapel Hill Legal Team Handles Wrongful Death Claims

What To Expect From The Process

When you are already coping with grief, the idea of a lawsuit can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can make the process feel more manageable. Our attorneys work to guide you through each stage, explain your options, and handle as much of the legal work as possible on your behalf.

In a typical wrongful death case, the process begins with a detailed conversation about what happened and how the loss has affected your family. We review any documents you already have, such as accident reports, medical records, or correspondence from insurance companies. From there, we may gather additional information, which can include obtaining records, speaking with witnesses, or reviewing available evidence to better understand how the death occurred and who may be responsible.

How We Approach Investigation & Resolution

Once we have a clearer picture, we discuss possible approaches with you. That can involve presenting a claim to an insurance company, engaging in settlement discussions, or, if needed, preparing to file a lawsuit in a North Carolina court with jurisdiction over the case. Our experience in personal injury, estate planning, and other related areas helps us consider how each option may affect your broader situation, including issues like estate administration or family dynamics.

Throughout the case, we emphasize communication. We strive to provide regular updates, answer your questions promptly, and explain legal developments in plain language. When important decisions arise, such as whether to accept a settlement offer, we outline the pros and cons based on the information available, so you can make informed choices. We also explain, in general terms, how attorney fees and case-related costs are handled in wrongful death and personal injury matters, so you understand how representation will work before you move forward.

What To Do If You Are Considering a Wrongful Death Claim

Practical Steps You Can Take Right Now

If you are thinking about speaking with a wrongful death lawyer Chapel Hill families trust, you may be unsure what steps to take before that conversation. There is no requirement to have everything organized, but some practical actions can help protect your family’s interests while you decide how to proceed.

It can be helpful to gather and keep important documents in one place. These may include medical records, accident or incident reports, correspondence from insurance companies, and records of funeral expenses or other costs related to the death. If you have notes about conversations with insurers or other parties, keeping those together can also be useful. Writing down your own recollection of events while details are fresh can help later, especially if the circumstances were complex or upsetting.

At the same time, it is wise to be cautious about signing broad releases or accepting quick settlement offers before you have had legal advice. Early offers may not fully account for long-term financial losses, the impact on children or other dependents, or the full scope of damages allowed by North Carolina law. Talking with family members about their concerns and goals can also be useful, since a wrongful death case is brought for the benefit of the surviving relatives who qualify under the statute.

When you are ready, you can contact our firm for a confidential conversation about whether a wrongful death lawsuit in the Chapel Hill courts may be appropriate in your situation. Speaking with us does not commit you to litigation. It simply gives you a chance to understand the legal landscape, ask questions, and decide whether moving forward is right for your family at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, rather than by individual family members in their own names. This representative may be named in a will, or if there is no will, a court can appoint someone to serve in that role. The personal representative files the claim, but any recovery is distributed according to North Carolina statutes that describe which surviving family members are eligible to share in the proceeds. When you meet with us, we can explain how this works in your specific situation and discuss the steps involved in having a representative appointed if that has not already occurred.

How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Chapel Hill?

North Carolina law sets time limits for filing wrongful death claims, and these deadlines are often measured in years from the date of death. The exact period that applies can depend on the facts, including how the death occurred and which parties may be responsible. Waiting too long can affect your ability to bring a claim, because courts generally enforce these deadlines, and evidence can become harder to obtain over time. If your loved one’s death occurred in or around Chapel Hill, we can review the dates and circumstances with you to determine which time limits may apply and what steps are available within that timeframe.

Will My Family Have To Go To Court If We Bring a Wrongful Death Case?

Many wrongful death cases resolve through negotiation with insurance companies or other parties rather than a trial, but some do proceed in court when the parties cannot reach an agreement. Whether your case will require court appearances depends on factors such as the strength of the evidence, the positions taken by the defendants, and your family’s goals regarding settlement. If court involvement becomes likely, we explain what that would look like, including who might need to attend and what preparation would be helpful. Our attorneys work to guide and support you throughout that process so you are not facing it alone.

What If There Is a Criminal Case Against the Person Who Caused the Death?

Civil wrongful death claims and criminal cases are separate matters, even when they arise from the same incident. In North Carolina, a prosecutor may decide to pursue criminal charges, while the personal representative of the estate may bring a civil wrongful death claim seeking financial compensation. The timing and outcome of the criminal case can sometimes affect aspects of the civil case, but one does not always control the other. Because our firm works in criminal defense as well as personal injury, we understand how these processes intersect and can talk with you about how a criminal proceeding might relate to any civil claim you are considering.

How Will Your Attorneys Keep My Family Informed About Our Case?

Communication is a central part of how we serve clients. From the beginning, we strive to explain our role, the general stages of a wrongful death case, and how we will share updates with you. As your case progresses, we typically provide information about important developments, such as responses from insurance companies, court filings, or settlement discussions, and we encourage you to contact us with questions. We aim to make sure you understand what is happening, why certain steps are being taken, and what choices you have at key points, so that you feel included and empowered in the process.

How Are Attorney Fees Handled in a Wrongful Death Case?

Attorney fees for wrongful death and personal injury matters are often structured to be contingent on the outcome, although the specific arrangement can vary by firm and by case. During an initial consultation, we explain how our fee structure works, including when fees would be owed and how case-related costs are handled. We want you to have a clear understanding of these details before you decide whether to hire us. If you have questions about affordability or how fees relate to any recovery, we address those directly so you can make an informed decision about representation.

What Should I Bring To Our First Meeting About a Wrongful Death Claim?

For an initial meeting, it is helpful to bring any documents you already have that relate to your loved one’s death. These may include medical records, accident reports, letters or emails from insurance companies, and records of funeral or burial expenses. If you have kept notes about conversations with witnesses or insurers, those can also be useful. That said, we understand that families are often still organizing paperwork, and it is fine if you do not have everything collected yet. The first meeting is primarily a chance for us to learn about what happened, to hear your questions and concerns, and to outline possible next steps together.

Talk With Our Chapel Hill Wrongful Death Lawyer About Your Options

You do not have to navigate the legal and practical questions after a sudden loss on your own. A conversation with our team can help you understand how North Carolina wrongful death law applies to your situation and what options may be available to protect your family’s future. We are based in Chapel Hill and work with families throughout the Triangle who are facing these difficult circumstances.

At Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience and a multi-faceted approach that considers personal injury, estate planning, family concerns, and any related criminal issues that may arise. We focus on clear communication and tailored strategies so you can make decisions with confidence. When you reach out, we explain what to expect from the consultation and how we can assist, allowing you to decide whether working with our firm is the right step.

To discuss your situation with our legal team, call (919) 619-3242 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.