Greensboro Workplace Wrongful Death Attorneys

Learning that a loved one has died at their place of work is one of the most shocking pieces of news a family can receive. When the unthinkable happens, families in Greensboro and throughout North Carolina deserve skilled, compassionate legal representation to guide them through the aftermath and seek workers’ compensation death benefits for them.

At Ward Black Law, we understand the overwhelming emotions and challenges that come with an accidental workplace death. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to identify all potential sources of compensation for our clients.

In the midst of grief, it can be comforting to know that someone is fighting for you, striving to ensure you receive the compensation your family deserves and a measure of justice for the deceased.

If you have suffered a workplace death in your family, contact us today for a free and confidential case review. You don’t have to face this battle alone. Your fight for justice is our fight too.

What Is a Workplace Wrongful Death?

A workplace death occurs when an employee dies due to an accident or occupational illness directly related to their job. The circumstances may range from immediate fatalities, such as a construction worker falling from a height, to slow-developing diseases, like a worker developing mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. The North Carolina workers’ compensation system provides benefits to surviving families after workplace deaths, regardless of who was at fault.

Some workplace wrongful deaths can arise when someone other than the employer or co-worker causes a worker’s death. That could happen if, for example, a supplier arrives on the job site and injures someone with their vehicle or if a defective machine the worker was using malfunctions and kills them. In such cases, surviving family members may be eligible to recover compensation for the losses resulting from their loved one’s wrongful death through an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Each case involves distinct elements that require a thorough evaluation by an experienced workplace wrongful death attorney. If you have lost a loved one due to a workplace wrongful death, you need the experienced legal team at Ward Black Law to handle the nuances of the workers’ compensation system, explore options for a third-party wrongful death claim, protect your family’s rights, and fiercely defend your interests.

What Are the Leading Causes of Workplace Deaths in Greensboro?

Workplace deaths can occur in virtually any line of work, including seemingly “safe” occupations like office or retail jobs. In Greensboro, some examples of the most high-risk sectors include:

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Transportation
• Warehousing
• Utility work

These sectors pose a high risk of incidents that can lead to severe injuries or death, such as:

• Falls
• Falling objects
• Crushing injuries
• Fires and explosions
• Equipment-related accidents
• Vehicle accidents
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Electrocution

Who Can File for Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits in Greensboro?

In North Carolina, immediate family members such as spouses, children, or dependent parents are typically eligible to file for workers’ compensation death benefits after a workplace fatality. In certain situations, other individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also have a claim.

What Benefits Are Available in a Workers’ Compensation Death Claim?

Workers’ compensation death benefits in Greensboro include up to $10,000 for funeral expenses and weekly compensation payments of up to two-thirds of the deceased’s average weekly wage at the time of death. The weekly payments will continue for 500 weeks in most cases. However, it’s crucial to remember that benefits may vary depending on the specifics of each case.

Potential Third-Party Negligence Claims over Workplace Deaths

In addition to workers’ compensation death benefits, families may also have a third-party wrongful death negligence claim if the employer’s deliberate actions or the negligent wrongdoing of a third party caused the accident that led to the death. These claims allow families to seek compensation beyond those provided by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and punitive damages.

Time Period for Taking Legal Action After a Workplace Wrongful Death in NC

After experiencing a work-related death, the surviving family’s grief can be so overwhelming that considering legal matters feels impossible. Yet it’s crucial to act promptly due to North Carolina’s statute of limitations. The employer must be advised of a claim within 30 days, and families have up to two years from the date of death to file a workers’ compensation death benefits claim. Failing to do so within this period may lead to forfeiture of the right to claim benefits.

With potential third-party negligence claims, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are why it’s essential to enlist the services of our experienced workplace death attorneys as soon as possible. Early involvement enables us to gather all necessary evidence, build a solid case, and ensure you do not miss any crucial deadlines.