Serving grieving families
in Durham and across NC
No amount of money can replace the person you lost, but it can bring justice and stability. Our Durham wrongful death lawyers stand with your family with care and strength.
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. In the aftermath, many people are also confronted with legal and financial questions—often at a time when they are still processing the loss.
At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we represent families in Durham and across North Carolina in wrongful death cases. While no legal action can undo what has happened, pursuing a claim can provide accountability and help protect your family’s financial future.
Under North Carolina law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or misconduct.
Examples may include:
If the person who passed away would have had the right to file a personal injury claim, their estate may now bring a wrongful death claim.
In North Carolina, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is often:
If you are unsure who should serve in this role, we can help you understand the process and next steps.
A wrongful death claim is intended to address both the financial and personal impact of the loss.
These include measurable financial losses such as:
These reflect the broader impact on the family, including:
In cases involving egregious conduct, such as impaired driving or intentional harm, punitive damages may be available to hold the responsible party accountable.
We work with financial and medical experts to evaluate the full scope of these losses so your claim reflects what has truly been taken from your family.
We represent families in a range of wrongful death matters, including those involving:
Each case is carefully investigated to determine whether it could have been prevented and who may be responsible.
For many families, filing a claim is about more than compensation. It can help:
A legal claim can be one step toward resolution when answers are not otherwise available.
In North Carolina, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death.
While that may seem like sufficient time, important evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Beginning the process early allows for a more thorough investigation and stronger case development.
We approach every wrongful death case with care and attention to detail. Our role is to manage the legal process so you can focus on your family.
Our work typically includes:
We also prioritize clear communication, so you understand where your case stands at each stage.
Proving a wrongful death claim requires strong, well-documented evidence. Depending on the case, this may include:
Our team works methodically to connect these details into a clear and supported claim.
Wrongful death cases require both legal experience and careful handling. Families choose our firm because:
Our goal is to pursue a result that reflects the full impact of your loss.
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
This structure allows families to pursue a claim without additional financial strain.
If you have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, you may have legal options.
Johnson & Groninger PLLC offers confidential consultations to review your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the next steps.
No. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
Any recovery is paid to the estate and then distributed according to North Carolina law. We can explain how this may apply in your situation.
A civil wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal proceedings. You may still pursue a claim regardless of the outcome of a criminal case.
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve through settlement, while others proceed to trial. We work efficiently while ensuring the case is fully developed.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which can affect recovery. However, each case is fact-specific, and it is important to evaluate the details before drawing conclusions.
While the law does not allow direct recovery for emotional distress, it does recognize losses such as companionship, care, and support, which are considered in the claim.
We represent clients statewide, with offices in Durham and Charlotte. Whether you’ve been injured at work or hurt in a crash, we’ll meet you where you are.
