Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one, a Charlotte personal injury attorney can explain how insurance companies decide whether you have a valid claim through your relationship with the decedent. Here are a few factors that they use to make this determination.

Dependent Status
The insurance company considers several factors in determining whether you are dependent, including:

• The amount of time during which the dependency would have continued had the decedent not died;
• Closeness of the relationship between you and the decedent;
• Whether the dependent status was partial or total; and
• The cost of the maintenance of the deceased if he had lived, such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation

Children Claimants
An insurance company may choose to make a settlement offer that includes all claimants, including children. Adult children may be permitted to divide the proceeds. However, if the dependency was great, the value of the damages will probably increase. A child’s age can influence the value for children claimants because the younger the child is, the longer the dependency would have lasted. Additionally, educational expenses, clothing, transportation and necessities should be considered in this evaluation.

Spousal Claimants 
Spouses may ask for damages that are equal to the amount that they would have needed to fully support themselves as they would have been had the decedent lived. Loss of affection and companionship may also increase the value of the claim.

Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bice Law

The personal injury firm of Bice Law will examine your case to determine the type and amount of damages that your injury warrants, including payments for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent disability.  We’ll determine whether an out-of-court settlement or trial is the best strategy to obtain maximum benefits for you or your family. If you have suffered injury or harm because of someone else’s actions, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law serving both North and South Carolina. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, so act quickly.  Call 877-BICE-877 today or submit an online request  to get a free consultation with a  personal injury attorney. We serve families across both North Carolina and South Carolina.