Yes, under certain circumstances. While many fatal workplace accidents are covered by North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system, some situations also support a separate wrongful death claim against a third party.
For example, if defective equipment, a negligent subcontractor, a careless driver, or another business contributed to the fatal accident, the deceased person’s estate may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation death benefits. The available legal options depend on the specific facts of the incident and the parties involved.