The recent tragedy in West Charlotte has left our community with a heavy heart. On Sunday night, January 25, 2026, John Martinez, a 26-year-old delivery driver and Rock Hill native, was shot and killed in the 2400 block of Elmin Street while simply doing his job.
As the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) works to identify a suspect, families in this devastating position often find themselves overwhelmed by a second storm: the legal and financial aftermath. At Hall & Dixon, we believe that providing justice for victims like John means looking beyond the criminal investigation to ensure the family's future is protected.
In the wake of a tragedy, the police focus on "Who did this?" However, for a grieving family, there is another critical question: "Could this have been prevented?" When a worker is targeted while delivering food, the accountability may extend to the corporations and property owners who had a duty to ensure a safe environment. At Hall & Dixon, we track these cases closely to help families understand the three primary avenues for civil justice in North Carolina.
Delivery platforms often attempt to classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. However, North Carolina law uses the "Right of Control" test. If a platform dictates the routes, the timing, and the methods of work, that driver may legally be an employee.
For a family, this distinction is life-changing. If an employer-employee relationship is established, the family may be entitled to Workers' Compensation death benefits, which include:
The corner of Elmin Street and West Boulevard is a busy area, but was it a safe one? Under the principle of Premises Liability, property owners have a duty to protect "invited guests"—including delivery drivers—from foreseeable harm.
If a property has a documented history of violent crime and the owner failed to provide adequate lighting, surveillance, or security, they may be held liable for Negligent Security. We help families investigate these "foreseeable" dangers to hold negligent property managers accountable.
In gig-work fatalities, the app itself holds the evidence. Digital logs can prove a driver was in an "active delivery" state, which often triggers high-limit commercial insurance policies (sometimes up to $1 million). We advocate for the preservation of this data to ensure that insurance companies cannot "log off" a victim after the fact to deny a claim.
John Martinez wasn't just a delivery driver; he was a 26-year-old with a lifetime of potential. When a life is cut short, the law allows families to seek compensation for more than just bills. A Wrongful Death claim in North Carolina seeks to value the "unquantifiable":
If your family is navigating the aftermath of the John Martinez tragedy or a similar incident, you do not have to walk this path alone. Hall & Dixon is committed to providing victims' families with the updates and legal insights they need to make informed decisions.
If you've been injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, you shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone. At Hall & Dixon PLLC, we fight for individuals and families who are facing the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of serious auto accidents.
From medical bills and lost income to pain, suffering, and long-term care, our attorneys understand the full impact of personal injury—and we’re here to help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
✅ Aggressive representation against insurance companies
✅ Proven results in bodily injury and civil damages claims
✅ Compassionate support every step of the way
✅ No fees unless we win your case.
Don't wait—North Carolina law limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim. Let us help you protect your rights and secure your future.
📞 Call us at (704) 993-6825 Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas across North Carolina
