Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Greater Atlanta
Our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers understand that no amount of money can bring back someone you care about, but they hope that they can help you obtain the financial security you need to focus on grieving and moving forward. At Hilley & Frieder, P.C., in Atlanta, our team has helped survivors secure compensation after the deaths of loved ones.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits In Georgia
In the state of Georgia, if a person is killed through someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, then the family of the decedent has the right to recover damages and compensation. The laws in Georgia recognize that a person’s life has value. While it is nearly impossible to put a monetary value on something as invaluable as life, the state of Georgia allows surviving family members to ask for compensation for the deaths of loved ones.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Georgia?
Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased person. Typically, wrongful death actions can be filed by:
- A surviving spouse
- The surviving children
- Any surviving parents
- The personal representative of the decedent’s estate
If the deceased had surviving children, then the spouse must represent their interests in a wrongful death action as well. The children may file a claim themselves if there is not a surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse or children, then the surviving parents or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file the claim.
Filing A Wrongful Death Action In Georgia
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death occurs when another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, criminal or intentional acts result in someone’s death. There are a wide range of accidents and incidents that can lead to a legitimate and successful wrongful death action, including the following:
- Car and motor vehicle accidents
- Commercial vehicle, truck and 18-wheeler accidents
- Motorcycle crashes and accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian collisions
- Slip-and-fall cases
- Nursing home negligence
- Medical negligence and malpractice
- Workplace incidents and accidents
If your loved one had survived their injuries, would they have been able to file a personal injury claim over the incident? If the answer is yes, then you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Potential Damages In Georgia Wrongful Death Claims
Georgia also places limits on the types of damages that you can claim in a wrongful death lawsuit. Surviving family members are eligible to collect compensation related to the financial and emotional losses that they sustained due to the wrongful death. These damages may include the following:
- Loss of care, companionship, consortium and other noneconomic benefits
- Loss of wages that the deceased would have earned if they had lived
- Loss of benefits, such as health insurance
In addition, the decedent’s estate can also recover financial losses, including:
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- The pain and suffering your loved one experienced prior to death
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
Our personal injury attorneys at Hilley & Frieder, will be able to advise and guide you through the various types of damages and help you protect your family’s best interests.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Wrongful Death Lawyer
No one can fully understand your grief and loss, but our team is here to listen to and answer your questions. We offer a free case consultation. To schedule a free appointment with our compassionate wrongful death lawyers, please contact us online or call our Atlanta office at 404-795-6099.
