The loss of a family member is devastating regardless of the circumstances. If a person’s death was caused by another party’s unlawful, negligent, or careless actions, the deceased person’s surviving loved ones may bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
A wrongful death claim may allow you to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek financial compensation. An Albany wrongful death lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may be able to help. Call our office at (404) 888-8888 today and schedule your free consultation.
Bringing a Civil Claim After a Loved One’s Death
Although the death of a loved one is always painful, a “wrongful death” is specifically defined as a death caused by a party’s negligence or intentional actions. A wrongful death claim can be thought of as a personal injury claim that is brought on a deceased person’s behalf. Causes of wrongful death claims often involve:
- Car accidents caused by driving under the influence, drowsy driving, distracted driving, and reckless driving
- Truck accidents caused by negligent trucking companies or loose truck cargo
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Unsafe conditions on a residential or commercial property
- Medical malpractice such as surgical errors, medication errors, or birth injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Intentional physical violence including robbery or assault
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Losses in an Albany Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The unexpected loss of a loved one is not only tragic, but it can also lead to significant financial hardship. A wrongful death claim may allow you to recover financial compensation for the financial losses caused by your loved one’s death. Compensation cannot make up for your tragic loss, but it could help alleviate the financial hardship created by your loved one’s passing.
O.C.G.A. §51-4-2 states that wrongful death settlements and awards may be paid to the deceased person’s surviving spouse or children.
Loss of Your Loved One’s Financial Support
If you depended on your loved one’s income to pay your bills, their death may have a substantial financial impact on your life. Through a wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of your loved one’s financial support, including the value of their lost employment benefits.
Medical Bills
A wrongful death claim may provide reimbursement for the medical expenses incurred between your loved one’s final injury or illness and their death.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
Funeral and burial costs often total upwards of $5,000 to $10,000. You may be compensated for costs associated with your loved one’s funeral and burial.
Non-Economic Losses
You may also be able to receive compensation for non-economic damages. You may seek compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering, as well as your own grief and mental suffering. Compensation for the loss of your loved one’s guidance, advice, or companionship may also be recoverable.
Albany Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Proving a Wrongful Death Claim
To recover compensation through a wrongful death claim, your attorney will work to demonstrate four things in your case:
- Your loved one was owed a duty of care by the defendant. This duty may have been a driver’s duty to drive safely, a property owner’s duty to maintain a safe property, a doctor’s duty to meet the accepted medical standard of care, or another type of legal duty.
- The defendant breached the duty of care through negligent or wrongful actions.
- Your loved one’s death was caused by the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing. Proving causation can be difficult. Expert testimony from medical professionals and other types of evidence may be used to demonstrate the relationship between your loved one’s death and the defendant’s actions.
- Your loved one’s death resulted in losses. Lost income, medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and other losses may be recoverable through a wrongful death claim.
Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 today and schedule your free case assessment to learn more.
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An Albany Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
In the weeks and months after a loved one’s death, you may be overwhelmed with grief. Understandably, you may hesitate to take on a complex legal undertaking like a wrongful death claim during this tumultuous time in your life.
Instead of trying to bring a wrongful death claim on your own, let an Albany wrongful death lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers handle your claim for you. We can help you throughout your case, including:
- Identifying the party who is liable for your loved one’s death
- Determining your economic and non-economic losses
- Gathering evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence
- Filing a wrongful death claim against the appropriate party or parties
- Negotiating with the defendant’s legal team and the insurance companies in pursuit of a settlement
- Representing you during a wrongful death trial if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached out of court
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Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today for Help
If your loved one passed away in an accident or act of violence, you may have a wrongful death case. You could be entitled to seek compensation for the loss of your loved one’s income, medical bills, funeral costs, and more. Contact an Albany wrongful death lawyer from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to learn more about how we can help you.
According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Georgia. This means that you only have two years after the date of your loved one’s passing to file your claim. However, there are certain factors that can shorten the statute of limitations. This is why it is important to discuss your case with a wrongful death attorney soon after your loved one’s death.
Call our office today at (404) 888-8888 and schedule your free consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form