Griffin Wrongful Death Lawyer
One of life’s worst possible tragedies is when a loved one dies in a tragic accident. Certainly, it is a life-altering event. There is typically a heavy burden of emotions, as well as financial stressors. In the state of Georgia, a wrongful death claim can arise when a loved one is killed in an accident which resulted from another person’s negligence.
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death claim seeks damages equal in value to the life of the deceased. Without a doubt, however, the loss of a loved one cannot be measured monetarily.
No matter the intent of the wrongdoer, survivors have the right to seek a certain degree of justice. If you have lost a loved one in a tragic accident, Griffin wrongful death lawyers are here for you during this extremely difficult time. Experienced wrongful death lawyers will zealously fight for your interests, to hold the wrongdoer accountable for their conduct and/or failures.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
An important legal principle for wrongful death cases is called the statute of limitations. It governs how long a person has to bring legal action against another. Under Georgia law, loved ones have two years from the time of death to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. However, individuals should not wait too long to file an action in the interests of preserving evidence, so the sooner they engage a Griffin wrongful death attorney, the better.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit depends on who the survivors are. Georgia law establishes a hierarchy that determines who may sue for the death of a loved one. If the decedent had a spouse, then the spouse can sue for wrongful death. When compensation is received, the spouse is required to share the amounts received with the children, in accordance with state law. The spouse would receive one-third of the payment, and the children would split the remaining two-thirds.
If the decedent did not have a spouse, then the decedent’s children would have the right to bring an action for wrongful death. The children would share any award received equally. If the decedent had no spouse, nor children, then the decedent’s parents could file a claim. Should there be no spouse, children, nor parents, then the decedent’s estate would have the right to bring a wrongful death action. The estate would hold the award for the next of kin, pursuant to Georgia state law.
Potential Compensation for a Wrongful Death
All states permit the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of the decedent, in the event of a wrongdoer’s negligence causing a death. Factors courts consider when they are reviewing a wrongful death case include the following:
- Loss of companionship
- Extent that survivors were financially dependent on the deceased
- Amounts the decedent earned
- Savings of the deceased
- Expenses borne by the decedent’s survivors
- Medical and funeral costs
- Future potential earnings of decedent
Obviously, there is no amount of money that could ever compensate for the loss of a loved one. Some peace of mind, however, may be experienced by family members when the responsible party is held accountable, and there is some financial security presented by a wrongful death action in Griffin.
Contact a Griffin Wrongful Death Attorney Today
Serious accidents occur every single day. Sadly, at times these accidents can be tragic, where another is negligent to the extent of causing the death of a loved one. Griffin wrongful death lawyers fully understand the extreme difficulties you face.
Skilled lawyers are compassionate, and they are prepared to diligently battle for you and your case. Call today for a free consultation.
