Henry County Wrongful Death Lawyer
The death of a loved one can be an emotionally and financially trying time for many families who may have lost their financial stability along with their loved one. If the negligent actions or inactions of another person caused the decedent’s death, you and your family may be legally entitled to compensation for your losses.
A Henry County wrongful death lawyer is experienced with personal injury laws specifically related to wrongful death claims and could help you recover financially. By carrying the burden of complex legal work, a compassionate attorney could allow you and your family to focus on recovering emotionally.
Wrongful Death Right of Action
A wrongful death lawsuit differs from a personal injury lawsuit in that the individual who sustained the injuries cannot bring the lawsuit or provide a firsthand account of the events surrounding their death.
As such, Georgia law allows the deceased party’s surviving spouse, adult children, or parents (in that order) to bring the wrongful death suit on their behalf. The appointed executor of the deceased individual’s estate is also entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
As in the case with a personal injury lawsuit, any type of negligent or criminal act by an individual or business entity that caused the death of another may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. These acts include:
- Medical malpractice
- Reckless or negligent driving
- Unsafe or defective products and medications
- Substandard construction
- Negligent nursing home care
- Intentional homicide
It should also be noted that the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia is two years from the date of injury. Although the statute of limitations may be put on hold if there is an ongoing criminal trial regarding the same death, it could be important to contact a Henry County wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the lawsuit is filed within the stipulated timeframe.
Potential for Recovery
Under Georgia Code § 51-4-1, the plaintiff in a successful wrongful death lawsuit is entitled to recover the full value of the decedent’s life. This typically allows the family to recover an amount based on various factors such as the individual’s potential future earnings as well as intangible losses suffered by the family. Intangible losses are referred to as “non-economic” and include the loss of companionship and care.
A Henry County wrongful death attorney could help gather and present the evidence necessary to establish not only the economic losses but also the non-economic losses that can be particularly difficult to quantify.
The survivors or estate of the deceased individual is also entitled to request compensation for any expenses incurred as a result of the negligent or illegal conduct of the responsible party, including:
- Medical expenses related to the injuries that caused the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering experienced prior to death
Talk to a Henry County Wrongful Death Attorney
The two-year statute of limitations that applies to wrongful death lawsuits in Georgia means it could be important to contact a Henry County wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to avoid being barred from financial recovery.
A skilled attorney could help protect your rights after the loss of a family member by gathering detailed evidence of the defendant’s wrongdoing and negotiating a fair settlement. By calling today, you and your family could obtain justice for this unforeseen turn of events by holding the responsible party accountable.
