McDonough Wrongful Death Lawyer
After the unexpected death of a family member, you may face the emotional and financial stress of making important decisions regarding the funeral, your future, and your financial needs. A wrongful death lawsuit allows grieving families to recover compensation on behalf of a passed person.
If another person’s negligent actions caused a loved one’s death, a compassionate McDonough wrongful death lawyer is prepared to offer guidance and legal support. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney could be the key to holding the negligent party liable for their actions.
Laws Relating to Wrongful Demise
Wrongful death is broadly defined as death caused by another’s negligent, careless, or deliberate action. Under Georgia’s wrongful death statute, wrongful demise includes homicide and any cases in which a person passes due to the negligence of another, or because of a defective product.
The laws surrounding wrongful death also detail who may bring a wrongful demise action and who could recover damages. Defined in Official Georgia Code § 51-4-2, a surviving spouse can bring forth action. In the case there is not a surviving spouse, a surviving child or children could bring forth legal claims with the assistance of a practiced wrongful death attorney in McDonough.
Recovering Compensation from a Negligent Death Action
It may be important to properly determine the amount of damages available in a wrongful death case. To do this, an attentive McDonough wrongful death lawyer could examine the specific facts and financial impact of a case with respect to O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 (1). Under this statue, surviving family members may seek the full value of a deceased person’s life, which is typically supported with evidence. The full value of life may include many factors, such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of future wages
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
Additionally, punitive damages may be available in wrongful death actions. These damages are meant to punish the negligent party for egregious and reckless behavior. Consulting with a dedicated lawyer after a negligent death could help families determine the potential value of a legal case.
Common Negligent Actions in McDonough
There are many scenarios that may serve as the basis of a wrongful death claim. Some of the most common include:
- Poor medical care
- Automobile wrecks
- Workplace accidents
- Drunk driving
- Broken medical devices
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Regardless of the actual injury, every wrongful passing shares common elements. For a legal action, the deceased person must have suffered a fatal injury because of another person’s negligence.
After a period of mourning, families of the deceased may wish to contact an attorney to discuss the death. During this time, a wrongful death lawyer could help advise on when to file a lawsuit, if the family so wishes. Under Georgia’s statute of limitations, the qualifying individual has two years from the date of a person’s death to file a wrongful death claim.
Work with a McDonough Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing a loved one is always trying, but it can be easily difficult to process if the death was unexpected or due to another’s negligent behavior. In these situations, an empathetic McDonough wrongful death lawyer could help answer your questions, explain liability, and diligently pursue compensation for your lost loved one’s case. When you feel ready, reach out to schedule an initial consultation and discuss the loss you suffered.
