When a loved one passes, it can be an emotional, traumatic event. This is only made worse when the death occurs due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, causing severe distress and financial difficulty to a family. A broad range of damages is usually involved in these deaths, ranging from medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship and support, loss of income or services, and punitive damages. If this has happened to you and your family, you are entitled to compensation for the wrongful death, and we can help you fight for it.
Our team at The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines has helped the surviving family members of wrongful death victims in Gainesville obtain the compensation they deserve over several years. We are committed to using our experience to protect your interests and take on insurance companies that aim to minimize their liability or outright deny damage claims.
We are able to assist you by:
The process of pursuing a wrongful death claim can be long and difficult, but with the help of our legal team, you can focus on getting your life back and leave the challenging parts to us. Ensure you get the best wrongful death lawyers in Gainesville, GA by contacting us today for a free consultation.
Under the Georgia Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death is legally defined as “all cases in which the death of a human being results from a crime, from criminal or other negligence, or from property which has been defectively manufactured, whether or not as the result of negligence.” Typical cases involve car accidents, mishandled medical procedures, or work-related accidents, however, any death that falls under the legal definition is considered a wrongful death by the court.
A claim can be brought forth by a few specific surviving family members, in this order:
It is vital to note that no other family members are eligible to file a claim
under Georgia law, and the statute for limitations for filing is two years after the death. This limit may differ in certain circumstances, such as claims against government agencies or claims with a related criminal case (e.g. in the case of a death caused by violent crime). In order to ascertain the deadline relating to your specific case, you can seek the advice of our trusted wrongful death lawyers.
Typically, most cases are resolved through negotiated settlements before trial. However, if your case does go to trial, you can rest assured that we will be able to meticulously craft a case that includes critical elements to strengthen your lawsuit.
In Georgia, there are two types of wrongful death claims, and the benefits awarded differ. The first and more common type is the claim brought forth by surviving family members. The aim of the benefits from this claim is to compensate for the “full value of life” of the deceased. These account for both tangible and intangible losses, such as:
The second type is the claim brought by (or on behalf of) the deceased’s estate, known as an estate claim or a survival action. The aim of these benefits is to make up for the pain and suffering of the deceased and financial losses related to the death, awarded to the estate instead of directly to family members. They include compensation for:
When it comes time to file a wrongful death claim, you might be unsure if your specific case falls under the definition. The types of wrongful death cases we can handle for you include:
If you and your family have suffered the untimely
death of a loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, you are owed justice. At The Law Offices Of Matthew C. Hines, we can help you file a successful wrongful death claim and allow you to devote your full energy to recovery. Call us at 770-824-9998 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
