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Wrongful Death Lawyer
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the toughest things a person will ever have to go through. If that death was the result of another person’s negligence, it can make it even harder. When an accident results in the death of another, the family is left with grief and severe economic consequences. If you lost a loved one as the result of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses and harm you have suffered. At the Hines Law Firm, our wrongful death lawyers can help you and your family fight for the fair compensation and justice you deserve for your untimely loss.
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
The following individuals can pursue compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one:
01Spouse
If the decedent was married at the time of death, their spouse can pursue compensation for their untimely loss.
02Children
If the decedent was not married, their surviving children can bring a claim. If the decedent was married but their spouse is not able or does not wish to bring a claim, the decedent’s surviving children can do so.
03Parents
If the decedent had no children and was not married at the time of death, their parents can file a claim. If the decedent’s parents are married and reside in the same home they can file jointly. If the parents are divorced or separated, either parent can bring a claim if one of the parties refuses to do so.
04Estate
The decedent’s estate can bring a wrongful death claim if the decedent has no surviving spouse, children, or parents.
What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover?
Wrongful death compensation in Georgia provides financial awards based on what the wrongful death victim lost, as opposed to what the surviving family members lost. A jury must determine the damages based on the victim’s perspective, not the family’s.
Common damages in wrongful death claims can include:
01Full Value Of Life
Damages for the full value of the decedent’s life consist of two components: economic and non-economic.
Economic
The economic value of life involves the additional income the decedent would have earned if they had lived an average lifespan. Financial losses can include investment income, wages, and benefits. Economic losses can also include the value of the services that the deceased person would have performed.
Economic damages can also include lost physical property, funeral expenses and burial costs, and medical expenses.
Non-Economic
The non-economic damages for wrongful death can be difficult to quantify. They’re based on the victim’s perspective and how the loss of their life relates to the loss of doing things that the decedent found enjoyable or meaningful, such as getting married, loss of companionship, spending time with their children and grandchildren, loss of guidance, and participating in activities. Working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you assess the value of those damages, which involves proving how much joy and satisfaction the decedent lost due to their untimely death. A wrongful death lawyer can also pursue compensation if the decedent did not die immediately following their injuries.
Why Choose Hines Law Firm?
- Proven Track Record
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- Compassionate And Dedicated Team
- Over 40 Years Of Combined Experience
- 90% Trial Success Rate
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How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help?
After the loss of a loved one from a preventable accident, a compassionate and dedicated wrongful death lawyer at the Hines Law Firm can help guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you and your loved ones obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.
They will begin by listening to your side of the story and reviewing any evidence you brought to your free legal consultation. During this time, they will explain your legal rights and options.
While you and your family members grieve and focus on moving forward with your lives, your wrongful death attorney will begin investigating the accident or incident. Your attorney must establish that the other party owed the decedent a duty of care, that they breached that duty and that breach resulted in the death of a loved one. Once they have proved causation, they must prove the demand for damages. They will work with experts, review medical records, and police reports, interview witnesses, and gather other evidence, such as autopsy reports, phone records, and more, to build a strong case that supports your demand for monetary compensation.
Other common examples an attorney can help during this time include:
- Investigating the accident or incident
- Assessing damages
- Filing paperwork
- Handling all interactions with the insurance company or defense attorney
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf
- Litigation
Your attorney will also be available to answer any questions you may have during the process and provide the experienced legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time in your life.
What Are Common Causes Of Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death accidents are typically caused by the negligent actions of someone. Common types of accidents that result in wrongful death include:
- Auto accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice / surgical error
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Construction site accidents
- Premises liability (slip and fall, slip and fall accidents
- Assault
Wrongful Death Statute Of Limitations
Eligible family members will have a time limit of two years from the deceased’s death to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party. Failure to file the wrongful death lawsuit within this time frame can result in the case being dismissed, preventing the surviving family members from recovering any punitive damages for their loss. When you hire a wrongful death lawyer at the Hines Law Firm, our attorneys will handle every legal matter of your case, including ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
At the Hines Law Firm, our legal professionals work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will owe no upfront costs and you will pay nothing unless your personal injury lawsuit is successful. If you win your wrongful death lawsuit, your personal injury attorney will subtract a small percentage from the settlement or wrongful death award to cover the cost of legal services.
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Top Rated
Lawyers
Our highly experienced lawyers will contact you for a Free Legal Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
If your loved one suffered a fatal injury and you were interested in seeking a wrongful death settlement, contact one of the personal injury lawyers at the Hines Law Firm today to schedule a complimentary consultation and see if you can take action for damages. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through every step of the entire process and recover the types of damages you deserve, as soon as possible. We work on a contingency basis which means that you don't pay any legal fees unless your case is won. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
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