Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is devastating. In addition to making arrangements for a burial and paying all outstanding medical bills, you will also need to evaluate how your family will support itself in the future.

When someone else is responsible for the accident that cost your family member their life, you deserve justice. An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer could take the lead in your case so that you can focus on your family. With the help of a compassionate injury attorney, you could get the payments you need to bring stability and comfort back into your family’s future.

How to Determine if a Death is Wrongful According to State Law

There is no doubt that every death is a tragedy that can have a profound impact on both the decedent and their surviving family members. However, not every death justifies a wrongful death lawsuit.

Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-4-1, a wrongful death lawsuit is appropriate when a death was the product of another’s neglect, defect, or wrongful act. This means that a case can move forward if another would have been liable for a personal injury lawsuit had the victim of the incident survived the event.

Examples can include:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle crashes
• Defective product cases
• Medical malpractice
• Premises liability claims, such as injuries due to slips and falls

The fact that a defendant did not intend to cause harm does not mean that they are not responsible for their actions. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney could help you determine who might be liable in your case and hold them financially accountable.

Special Rules that Apply to Wrongful Death Cases

In some ways, wrongful death cases are similar to other personal injury lawsuits. The people seeking compensation must still prove that another party was responsible for the incident and demonstrate the extent of their losses. Because the family of the decedent, rather than the injured party themselves, is pursuing the case, there are certain legal questions that tend to arise.

Who Can Pursue These Cases in Court?

State law determines which people have the ability to pursue lawsuits demanding compensation. Surviving spouses have the first opportunity to pursue these cases. If there is no surviving spouse, the children of the deceased may serve as plaintiffs. When the decedent is a child, their parents have the right to come forward. If none of these situations apply, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may be a plaintiff in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Might a Wrongful Death Case Benefit?

Only a small set of people may be able to collect compensation from liable defendants. In general, the purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to bring compensation to a decedent’s surviving family members. These people can demand compensation for the ways in which the event has changed their lives. This can include payments for medical costs, funeral bills, lost earning potential, and lost emotional support. A wrongful death lawyer serving Atlanta could help determine your case’s fair value and demand appropriate payments in and out of court.

Contact an Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney Now to Help Stabilize your Family’s Future

A sudden and unexpected death can throw a family into chaos. Of course, this death can have substantial financial consequences for you and your family. However, the impact may also affect your emotional well-being and ability to cope with the future.

The compassionate Atlanta wrongful death lawyers at Robert James Trial Attorneys want to help you and your family to move forward into the future. This includes proving that another party was responsible for the incident and measuring a fair settlement amount or trial award. Our aim is to bring you the compensation that you deserve and to provide stability. To learn more about your family’s rights, schedule your free consultation today.