Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Atlanta
When a family member dies, it is never easy, but when their death was caused because of a person’s negligence or recklessness, the grief can be even more devastating, and dealing with funeral arrangements and legal issues can be overwhelming. There are often financial hardships placed on the victim’s family and surviving spouse, especially if the wrongful death victim was the primary breadwinner.
Under Georgia law, survivors of victims killed in accidents may be able to pursue damages for the losses their loved one’s death has caused against the person or entity who was liable for the accident. This is done through a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have lost a loved one because of another party’s actions, contact Butler Kahn to speak with an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer.
Under the law, when a person or entity acts in a way that contributed to the victim’s death can be found liable for the victim’s death, whether those acts were intentional or unintentional.
Whatever damages are recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit (or claim) are for the benefit of the victim’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, or next of kin. The lawsuit can be brought forward by either a family member of the victim (state law determines which family members qualify), the executor of the victim’s estate, or someone appointed by the court. A personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, can determine if you have legal standing to file a lawsuit.
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations on how long survivors have to file a wrongful death claim. An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can explain what the time limit is in your case. Typically, it is a two-year deadline for the day the victim died, however, there may be exceptions under certain circumstances.
Some of the more common losses survivors can pursue a wrongful death claim in Atlanta include the following:
- Compensation for any expenses the family has incurred because of the death of the victim. This includes any medical and life-saving treatment the victim received before they died, funeral and burial expenses, and more.
- Compensation for the grief, emotional anguish, and sorrow the victim’s death has caused the family.
- Compensation for the personal losses the family will suffer because they no longer have the victim’s love, support, and companionship.
- Compensation for the loss of income, benefits, and services the victim provided for the family and what they would have provided in the future.
Contact an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer
When a family has lost a loved one because of the negligent actions of another party, they should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney to find out what legal options they may have. At Butler Kahn, we understand that no amount of money will ever make up for the death of your loved one, but we also understand that your family deserves financial justice for the many losses your loved one’s death has caused. Even if there have been criminal charges filed against the at-fault party, such as in a drunk driving accident, a wrongful death claim is a completely separate action, filed in civil court. A wrongful death attorney in Atlanta can help you decide if you should file a wrongful death case.
Call our office today for a free case evaluation with a compassionate and dedicated wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta, clients recommend. We understand wrongful death law, and we can help you fight for justice for your loved one and understand what damages are available for surviving family members.