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Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia

When a loved one is killed in a tragic accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, there is absolutely nothing that can help make this difficult time any better. It doesn’t mean, however, that the responsible party, or parties, should get off without any repercussions. They need to be held accountable for their actions, reimburse you for expenses related to your family member’s death, and compensate you for the loss of your loved one and his or her support. This is what’s known as a wrongful death claim.

When you retain an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer, your lawyer will handle negotiations with the other side and fight for the compensation your family deserves. There are many types of incidents that can lead to a wrongful death claim, including an auto accident, defective product, criminal wrongdoing, medical malpractice, and more. While there is no amount of money that can bring your loved one back, a wrongful death action allows you to recover some of the financial costs you face when a loved one unexpectedly passes away, as well as help with future difficulties like the loss of your spouse’s income and emotional support.

Georgia Wrongful Death Statute

It’s important to understand that wrongful death actions are controlled by a completely different set of laws than regular personal injury claims. You should only entrust your case to an attorney who has experience with wrongful death claims, or you may get less-than-desired results. At Shani O. Brooks P.C., we have over 10 years of experience handling personal injury claims and wrongful death actions.

When you bring a wrongful death action, it is a civil law matter. It has nothing to do with any criminal aspects, although there are wrongful death matters that could be considered a crime. This means the state doesn’t have to bring criminal charges against the responsible party in order for you to pursue a civil case.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Action in Georgia?

wrongful death attorney georgiaJust because you want to file a lawsuit for wrongful death in the state, it doesn’t mean you are qualified to. Wrongful death statutes, including the Georgia Wrongful Death Act, have specific language on who can bring a claim on behalf of the decedent. It states that a claim can only be filed by:

  • The decedent’s spouse;
  • If the decedent didn’t have a surviving spouse, then the children can bring a wrongful death;
  • In the event of no spouse or children, then the right goes the decedent’s living parents; and
  • If none of the above apply, the right goes to the administrator of the decedent’s estate.

Some states may allow other family members like uncles and aunts, siblings, cousins, and/or grandparents to bring a wrongful death action, but Georgia does not. A wrongful death claim is for the “full value of the life of the decedent.” This includes tangible and intangible components.

There is also a secondary claim, known as the estate claim, that allows the family to recover for the decedent’s medical bills, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering he or she experienced prior to death. If there is a claim for punitive damages in the wrongful death action, it must be brought forth by the estate as well.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim

In Georgia, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the tragic death of a loved one caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional acts. Atlanta wrongful death lawyers help grieving families pursue justice and recover the maximum compensation available under the law. Understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to is essential when pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible losses that have a measurable financial impact on the surviving family members. These damages include:

  • Medical Expenses: Compensation for the medical bills incurred due to the deceased person’s injuries before their death. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, treatments, and any other necessary or personal expenses related to their care.
  • Funeral Expenses: Atlanta wrongful death attorneys can help you recover compensation for the funeral and burial costs, ensuring your loved one’s final expenses are covered.
  • Lost Income: If the deceased person was a primary breadwinner, the surviving family may be entitled to compensation for the lost wages and benefits, including future earnings the loved one would have provided.
  • Loss of Benefits: Compensation can be sought for the loss of benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, or pensions that surviving family members may have received through the deceased person’s employment.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages reflect the emotional and intangible losses experienced by the family. These damages may include:

  • Loss of Companionship: The surviving spouse and surviving children can recover compensation for the loss of love, care, guidance, and companionship the deceased would have provided.
  • Pain and Suffering: While this may be covered in a separate estate claim, surviving family members may also recover damages for the emotional distress caused by their loved one’s wrongful death. This includes the grief, trauma, and mental anguish experienced due to the tragic loss.
  • Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation acknowledges the loss of marital relations, comfort, and companionship experienced by the surviving spouse due to their partner’s death.

3. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available in cases where the responsible parties acted with gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, such as drunk driving or criminal acts leading to the person’s death. Georgia wrongful death attorneys can help determine if seeking punitive damages is appropriate, holding the at-fault party accountable for their reckless behavior. While these damages are not meant to compensate for a specific loss, they serve as a deterrent against future wrongdoing.

4. Survival Claim

In addition to a wrongful death lawsuit, the decedent’s estate may pursue a survival claim, which compensates for the pain and suffering the deceased endured before their death. This separate claim can include compensation for medical and funeral expenses as well as any punitive damages the estate may be entitled to.

5. Loss of Services and Support

Wrongful death cases often include compensation for the loss of services the deceased person would have provided to the family, such as childcare, household maintenance, or caregiving responsibilities. Surviving family members may be entitled to a financial recovery to cover these lost contributions.

6. Loss of Future Inheritance

In some wrongful death lawsuits, compensation for the loss of future inheritance may be awarded. This accounts for the financial support and wealth the deceased person would have accumulated and passed down to their heirs.

7. Legal Expenses

Experienced wrongful death attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any upfront fees. Compensation may also include coverage for legal costs associated with the wrongful death action, allowing grieving families to seek justice without worrying about the financial burden of hiring a lawyer.

Contact an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation

Losing a loved one to someone else’s negligence or an intentional act is devastating, and seeking justice may seem overwhelming. However, working with an experienced wrongful death attorney can make all the difference in your case. If you’re facing the tragic death of a family member, whether due to car accidents, medical malpractice, or criminal acts, contact an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer today for a free legal consultation. Our legal team can help you pursue a fair settlement, holding responsible parties accountable while providing compassionate advocacy during this difficult time.

Benefits of Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia

  • Compassionate Advocacy: The trauma of losing a loved one is extremely difficult, and at Shani O. Brooks P.C., we understand the deep emotional toll that follows a wrongful death. Our Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia’s dedication to empathetic advocacy extends beyond the realm of legal counsel. We work hard to provide a welcoming atmosphere, lending a sympathetic ear and providing direction. We recognize that every grief process is different, and our staff is committed to offering you not only legal support but also a caring presence to help you get through this trying time with compassion and understanding.
  • Legal Expertise: As an experienced Georgian Wrongful Death Lawyer, Shani O. Brooks P.C. contributes an extensive amount of legal knowledge to each case. Our Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia can precisely go through the complexities of the legal system because they have a thorough understanding of Georgia’s wrongful death statutes. From assessing the particulars of your case to developing strong legal tactics, our skilled staff makes sure that your rights are upheld and that we successfully pursue justice on your behalf. You may rely on us to manage the complexities of the court case with dedication and skill.
  • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Being an experienced attorney for wrongful deaths in Georgia, Shani O. Brooks P.C. brings a great deal of legal expertise to every case. Our Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia has a deep understanding of Georgia’s wrongful death statutes, which allows them to navigate the complexities of the legal system with precision. Our knowledgeable staff ensures that your rights are respected and that we successfully pursue justice on your behalf by evaluating the specifics of your case and creating effective legal strategies. You may count on us to handle the intricacies of the legal matter with diligence and expertise.
  • Maximized Compensation: Recognizing the complicated effects of wrongful death is Shani O. Brooks P.C.’s main objective. is to get our clients the most money possible. Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia understands that there are emotional and psychological repercussions in addition to financial ones. Our legal team carefully considers all possible areas of compensation, such as lost wages, medical expenditures, burial fees, and intangible damages related to the mental agony and emotional grief brought on by the unfortunate death. In the wake of your loss, we seek to provide some sense of justice and lessen financial obligations by pursuing a holistic approach to compensation.

Why Choose Shani O. Brooks as Your Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia Legal Representative?

Shani O. Brooks P.C. is a trusted and experienced law firm dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to families dealing with the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death. Here’s why you should choose us:

1. Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the emotional toll that comes with losing a loved one. Our team provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and supported during this difficult time.

2. Legal Expertise: With over 10 years of experience, our firm has a deep understanding of Georgia’s wrongful death laws. We have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

3. Personalized Attention: We believe in providing personalized attention to every client. Our team takes the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs and goals.

4. Strong Advocacy: We are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. Our wrongful death attorney Georgia legal reps are skilled negotiators and litigators who will vigorously advocate for your rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

5. Comprehensive Support: We offer comprehensive support throughout the legal process, handling all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. From investigating the incident to negotiating with insurance companies, we are with you every step of the way.

6. Proven Results: Our wrongful death attorney Georgia firm has a proven track record of success in handling wrongful death cases. We have recovered substantial compensation for our clients and have earned a reputation for excellence in the legal community.

7. Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. This allows you to get to know us and our approach before making any commitment. With that said if you are looking for a wrongful death attorney Georgia provider, contact us today!

Contact Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia – Shani O. Brooks

Wrongful death actions are complex and require the skill of an experienced wrongful death attorney Georgia legal representative. With that said, make sure to Contact Shani O. Brooks P.C. today at 404-920-4736 to schedule a consultation. Let our team of skilled wrongful death attorney Georgia reps help you get the compensation your family needs during this horrible tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions – Wrongful Death Attorney Georgia

What is a wrongful death claim?

  • A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. It allows the deceased person’s loved ones to seek compensation for their loss, including financial expenses and emotional suffering.

What types of incidents can lead to a wrongful death claim?

  • Wrongful death claims can result from various incidents, including auto accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, criminal acts, and more. Any situation where someone’s negligence or intentional actions lead to a death could be grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?

  • In Georgia, the right to file a wrongful death claim is typically limited to the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, or the administrator of the deceased’s estate. Other family members, such as siblings or grandparents, are not typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia.

What compensation can be sought in a wrongful death claim?

  • In a wrongful death claim, the family members of the deceased can seek compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss of their loved one. The exact amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

Why is it important to hire a wrongful death attorney Georgia legal representative?

  • Wrongful death cases can be complex, involving legal and procedural nuances that require expertise to navigate. A wrongful death attorney Georgia firm is imperative to work with as they are familiar with Georgia’s laws and have the experience handling these types of cases which can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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