Seeking the Legal Interests of Grieving Atlanta Families
There are many types of accidents that occur in Atlanta and many of them result in serious injury and even death. Some examples include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip and falls. In fact, any type of accident has the potential to result in death.
If someone you love was killed in an accident, you may have legal grounds to file a wrongful death claim for compensation from the responsible party. Attorney Bryce Angell and the other lawyers at the Angell Law Firm are skilled at helping win wrongful death cases for their clients. We may be able to help you. Call (770) 217-4954 for a free consultation or complete the online form and we’ll get right back to you.
Here is more information about the wrongful death law in Georgia.
Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in GA?
After a loved one has passed away, many people may be in mourning, but only certain people are legally permitted to file a wrongful death claim. The surviving spouse is the first person allowed to file a claim. If there is no surviving spouse, then the victim’s surviving children may file the claim instead. Others who may file a claim include the following, in this order:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Nieces and nephews,
- Grandparents,
- Lineal descendants.
To help you know whether you can file a wrongful death claim contact The Angell Law Firm.
How Lawyers Can Prove Liability in A Wrongful Death Claim
Regardless of who files the lawsuit, recovering compensation in a wrongful death claim requires proving certain elements. To obtain money from the negligent party responsible for the victim’s death, the plaintiff must prove that:
- The defendant had a legal duty to protect the person who died from death. For example, drivers assume a legal duty to drive safely to protect others from death every time they get behind the wheel.
- The defendant breached that legal duty by causing the accident.
- The person died because the legal duty was breached.
- The family members should be compensated by the defendant because their loved one suffered an untimely death.
What Types of Damages Can Attorneys Recover in Wrongful Death Cases?
Wrongful death claims can be complicated and confusing, which is why it is so important to have expert legal representation on your side. As the survivor of a loved one, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia for the recovery of the following three different types of damages:
- Compensation for the loss of the loving relationship, companionship, and comfort. Spouses can also seek loss of consortium damages.
- Compensation for the loss of the services the person who died would have provided in the household in the future.
- Compensation for the loss of the financial support that the deceased provided to family members prior to his or her death.
Georgia’s Wrongful Death Laws
Georgia’s wrongful death statute O.C.GA 51-4-2 allows a decedent’s family members to file a lawsuit. The purpose of the lawsuit is to recoup money from the wrongful party for causing their loved one’s untimely death. The amount of money, or damages, may vary from family to family depending on the circumstances of the accident. The damages awarded in a wrongful death claim are meant to compensate the family for funeral expenses, burial expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
I love this law firm, they get the job done and get your case done quick!! Hayden was my lawyer and he did a great job! ? – Josh Rivers
Contact The Angell Law Firm For A Free Case Evaluation
If your family member’s untimely death was caused by the negligence of another, you have the right to sue to seek full compensation for his or her death. Contact the experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Angell Law Firm, LLC for help. Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in wrongful death cases.
Please call our office at (770) 217-4954 or fill out the online form on our website. An attorney will review your case with you, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options.