Wrongful death cases can be complex, difficult and challenging to understand.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another’s conduct, the wrongful death attorneys at Wheeler & Watson, PC can assist you with your wrongful death claim .
Some examples of wrongful death include:
- Fatal Tractor Trailer Wrecks
- Fatal Automobile Wrecks
- Fatal DUI Wrecks
- Slip and Falls/Trip and Falls
- Fatal Auto/Pedestrian Accidents
- Defective products which cause the loss of a life
Contact the wrongful death attorneys at Wheeler & Watson, PC for a free consultation.
If you have suffered the unexpected loss of a loved one you might have a claim for a wrongful death action.
Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act
The term “wrongful death” is defined as a death by an individual or company’s negligent, deliberate or careless act.
The state of Georgia enacted statutes establishing a cause of action for wrongful death. Passed more than 100 years ago, the statute has gone through a number of amendments. Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act is codified in five code sections, starting at O.C.G.A. §51-4-1.
Under Georgia law, the following causes can create legal grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Fatal Automobile Wrecks
- Fatal Tractor Trailer Wrecks
- Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks
- Fatal Bicycle Wrecks
- Nursing home abuse and/or neglect
- Criminal and/or unlawful acts
- DUI Accidents
- Careless/Negligent conduct
- Dangerous or defective products
- Illegal and/or improper service of alcohol
- Unsafe prescription drugs
Who Can File for a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the state of Georgia, the spouse of the victim is entitled to file a claim for wrongful death. If there is no spouse, the decedent’s children have the right to recovery.
In the case where there is no spouse or children, the decedent’s parents are entitled to recover for wrongful death. In the case where there is no spouse, children or living parents, the administrator of the decedent’s estate has a right to pursue a claim for wrongful death.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim or Action?
In the state of Georgia, a wrongful death action entitles individuals to recover “the full value of the life of the decedent without deducting for any of the necessary or personal expenses of the decedent had he lived.”
This originates from Georgia’s statute O.C.G.A. §51-4-1. In addition to this, an individual or surviving family members may be entitled to claim for pre-death pain and suffering damages, economic losses (medical or funeral expenses) and possible punitive damages.
Wrongful death cases are complex and challenging.
If you have experienced a tragic death of a loved one, you should contact the experienced Georgia wrongful death Attorneys at Wheeler & Watson, PC for a FREE and confidential consultation today.