Your Voice: Athens Wrongful Death Lawyers
When negligence causes the tragic loss of a loved one, surviving family members often feel overwhelmed. In Georgia, you have the legal right to take action through a wrongful death claim. These cases can help cover funeral costs, burial expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. However, wrongful death lawsuits are legally complex, and Georgia law can significantly impact the outcome.
Our skilled Athens wrongful death lawyers at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King have a long history of helping wrongful death victims and their families pursue justice. We’ve recovered millions in financial compensation for surviving family members, and we stand ready to provide the legal counsel you need during this difficult time.
Call 404-760-7400 today for a free consultation with our experienced Athens wrongful death attorneys.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Athens, GA
A wrongful death lawsuit arises when someone’s negligence, intentional act, or reckless behavior leads to a fatal accident. Under Georgia law, certain surviving family members—such as a surviving spouse, surviving children, or surviving parents—have the right to pursue compensation for the full value of the decedent’s life.
In Athens, wrongful death cases often involve:
- Car accidents caused by distracted driving or considered negligence
- Medical malpractice resulting in a catastrophic injury or death
- Workplace accidents involving liable parties who must be held accountable
- Defective products that cause injury or death
- Criminal acts leading to the loss of a loved one’s life
The damages sought in such cases can include:
- Medical bills and medical expenses from the decedent prior to passing
- Funeral costs and burial expenses
- Lost wages and financial security for the family
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme or intentional negligence
Wondering Why to Use Our Athens wrongful death Lawyer ?
Filing a wrongful death claim without experienced legal representation can result in missed deadlines, mishandled accident reports, and unfair settlements. An Athens wrongful death lawyer will:
- Collect medical records, accident reports, and other evidence
- Identify all responsible parties and liable parties
- Guide surviving family through their legal options
- Represent you in a civil lawsuit if negotiations fail
- Help you recover compensation for financial losses and non-economic damages
Our legal team is dedicated to fighting every legal battle so that you can focus on healing. Whether you are a surviving spouse trying to protect minor children or surviving parents seeking fair compensation, we are committed to pursuing the best possible favorable outcome.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?
According to Georgia law, the following family members may bring forward a claim:
- Surviving spouse (often on behalf of minor children)
- Decedent’s children if no spouse exists
- Surviving parents if no spouse or children exist
- In some cases, the administrator of the estate may file to recover for medical expenses, burial costs, and other forms of damages
Every case is unique, and the compensation can vary depending on the circumstances, the monetary value of lost income, and the decedent’s life.
Taking Legal Action After a Loved One’s Death
When you lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to hold the person responsible accountable. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help pursue justice, secure total compensation, and prevent future harm from responsible parties.
Our Athens law office is here to provide strong legal representation in these complex cases. We know how to navigate the courts, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full value of your loved one’s death.
FAQs by Athens Clients
Q. What types of accidents lead to wrongful death claims in Georgia?
A. Wrongful death claims in Georgia can arise from many different types of accidents. Some of the most common causes include car accidents, especially those caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless speeding. Medical malpractice is another leading factor, where mistakes in diagnosis, surgery, or treatment result in the tragic loss of a patient’s life. Workplace accidents, such as falls, machinery failures, or exposure to dangerous substances, may also give rise to these claims. Additionally, defective or dangerous products that malfunction can cause fatal injuries, holding manufacturers or distributors accountable. Criminal acts, such as assaults or homicides, also fall under wrongful death cases. Each case has its own legal complexities, and identifying the responsible parties requires a thorough investigation. An experienced Athens wrongful death lawyer can help families determine the exact cause, gather evidence, and pursue compensation under Georgia law.
Q. What if the responsible party declares bankruptcy?
A. When the person or business responsible for a wrongful death files for bankruptcy, it can create confusion and uncertainty for grieving families. Many people assume that bankruptcy completely eliminates liability, but this is not always the case. Certain debts and legal obligations, including those related to wrongful death claims, may not be discharged in bankruptcy. Instead, the claim may continue against the responsible party, though the process becomes more complex. In some situations, the claim can be made against the individual’s insurance coverage, assets, or through the bankruptcy estate itself. Navigating these circumstances requires a detailed understanding of both wrongful death law and bankruptcy law. Working with an Athens wrongful death attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that you pursue every possible legal avenue to secure compensation for funeral costs, lost wages, and other financial losses caused by your loved one’s death.
Q. What happens if the person responsible for the wrongful death dies?
A. If the individual responsible for causing a wrongful death passes away, it does not mean the case comes to an end. Instead, the claim may be pursued against the responsible party’s estate. This means that surviving family members can seek compensation from the deceased person’s assets, which are managed through probate court. In these situations, the estate essentially stands in the place of the responsible party, and the wrongful death case continues through civil proceedings. This process can be legally complex, especially if there are multiple heirs, outstanding debts, or disputes regarding the estate’s assets. Families often need guidance in filing timely claims to preserve their right to recovery. An Athens wrongful death lawyer can carefully review the circumstances, file the necessary paperwork, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that the estate is held accountable for the harm caused, even after the responsible individual’s death.
Get in Touch with a Top Athens Wrongful Death Law Firm
If you’ve suffered the tragic loss of a loved one, don’t face the legal battle alone. Our Athens wrongful death lawyers and personal injury lawyers have the experience and dedication to help you recover compensation and hold liable parties accountable. Call 404-760-7400 today to schedule your free consultation with Chance, Forlines, Carter & King. Our Athens law office proudly serves clients throughout Athens, GA, and across the state of Georgia.
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