Athens Wrongful Death Lawyer

In the unfortunate circumstances of the wrongful death of a loved one, our personal injury lawyers at Deming Parker can help you build a strong case and file a fair compensation claim. With 50+ years of providing compassionate support to families across Georgia, we can take care of all the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. Our goal, always, is to make this whole process as stress-free as possible for you and your loved ones.

How Our Team of Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers in Athens Can Help

In the case of wrongful death, having an experienced legal ally by your side can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. At Deming Parker, our lawyers can help you determine fault after the accident, gather necessary evidence, and ensure justice is served.

Additionally, our team works diligently to assess the circumstances of your case, manage all the paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. With our comprehensive legal support and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured of our knowledge and resources to effectively handle your case.

Comprehensive Legal Support for Wrongful Death Claims

To support your wrongful death claim, our team at Deming Parker offers the following services:

1. Case evaluation: We thoroughly assess the details of your case to determine its potential value and the best course of action.
2. Evidence gathering: Our team collects all relevant documentation, including medical records and accident reports, to build a strong case.
3. Claim filing: We handle all the necessary paperwork and file your wrongful death claim within legal deadlines and requirements.
4. Negotiation: We engage with insurance companies to secure fair settlements that reflect the true extent of your loss.
5. Representation: If your case goes to court, our experienced attorneys will represent you and fiercely advocate for your family’s rights.

No matter how big or small your case is, each story is unique to us, ensuring you the personalized representation you deserve.

Unfortunate Circumstances Leading to Wrongful Death in Georgia

According to the CDC, there were over 227,000 unintentional injury deaths in the United States in the last yearly report. Several unfortunate circumstances commonly lead to wrongful deaths in Georgia, such as:

• Automobile accidents: Including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by reckless driver behavior, defective components, or negligent government entities.
• Medical malpractice: Negligence by healthcare professionals includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or mistakes in prescription medication.
• Workplace accidents: Including construction and industrial accidents in high-risk work settings.
• Defective products: Malfunctioning or dangerous products causing fatal injuries.
• Criminal acts: Homicides or other criminal actions leading to death.

We have seen how different and unfortunate accidents can lead to these regrettable consequences, and our lawyers are ready to support you in this difficult time. Our free initial consultation will provide a space to tell your story and hear our team’s honest advice.

Common Types of Damages Sustained in Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims encompass various types of damages, each addressing different aspects of the loss. On the one hand, economic damages include medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. These are tangible costs directly associated with the death of your loved one.

On the other hand, non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. These intangible losses are harder to calculate but reflect the deeply personal impact of the death.

Lastly, you can pursue punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, aiming to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Pursuing legal action to secure these damages is crucial, as it can provide financial stability for your family and give a sense of justice and closure.

What is the Most You Can Sue for Wrongful Death?

In Georgia, there are no statutory caps on damages in wrongful death claims, meaning you can seek compensation for the full value of the deceased’s life, both tangible and intangible, as per O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. 

Compensation You May Be Able to Claim for a Wrongful Death

• Medical expenses: Covering all costs related to the deceased’s final medical treatments.
• Funeral and burial expenses: Costs associated with laying the deceased to rest.
• Lost wages and benefits: Compensation for the income the deceased would’ve provided to the family.
• Loss of companionship: This provides financial compensation for the emotional and relational loss experienced by the family.

What is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement?

It’s difficult to say the average wrongful death settlement in Georgia since it can vary widely based on several factors. Depending on each case’s specific circumstances, settlements range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. 

One of the most important factors that influence a settlement is the severity of the incident. More severe incidents are often reflected in higher settlements, as they can pose an enormous financial impact on survivors who deserve to recover these costs. Additionally, the degree of negligence is another important influencing factor.

Here, our lawyers can assess your case and give you an estimate of the potential amount of compensation you could get if you pursue legal action. We can provide insights into your potential settlement by comparing previous case results that involved similar circumstances.

What are the Requirements to File a Wrongful Death Claim in the State of Georgia?

To file a wrongful death claim in Georgia, you must:

1. Establish negligence or intentional harm: This means proving the death was caused by someone’s negligence or intentional actions. To establish negligence, our lawyers will thoroughly analyze your case and gather evidence to support the claim. 
2. Identifying eligible claimants: Before filing the claim, it is necessary to determine who has the legal right to file the claim (which typically are immediate family members).
3. Gathering necessary documentation: You need the deceased’s death certificate, medical records documenting the cause of death, and evidence proving negligence. Additional documentation may include financial records showing economic losses and legal documents establishing claimants’ eligibility.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

According to O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, the hierarchy of individuals who can file a wrongful death claim in Georgia is as follows:

1. Immediate family members: The spouse has the primary right to file a claim. If there is no surviving spouse, the children of the deceased can file the claim. When there are no surviving spouses or children, the deceased’s parents are eligible to file. 
2. Other dependents: If no immediate family members are available, extended family members or other dependents who were financially reliant on the deceased may be eligible to file. These situations typically require court approval.
3. Personal representative of the estate: If none of the above relatives are available, a personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file the claim on behalf of the estate.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation with an Athens Wrongful Death Lawyer – Our Team is Here to Support You

Navigating Georgia’s legal system after a wrongful death can quickly become very challenging. However, you don’t have to do it alone. At Deming Parker, we bring 50+ years of experience to your case, helping you maximize compensation and seek justice for your family.

For expert legal support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a free consultation. You’ll be able to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys, explore your legal options, and learn the potential compensation you may get. Contact us today.