We know how the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is an unimaginable tragedy that leaves families grappling with emotional and financial burdens. At Deming Parker, we are committed to providing you with the legal expertise and compassionate guidance you need during this difficult time.
Our primary objective is to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the whole process of claiming justice.
You Deserve Justice for the Wrongful Death of Your Loved One. Our Attorneys in Savannah Can Help
The loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is a devastating experience that leaves an indelible mark on the victim’s family. We know while no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one, it can alleviate the financial and emotional burdens you’re grappling with.
At our law firm, we’re committed to guiding you through the legal process to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve:
- Initial consultation: We begin by evaluating the merits of your case, offering a strategic outline tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Thorough investigation: Our legal team gathers essential evidence, consults with experts, and interviews witnesses to build a robust case for you.
- Claim filing: We assist you in meticulously preparing and submitting all the necessary legal documents to initiate your claim.
- Negotiation phase: Our attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a fair settlement for you.
- Litigation: If negotiations don’t yield a satisfactory outcome, we’re prepared to take your case to court, advocating vigorously on your behalf.
- Receiving compensation: Once your claim is successful, we ensure that you receive your rightful compensation, either as a lump sum or in ongoing payments.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
What Are the Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Georgia, wrongful death claims are governed by specific legal criteria that must be met to ensure that the case is presented with clarity and strength. The essential elements include:
- The death was caused by the negligent, reckless, intentional, or criminal acts of another person or entity.
- The act that caused the death could have led to a personal injury claim if the deceased had survived, establishing a direct link between the defendant’s conduct and the injury that led to death.
- There are surviving beneficiaries or a representative of the deceased’s estate eligible to file the claim.
- Monetary damages have resulted from the death, including lost wages, medical expenses prior to death, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.
Who Can File a Savannah Wrongful Death Claim?
In the wake of such a profound loss, knowing who can step forward to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia is crucial to securing the compensation your family needs. The law specifically designates:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse, who stands at the forefront of seeking justice and compensation for the untimely loss.
- In the absence of a spouse, the deceased’s children are called upon to carry the mantle of the claim, ensuring their parent’s legacy is rightfully acknowledged.
- Should there be no spouse or children, the responsibility falls to the deceased’s parents
- And in cases where immediate family members are not present, the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate is entrusted with the task, ensuring that the rights and wishes of the deceased are fully represented.
At our law firm, we stand ready to guide you through each step, ensuring you understand your eligibility and the path forward. Our commitment is to shoulder the legal burden, allowing you to focus on healing and remembrance.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Georgia
Wrongful death claims arise from various unfortunate incidents, each with its own pathway to tragedy. At our law firm, we have decades of experience serving families who suffered the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of others, in situations such as:
- Automotive accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents can lead to wrongful death due to high-speed collisions, impaired driving, or failure to adhere to traffic laws, resulting in fatal outcomes for drivers, passengers, or bystanders.
- Bicycle accidents: Cyclists’ vulnerability on the road, especially when motorists fail to share the road safely, can result in fatal accidents.
- Bus accidents: The size and occupancy of buses can turn collisions into catastrophic events, leading to wrongful death cases that require complex legal navigation.
- Child injury: Fatal injuries to children, whether through accidents or negligence in care, represent profound losses that demand justice.
- Dog bite: Severe animal attacks, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals, can tragically escalate to fatal incidents, necessitating legal action.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles face a high risk of fatal injuries, highlighting the importance of accountability for negligent driving.
- Premises liability: Fatal incidents, such as slip and falls due to unsafe property conditions, can lead to wrongful death claims against property owners who neglect their duty of care.
- Medical malpractice: Healthcare professionals’ errors or negligence can result in patient death, prompting wrongful death claims by the deceased’s family seeking accountability.
We focus on these tragic circumstances with the aim of securing justice and compensation for the families left behind, ensuring that the causes of their loved ones’ wrongful deaths are addressed with the full weight of the law.
Damages You Are Entitled to Claim After a Wrongful Death in Savannah
At our office in Savannah, we specialize in securing these damages for our clients, ensuring that they receive the full scope of compensation they are entitled to under Georgia law. From economic damages that cover immediate financial needs to non-economic damages that address the emotional toll, we are here to guide you every step of the way:
Economic Damages
Our attorneys at Deming Parker employ a rigorous methodology to calculate the economic damages you may be entitled to, including loss of income, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
We collaborate with financial experts to ensure that all potential sources of economic loss are accurately accounted for.
Non-Economic Damages
We can help you to quantify non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and loss of companionship. Our team will consult with psychological experts to provide a comprehensive assessment of the emotional impact on surviving family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the negligence is particularly egregious, punitive damages may be pursued. These damages are not merely compensatory but are designed to serve as a deterrent to the negligent party and others. Our legal team meticulously builds a case to demonstrate the level of negligence involved, thereby justifying the pursuit of punitive damages.
How Long Does It Take to Settle Savannah Wrongful Death Claims?
The journey to settle a wrongful death claim in Savannah is as unique as the individual it commemorates, with timelines that can vary widely based on the specifics of each case. However, it is estimated that these cases may last between months to a few years before you can get a favorable settlement.
At every stage, our team will be there for you, navigating the complexities of your case with empathy and expertise, while unwaveringly focused on seeking justice and honoring your loved one’s memory.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Wrongful Death?
At Deming Parker, we offer a structured approach to guide you through each phase in your road to compensation. Our attorneys will provide you with an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses, outlining the best course of action moving forward.
The Process of Claiming Compensation and Getting Justice
The legal journey for claiming compensation in a wrongful death case is fraught with complexities. We offer a structured approach to guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected all the way through.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation of your case to ascertain its legal viability. This includes a detailed review of all available evidence, witness statements, and other pertinent information. Our attorneys will provide you with an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses, outlining the best course of action moving forward.
Step 2: Investigation
This phase involves an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the wrongful death. We will gather all necessary evidence, consult with experts, and interview witnesses to build a robust case. The investigation phase is crucial for establishing liability and determining the extent of damages you may be entitled to.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
Once the investigation is complete, our attorneys will assist you in the meticulous preparation and submission of all requisite legal documents. This includes the filing of a formal complaint, which sets the legal process in motion.
Step 4: Negotiations
Negotiations with insurance companies and opposing counsel are often fraught with challenges. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators, committed to securing a fair settlement on your behalf. We prepare for these negotiations as if we were preparing for trial, ensuring that we have all the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Step 5: Litigation
If an amicable settlement proves elusive, we are fully prepared to escalate the matter to court. Our legal team will advocate vigorously for your rights, presenting a compelling case to the jury or judge.
Why You Need a Wrongful Death Lawyer to Maximize Compensation in Savannah
The complexities of wrongful death litigation necessitate the expertise of a seasoned attorney. At Deming Parker, we are committed to providing you with the legal representation you deserve, ensuring that justice is served and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today and let us guide you through the process of getting compensation.
Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.
FAQs Related to Wrongful Death Cases in Savannah
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Georgia?
Georgia Code § 9-3-33 allows for a two-year window from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.
What Is the Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?
A wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia is a civil action brought against a party who is alleged to have caused the death of another due to negligence or misconduct.
Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, wrongful death compensation is distributed according to the state’s Wrongful Death Act, ensuring that the settlement benefits the deceased’s immediate family members or, in the absence of direct relatives, the deceased’s estate.
What Is the Burden of Proof for Wrongful Death?
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. This means that you must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct directly resulted in the death of your loved one.
Savannah Office
22 Barnard Street, Suite 240 Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: 912-527-2000