Lawrenceville Wrongful Death Attorney
Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to file a claim against the party responsible for such a death. The experienced and compassionate legal team of wrongful death attorneys at Bridger Law Group can help you hold the party accountable for their negligent actions when the criminal code does not address the matter or is insufficient. Learn more about your legal rights and how our Lawrenceville injury attorneys you when you call for a free case review.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death is a death caused by another party without legal justification. While this can involve criminal conduct, such as murder or assault, it usually involves negligent or reckless conduct.
Unlike a criminal case, a wrongful death claim is focused on compensating the surviving family members for the premature death of their loved one.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Negligent actions that may give rise to wrongful death claims may involve:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Dog mauling and animal attacks
- Slips and falls
- Defective products
Our wrongful death attorney in Lawrenceville, GA can investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death and explain if you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Georgia’s wrongful death law allows a spouse or children of the decedent to file this type of legal action for the death of their spouse or parent, respectively. If the victim died without a spouse or children, their surviving parent(s) can file this type of case. Finally, if the decedent died without a spouse, child, or parent, their estate has the right to file a wrongful death claim.
What Damages Can Families Recover in a Georgia Wrongful Death Case?
Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act allows family members to receive an award of compensation for the “full value” of the victim’s life. This is based on the victim’s perspective, not the surviving family member.
The full value of life can include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages have a direct financial impact, such as:
- The income the decedent would have earned had they lived
- Lost benefits
- The value of services the decedent would have performed
Noneconomic damages provide compensation for intangible losses, such as not being able to enjoy time with loved ones and lost quality of life. Juries are tasked with putting a number on these subjective losses and calculating fair compensation when they award money to a grieving family.
Timeline for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In most cases, the surviving family member(s) must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the death under Georgia’s statute of limitations. If this time limit runs out without taking legal action, the family can be barred from pursuing their claim later.
Contact Our Compassionate Lawrenceville Wrongful Death Lawyers
At Bridger Law Group, our wrongful death attorneys in Lawrenceville know that no amount of money can ever replace your loved one. Still, we will fight to honor your loved one’s legacy and protect you from the financial strain caused by someone else’s carelessness. Call attorney Gerardo Briceno at (404) 482-3330 today for a free case review to discuss your legal rights and options.
