Georgia Wrongful Death Explained

The legal term used to describe a death that occurred because of the wrongdoing or negligence of another person or party is “wrongful death.” In a wrongful death case, the defendant may be a single person whose actions caused the death, a company that designed or manufactured a defective product, or an establishment such as a retail store or hospital whose negligence caused resulted in death.

In a wrongful death case, the victim’s family may be eligible to recover damages for their loss. While dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help many people feel a sense of resolution. The family will receive compensation for the financial expenses involved with losing a loved one, and the responsible parties will be brought to justice for their part in the wrongful death.

Depending on the family member’s relation to the victim and the circumstances involved in the case, certain damages may be awarded in a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, a spouse may receive damages for the loss of companionship, loss of contributed income, and mental anguish. A dependant may be eligible for loss of affection, loss of support, loss of inheritance, and mental anguish. The family of the victim may also recover damages for financial losses, such as medical bills and funeral expenses.

Wrongful death lawsuits can be quite complicated, and hiring an experienced attorney is crucial. A wrongful death attorney will carefully examine the circumstances of your loved one’s death to uncover evidence that is helpful to your case. In a civil case, the plaintiff must prove that it is more likely than not that the defendant’s misconduct led to the wrongful death. The plaintiff must also prove that the defendant could reasonably that his or her actions carried the risk of injury or death to another person.

A wrongful death attorney also needs more than experience and knowledge of the law. A good attorney knows that this is a difficult time for the victim’s family, and will remain sensitive to the client's needs. At Head, Thomas, Webb and Willis, we provide compassionate legal representation in wrongful death cases. Our attorneys have 150 collective years of helping clients recover damages for their loss.

To speak with an experienced attorney regarding your wrongful death claim, please contact our firm today.