The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one is one of the most painful things that a person can experience in his or her lifetime. It is especially difficult when the death was caused by the negligence of another party. In most states in the U.S., surviving families have the right to seek compensation so they can recover some of their loss. In Georgia, however, only certain individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit when they’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or an intentional criminal act. The Atlanta wrongful death lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates can provide guidance to you about a potential claim if you have suffered the loss of a loved one.
When someone you love, care for, and depend on passes away due to the negligent conduct of another party, you can recover damages through a wrongful death claim. Most wrongful deaths occur in traffic accidents and a car accident lawyer in Atlanta will know exactly how to pursue this claim. This will help you recover your expenses for medical care and funeral costs as well as the income of the deceased. Of course, there is no amount of money that can replace your loved one. Yet, fair compensation for the financial and emotional losses can ease the financial burden and give you room to grieve. If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, call our offices today at (844)387-8677
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?
Nearly 170,000 deaths are caused every year in the United States by accidental injuries (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC). This is the fourth leading cause of death, with the most common fatal accidents being motor vehicle crashes, falls, impacts, poisoning, and drowning. Over 250,000 deaths are caused by medical errors (National Institutes of Health). The number of families that are left reeling after the death of a loved one every single year is staggering. Under Georgia statutes, only select family members are eligible to claim compensation in a wrongful death case.
Spouse and children
If the deceased was married, his or her spouse or children can file a wrongful death lawsuit. By law, the spouse is guaranteed one-third of the wrongful death recovery but will have to share other legal action winnings with the children.
Parents
If a minor was the victim of wrongful death, his or her parents can file a lawsuit and are entitled to all of the proceeds.
Georgia laws have set certain guidelines for determining who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in instances where the deceased was single, had no children, and was not survived by his or her parents. Our experienced Atlanta wrongful death lawyers will be able to determine the eligibility of an individual who wishes to take legal action.
Important Things to Consider When Hiring a Wrongful Death Attorney
As you mourn the loss of your loved one and weigh what actions should be taken next, there are several factors that should be considered in regard to the hiring of a wrongful death lawyer. This decision should not be made carelessly, as you will only get one opportunity to seek justice for your loved one. When deciding between attorneys, you should consider the following factors:
Experience
Wrongful death lawsuits can get quite complicated, which is why it is very important that only an experienced and knowledgeable Atlanta, Georgia wrongful death attorney is hired. The bereaved family’s attorney is responsible for representing them in court, making sure their rights are upheld, and examining evidence in order to build a solid case against the negligent party. Additionally, the attorney should be well versed in Georgia’s wrongful death laws.
Reputation
It is generally always in the best interests of the bereaved family to hire an Atlanta, Georgia wrongful death attorney who has already built a good reputation. It is always a smart choice to hire a lawyer who has a high success rate and is known to use ethical practices in winning his or her cases.
Fees
Most wrongful death attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not ask for upfront fees and will shoulder all the expenses involved in the lawsuit, which can only be reimbursed after they’ve won the case and the family has already received their compensation. While this type of payment agreement appears attractive, it is still important for bereaved families to check how much of the lawsuit’s proceeds will go to the lawyer. Typically though, wrongful death attorneys charge around 25% of the winnings.
Compassion and Trustworthiness
The last thing that a grieving family needs are to work with an attorney who can’t seem to empathize with what they are going through. It is important for them to choose someone who they trust and a lawyer who is compassionate about their plight. A good working relationship with the right attorney will make the whole process easier for all involved.
Wrongful Death Attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A. Law Firm
The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates have vast experience in handling and winning wrongful death lawsuits. They understand the difficulties and frustration that surviving family members feel after the sudden death of their loved one, which is why they make it a point to provide personalized service to their clients. They give timely updates and are always accessible in case their clients have questions and concerns.
Call us today at (844)387-8677 to set up a free consultation with the Atlanta wrongful death lawyers at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A.
