The death of a loved one can prove to be one of the most difficult things you deal with in your entire life. These tragedies can be compounded if a death was accidental, premature, or could have been prevented.
If you lost a family member or loved one in a preventable manner, you could have grounds to file a wrongful death claim. Your family could even be eligible for compensation. Speaking with a Union City personal injury lawyer can help you better understand your options.
Common Wrongful Death Cases
You can file a wrongful death case for several reasons. In general, any time an individual loses their life in a potentially preventable manner, it could be considered a wrongful death. While the circumstances surrounding wrongful death cases vary, common claims could be based on the following types of accidents:
- Motor vehicle accidents caused by a third party
- Slip and fall accidents that could have been prevented if premises were kept safe
- Medication administration errors
- Poor care in a nursing home or healthcare facility, surgical errors, and other forms of medical malpractice
- Accidents occurring during recreational activities like boating, hunting, swimming, and more
- Defective products that put the consumer at risk of serious injury or death
- Violent crimes or other forms of intentional harm to an individual
O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2 allows a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a deceased love one to take legal action on that person’s behalf. Understanding the contributing factors behind an accident can help you figure out if someone else may have been responsible in some way.
Negligence
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 200,000 fatalities due to unintentional injuries in 2020 alone. Many of these tragedies could have been stopped if someone appropriately intervened.
Proving third-party liability in wrongful death cases can be a difference-maker in your case. There are a number of ways others may have purposefully or unintentionally caused the loss of your loved one.
One possible contributing factor is negligence. Negligence is a general term that describes a wide range of behaviors. Put simply, any action or inaction that is outside an acceptable and expected standard of safety could be considered negligence. Examples of negligent behavior include:
- Driving recklessly, under the influence of substances, breaking traffic laws, driving while distracted, or any other form of dangerous behavior on the road that endangers others
- A medical provider failing to give care to the standards of their license
- Caregivers in nursing homes or assisted living facilities failing to adequately take care of a resident in a way that endangers their well being
- The owner of a property neglecting structural damage, failing to remove snow or other slippery substances, or any other lack of safety measures
- An employer that does not prioritize the safety of their staff potentially puts them in precarious situations that can lead to devastating accidents
- Much more
If you feel like negligence was a factor in the loss of your loved one, or if a third party contributed in any other way, you very well could have a case. A Union City wrongful death lawyer will be able to help you better understand the legal options available for you and your family moving forward.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Union City, call 404-214-2001
Life After Your Loss
Life after the loss of someone close is bound to be among the most difficult periods of your life. Nothing can bring back the past, but there are ways to pursue justice moving forward. Taking legal action is a common way family members of victims can find peace in accountability.
Filing a legal claim does not necessarily mean you will receive compensation, but if your case is successful your family could be eligible. Holding responsible parties accountable for their actions, or inactions, can also bring you a much-needed sense of closure following your loss.
Compensation for Loved Ones
If your wrongful death claim is successful, there are different ways in which compensation could be paid. Compensation is generally allocated in a lump-sum payment, or in smaller amounts paid on a predetermined schedule. Sometimes taking smaller payments over time amounts to more than a single lump-sum, but there are benefits and disadvantages to each method.
If you find yourself in the position of receiving compensation, a financial professional can help you figure out which options best fit your lifestyle.
Union City Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Consider Legal Representation
Hiring a lawyer to help you file your wrongful death claim could make sense. There are many ways in which a lawyer could strengthen your claim and make life easier for you and your loved ones. The following are among the benefits of legal representation:
- Help you determine if a third party may have been liable and if you have a valid case
- Assist with legal paperwork and filing deadlines which can save you time and stress
- Available to answer your questions about wrongful death claims
- Able to provide guidance on potential compensation so you can plan for life after loss
- Help you file your claim within the statute of limitations, so you do not miss out on your chance for justice
The Statute of Limitations
Filing a wrongful death claim can be complicated, and additionally, you have a limited amount of time to submit your claim. Understanding the statute of limitations, or the amount of time you have to act is crucial to the success of your case. Georgia’s statute of limitations, O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, gives you two years to submit a wrongful death claim.
If you are ready to take action, a Union City wrongful death lawyer can help you get started on your claim so that you can take comfort in knowing you filed on time.
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Contact Kaine Law Today
It is unfair that you and your loved ones are suffering because of a preventable loss of life. Kaine Law is available to help you understand your options today. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
