Losing a close family member is often one of the most painful experiences you will ever face. This loss can be especially difficult if it results from an act of negligence. It can be difficult to come to terms with the loss of a close family member due to an avoidable accident. In these situations, a wrongful death lawsuit might bring a measure of justice against the negligent party.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil case that is filed against a negligent party after a fatal accident. It provides the loved ones of the deceased party with financial support. If you lost someone due to negligence in Buford, our wrongful death accident lawyers from Kaine Law can help you navigate the legal process. While you grieve with your family, our Buford personal injury lawyers can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
What Compensation Could Be Available in a Buford Wrongful Death Case?
There are different categories of compensation that could be available in a successful wrongful death lawsuit. First, this compensation could provide the estate with a monetary award that covers the decedent’s final expenses.
A responsible party may also have to compensate the surviving relatives for the sudden loss of their loved one and the affect that has on their household.
Damages for the Estate
The damages that are intended for the estate are typically designed to recoup financial losses caused by the decedent’s passing. These damages could pay for the medical bills accrued by the decedent prior to their death. In some cases, it could take days, weeks, or months for an injury victim to pass away.
Damages could be available based on the medical bills accrued between their injury and their passing. The estate could also be entitled to any other expenses related to the decedent’s passing, such as funeral and burial costs.
Damages for the Family
Compensation could also be available for the decedent’s surviving relatives. Their heirs could be entitled to an array of damages based on “the full value of the life of the decedent.” While it is impossible to value a person’s life, it could be possible to measure the financial impact that the death of the decedent brought.
These financial damages could provide for any lost wages or benefits that the decedent would have likely earned had they survived.
Damages for the surviving relatives are not limited to financial losses. The emotional trauma that comes with an unexpected death could also result in compensation. A surviving family member might be entitled to damages based on the loss of counsel or companionship from their loved one.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Buford, call 404-214-2001
What Is the Deadline to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
There is a legal deadline that applies to any civil lawsuit you file in Buford. In order to successfully secure compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit, you must be sure your case is filed before this deadline expires. The deadline is more commonly referred to as the “statute of limitations.”
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations requires that you file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the decedent’s passing. Should you not file your lawsuit on time, your chances of success are slim. In most cases, the court will dismiss your case with prejudice.
It is important to consult with our firm regarding the statute of limitations early in the process. There are some situations that could lead to the statute being paused. However, these exceptions are rare. Our Buford wrongful death accident lawyer could advise you on how much time you have to file your lawsuit and ensure you move forward before it is too late.
Buford Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
How Is a Wrongful Death Case Different From a Criminal Prosecution?
It is easy to confuse a wrongful death lawsuit with a criminal prosecution. After all, criminal charges are common when one person dies due to the actions of another. That said, there are important differences between each type of case that you should know.
A criminal charge following the death of your loved one could have serious consequences for the responsible party. Depending on how the death occurred, such as in a fatal car accident, they could face a lengthy term of incarceration and steep fines. The state has the final say on when a criminal charge is appropriate following a death.
Unlike criminal charges, you have complete control over whether or not to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases are civil lawsuits, so incarceration is not at stake. Instead, a successful wrongful death lawsuit will result in financial compensation.
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Learn More About Wrongful Death Cases During a Free Consultation
It is understandable if you have questions about how a wrongful death case works. Most people will go their entire lives without facing the prospect of losing a family member due to an act of negligence. The law surrounding these cases can be confusing, and you deserve guidance during this difficult time.
Our firm is prepared to provide you with the answers you need. We offer free consultations for every wrongful death case. This free consultation could provide you with valuable insight into your case. From learning about what your case might be worth to discussing the process of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, your initial consultation is the best chance you’ll have to learn more about your options.
You are never under any obligation to hire our firm following a free consultation. While you are free to pursue your case elsewhere, we are confident you will see our comprehensive approach to these cases could be the best option for protecting your rights in a wrongful death case.
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You Can Afford to Hire Our Wrongful Death Attorneys Serving Buford
The last thing we want to do is add more stress to your plate right now. You are probably already dealing with accident-related losses, so you shouldn’t have to risk further loss to pursue justice from a responsible party. That’s why we take wrongful death cases on contingency. Instead of charging upfront fees, we take a percentage of your award if we win your case.
Work With Our Buford Wrongful Death Team and Seek the Compensation You Deserve
If you are dealing with the unexpected loss of a family member, you deserve to mourn properly and not worry about the details of a civil lawsuit. When you work with our firm, you can focus on family while benefiting from the peace of mind that an attorney from our firm provides.
The attorneys of Kaine Law are prepared to help you pursue justice for your lost loved one. If you are ready to discuss your options, we are only a phone call away. Reach out right away for a free consultation with a team member. Also, check out our client testimonials to see why clients recommend us. Call us or complete a free case evaluation form.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form