Marietta
Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one to negligence is devastating in so many ways. Moreover, filing a claim after a fatal accident can be even more emotionally charged. The Marietta wrongful death lawyers at our personal injury law firm provide compassionate representation for surviving family members after a wrongful death.

If your loved one passed away due to someone else’s carelessness, we are here for you. Our legal team is committed to holding the responsible parties accountable for your profound loss. We have years of experience helping people through the most difficult times of their lives and will handle your case with the respect it deserves.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Experienced Representation Matters in Your Marietta Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death claims are complex, and the other party’s insurance company is not on your side. In addition, many families who have lost a loved one are unfamiliar with the legal process. Given the highly emotional nature of these cases, families need compassionate representation they can trust.

We understand that no financial compensation can make up for your loss. However, filing a claim or lawsuit can help you and your family move on by providing closure. In addition, any compensation you receive can be used to help ease the financial burdens caused by your loved one’s passing.

Unanswered questions can compound your grief after losing someone. A wrongful death lawyer in Marietta, GA, can thoroughly investigate and help answer any unresolved questions. Also, by holding the negligent party accountable, your claim may prevent a similar accident from happening in the future.

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death in Georgia?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidents are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people between one and 44 years of age. But what is considered a wrongful death?

A death caused by another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions constitutes wrongful death in Georgia. In other words, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another party’s unreasonable or unlawful conduct.

Examples of situations that may result in a wrongful death claim in Georgia include fatal car accidents caused by drunk drivers, medical malpractice that leads to a patient’s demise, criminal acts such as murder or manslaughter, workplace accidents caused by unsafe working conditions, and defective products that cause fatal injuries.

If you have lost a loved one and have questions about the qualifications of your claim, our skilled legal team will help you determine the best course of action.

The Key Elements in a Successful Wrongful Death Case

Every accident is unique, so factoring in multiple variables is important when establishing liability. However, in many cases, the responsible party is apparent, like in a drunk driving collision or a doctor operating under the influence of alcohol.

The following four factors must be met for an accident to qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit:

• Negligence: A death can only be considered wrongful if caused by reckless or careless behavior. When determining if a person acted unreasonably, the actions of others in similar situations are compared.
• Breach of duty: The term “breach of duty” refers to the responsibility of the defendant to keep the plaintiff (or their family member) safe from harm. For example, a grocery store has a duty of care to shoppers to keep them safe.
• Causation: After proving that the act was negligent and that a duty of care was violated, the plaintiff must establish that it caused their loved one’s death.
• Damages: Damages will revolve around the loss of the deceased family member and the resulting tangible and intangible costs.

For instance, suppose a shopper in a grocery aisle trips and falls over unattended boxes and other hazards left in the walkway and suffers fatal traumatic brain injuries.

In this example, leaving clutter in the walkway is a negligent act; there is a duty of care for the grocer to keep customers safe, and the grocer fails to uphold that duty when the shopper suffers fatal injuries.

Pursuing Damages After Losing a Family Member

Wrongful death actions are an important aspect of the justice system, deterring people from committing negligent acts. In addition, pursuing a claim or lawsuit allows certain family members and sometimes a personal representative to achieve justice on behalf of the deceased person.

Taking legal action can help:

• Prevent future accidents by bringing attention to the negligent act.
• Achieve closure to help with the grieving process.
• Get answers to lingering questions after a tragedy.

Consulting an experienced wrongful death attorney in Marietta, GA, is crucial in determining the recoverable damages for your claim. The most common damages in these cases involve:

• Burial expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of services
• Punitive damages

We understand that no amount of compensation can ease your pain after the sudden loss of a loved one. That said, the monetary damages recovered in an accident claim can aid with estate claims for medical bills and help you move forward after a tragic loss.

The Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia

After a loved one’s untimely death due to another party’s negligence or intentional act, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. However, knowing the time limit for filing such a claim in Georgia is crucial.

According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of your loved one’s passing. It is essential to note that if you fail to take legal action within this time frame, you may lose your right to take legal action and recover compensation for your damages.

There may be some exceptions to the two-year time limit, depending on the specific circumstances of your case, so it is always best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who handles wrongful death suits.

Contact a Marietta Wrongful Death Attorney for Help

If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s careless or intentional act, we can help. Known as the “Strong Arm” of John Foy & Associates, our founding personal injury attorney, John M. Foy, has built this firm around collaboration, support, and encouragement. Our wrongful death attorneys in Marietta will handle your claim with dignity.

Our dedicated legal team has a long history of transparent, ethical representation in Cobb County, and we are ready to put our skills to work for you. If you are looking for compassionate, personal attention and aggressive advocacy, contact our office to discuss the details of your case.