No one is prepared for losing a loved one, especially during an accident someone else caused. If a family member recently lost their life in Valdosta, nothing can undo what has happened. However, your family also shouldn’t have to bear the costs of another person’s carelessness.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here for you after the wrongful death of a loved one. Our team has been helping victims and their families for over 20 years. We treat each case with compassion, understanding, and a focus on your needs.
Learn more about your legal options during a free, no-risk consultation. We don’t collect a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
After the death of a loved one, it can be impossible to know where to turn. It’s a time of uncertainty, heartbreak, and frustration. Working with a lawyer can make all the difference as your family focuses on mourning your loss.
For our team, every case is personal. We treat each client and their family with respect and compassion. Our number one priority is seeking compensation for the wrongful death that occurred. While money can never undo what’s happened, it can help loved ones recover costs and start the healing process.
We’ll stop at nothing to fight for your rights. Our process often involves steps like:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly
- Determining who is responsible for your loved one’s death and damages
- Working with expert witnesses to support your case
- Building a strong wrongful death claim
- Assessing and calculating your total damages
Wrongful death cases arise when someone is killed due to another’s negligence. In legal terms, negligence is another word for carelessness. The victim’s death must result from another person’s or party’s negligence.
Families often bring wrongful death claims amidst emotional turmoil and trauma. It’s difficult to think straight, let alone think about a legal case. Our lawyers will handle everything while your loved ones focus on mourning and healing.
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Parties Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim
Only certain people can bring a wrongful death claim after a loved one passes. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-4-2, the following (in order) can bring a claim.
Surviving Spouse
The first person who can bring a wrongful death claim is the deceased loved one’s spouse. If the deceased and spouse had minor children, the spouse must also represent the children.
According to the law, the spouse cannot receive less than ⅓ of the full recovery.
Surviving Children
If there is no surviving spouse, any surviving children can bring a claim.
Surviving Parents
If there are no surviving spouses or children, surviving parents can bring a claim.
Estate Representative
Sometimes, there are no surviving family members after a wrongful death accident. If so, a representative for the deceased’s estate can bring a claim. Any damages the case wins will stay in the estate. The person’s next of kin can then receive the compensation.
Recoverable Wrongful Death Damages
If someone else’s negligence leads to a death, that person is liable for the costs. There are many damages that a loved one’s family can seek on behalf of the deceased.
Common wrongful death damages include:
- Medical bills from the loved one’s last treatment
- Pain and suffering the loved one experienced before they died
- Lost wages and benefits the loved one would have earned if they’d lived
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages are also available for some personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be an option if the at-fault party was malicious or had a blatant disregard for the victim’s safety.
Punitive damages are usually not available for wrongful death claims. However, there can be exceptions. Our lawyers can evaluate the damages you’re entitled to claim.
Get Legal Help After a Wrongful Death Accident
After the loss of a loved one, everything can feel overwhelming. You might not know where to turn first to recover for what’s been lost. It’s also normal to wonder if you really need help from a lawyer.
Working with an attorney after a wrongful death is usually the best option. Most family members don’t have legal experience in handling a wrongful death claim. The details can be complicated, and it can be challenging to know what’s available.
Our legal team at John Foy & Associates knows what to do. We’ll navigate the legal system while your family mourns and heals. We can protect your rights to ensure you recover what’s fair.
Causes of Wrongful Death
A wrongful death claim can arise from many different situations. In any condition, the death must result from someone else’s negligence. The responsible party or their insurance company is liable for covering the costs of the death.
A family member or representative might bring a wrongful death claim after:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice cases
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle or motorcycle accidents
If a loved one was killed, don’t wait to get help. Our lawyers can evaluate your case and determine your family’s options. We know what it takes to build strong claims and fight for compensation.
Money from a wrongful death claim can make a massive difference for surviving loved ones. Although money cannot reverse an accident, it can help families begin to rebuild.
Call Our Valdosta Wrongful Death Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Our team at John Foy & Associates is here for you and your family. We have been helping with wrongful death claims for over 20 years. Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case, so there’s no risk to get started.
Contact us today to get a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and get to know you. From there, we can determine your options and discuss the best steps for you. If you have a wrongful death claim, our lawyers are ready to help you seek compensation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. Get your free consultation today.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form