What Steps Should Families Take After a Fatal Work Accident?

Families should obtain a death certificate, gather evidence if possible, and reach out to a lawyer after a deadly workplace accident in Georgia. An Atlanta wrongful death workers’ compensation lawyer can provide compassionate legal assistance to families after this type of tragedy. 

A lawyer can review your situation and help you understand if you qualify for a wrongful death claim. Attorneys also handle all legal matters, giving you more time to focus on your family’s emotional needs. 

You can learn more about what steps families should take after a fatal work accident by getting professional legal help today.

Families Should Get a Death Certificate After a Fatal Workplace Accident

Obtaining a death certificate is one of the first things families need to do after a fatal work accident. Your family needs to complete Form 3912 and submit it to the Georgia Department of Public Health to obtain this certificate. 

You cannot take other legal action until you have this official certificate. 

Families Can Gather Evidence in Some Cases

In some situations, you may have a chance to collect evidence after the loss of a loved one. For example, you may collect documents that relate to the accident, including:

• Police reports
• Medical records for your loved one 
• Contact information for eyewitnesses 

However, it can prove challenging to collect evidence on your own, especially when dealing with the emotional strain of losing a loved one. Fortunately, an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can handle this process for you. 

Families Should Hire a Lawyer After a Fatal Workplace Accident

The professionals strongly recommend that families seek assistance from a wrongful death attorney after a deadly workplace incident. An attorney can take charge and assist with all of your legal needs after the loss of a loved one. 

You can rely on your lawyer to:

Answer Your Family’s Questions

Your lawyer can carefully listen to your concerns, assess your situation, and provide clear, straightforward answers to any legal questions you have. In addition to explaining what steps families should take after a fatal work accident, a lawyer can:

• Determine if your family qualifies to file a legal claim
• Explain the process of filing a wrongful death claim
• Discuss the damages you could receive 

You can learn more about the specifics of your situation with an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer. 

Help File a Workers’ Comp Claim

The workers’ comp system in Georgia can provide benefits to families after a fatal accident. An attorney can help your family fill out the appropriate paperwork, include evidence, and file the claim. 

Successfully filing a claim after a fatal workplace accident can provide your family with funds to cover burial and funeral expenses. Your family may also receive funds to cover the compensation your loved one would have provided. 

Discuss Other Legal Options

In most cases, you must go through the workers’ compensation system to secure benefits after a deadly workplace accident. However, your family may qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit in some cases. 

Generally, you can only file a wrongful death lawsuit if a third party causes the fatal accident because Georgia will not allow you to sue an employer in most situations. 

Keep You Informed About Time Limits

Your family has a limited amount of time to file a workers’ comp claim after the loss of a loved one. An attorney can provide specific information about time limits for your claim and promptly begin the legal process.

You can also rely on a lawyer to take all possible steps to expedite the legal process, potentially reducing the time your family has to wait to receive benefits. 

Lawyers Can Build Your Family’s Legal Claim

You can rely on a wrongful death attorney to build a claim for your family after a fatal accident at work. Your lawyer may need to quickly begin an investigation to collect evidence. For example, an attorney may need to:

• Visit the job site where the fatal accident occurred 
• Speak to eyewitnesses, including your loved one’s coworkers
• Gather photos or video surveillance showing the accident
• Collect copies of all accident reports

A thorough investigation can allow your lawyer to demonstrate that the fatal accident occurred at work. The investigation may also help your attorney determine if a third party caused the deadly accident, potentially expanding your family’s legal options. 

You can reach out to a lawyer now for help with all legal matters. Filing the appropriate claims can help your family get benefits and a sense of closure by holding the liable party responsible for their actions. 

Talk to Us After a Workplace Death in Atlanta, GA

So, what steps should families take after a fatal work accident? Families should secure a death certificate, collect evidence when possible, and reach out to a lawyer for compassionate help and legal support. 

Our team at John Foy & Associates can assist you after a fatal accident. We proudly serve as the Strong Arm for clients who turn to us for help. We can discuss your situation when you contact us today.