Tragic accidents can result in the sudden loss of a loved one. After losing a family member in Stonecrest, you might not know where to turn. If someone else’s actions caused the loved one’s injuries or death, a Stonecrest wrongful death lawyer will handle the legal details.
Of course, money cannot bring back the loss of a loved one or undo what occurred. But at John Foy & Associates, we find a legal case is helpful for the survivors. Fatal accidents can leave loved ones with costly damages and a lack of closure.
Our attorneys help you seek compensation on behalf of your deceased loved one. A wrongful death claim can help you recover costs as you begin to move forward. You can learn more during a FREE consultation, and we do not charge a thing unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
How Wrongful Death Claims Work
Wrongful death claims are common after someone dies in an accident. If someone else’s actions led to a death, your family might have rights.
Wrongful death claims seek compensation after incidents like:
- Car accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Slip and fall cases
- Medical malpractice deaths
- Nursing home accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective product injuries
Get the strong arm
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim
Only certain people can bring a wrongful death claim in Georgia. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-4-2, the following people (in order) can bring a wrongful death suit:
- A surviving spouse can bring a claim on behalf of their deceased spouse.
- If there is no surviving spouse, a surviving child or children can bring a claim. A spouse can bring a lawsuit on behalf of minor children.
- If there are no surviving spouses or children, the surviving parents can bring a claim.
- A representative of the deceased’s estate can also bring a claim.
Knowing who can file a wrongful death case can be confusing. If you’re unsure of your rights, contact a Stonecrest wrongful death lawyer. Your lawyer can determine who has a case and what a claim can do for your family.
John Foy & Associates will discuss the details with your family today. To learn more, call us at (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation. You can also complete one of our online contact forms.
Challenges of Wrongful Death Cases
Juries and judges look at several factors when valuing a wrongful death case. That includes looking at what the loved one would have earned if they’d lived. The process can involve a lot of estimations or guessing.
It can be challenging to know the worth of a wrongful death claim. Your lawyer will consider many details while building your case. They’ll make sure you know what you deserve and whether you should take your case to trial.
Wrongful Death Damages to Claim
Wrongful death cases are different than other personal injury claims. It’s about much more than recovering money after an injury. The families of deceased loved ones are looking for justice and closure.
A wrongful death case focuses on the money. However, the goal is to bring more peace to the surviving family, too. That’s why our attorneys will consider each damage you have after the accident.
Wrongful death claims seek compensation for:
- Medical bills from the deceased’s last injuries or illness
- Lost wages and benefits the loved one would have earned
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before they died
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
If the accident involved malicious behavior, you might also have punitive damages. These damages are about punishing the wrongdoer and preventing future harm. Talk to a wrongful death lawyer about all of the damages your claim might include.
How to Find a Good Wrongful Death Lawyer in Stonecrest
If a loved one has died from someone else’s negligence, you might have a wrongful death claim. However, the details can be confusing and complicated. It will benefit your family to work with a wrongful death lawyer.
Even a consultation with a lawyer can tell you a lot about your rights. But make sure you work with an attorney who has the right experience. Having a lawyer on your side drastically increases your chance of fair compensation.
Look for a law firm that has:
- Hands-on experienced winning families money in wrongful death claims
- A successful track record on cases like yours
- Proof of wrongful death settlements on cases like yours
- Interest and compassion for you and your family’s situation
You should also feel comfortable talking to your lawyer. Schedule a free consultation to get to know them more. You can ask questions and make sure it’s a good fit for both sides.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injured people and their families for over 20 years. As the “Strong Arm,” we are not afraid to fight for our clients’ rights. We’re happy to provide examples of cases we have handled after a wrongful death.
The Timeline for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Wrongful death cases can take anywhere from a few months to years. It all depends on the loved one’s accident, your damages, and the insurance company.
You can usually file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Most of the time, your family can settle with the insurer. But if the insurer won’t pay, you might need to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit will increase the timeline, but it can leave you with more if you win.
In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of death to file a claim. If you wait too long, you could miss any chance of compensation. Contact a lawyer today to make sure you stay on track.
Talk to a Stonecrest Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your family lost a loved one in a severe accident, you have legal rights. You don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At John Foy & Associates, we treat each case with the compassion and attention it deserves. Every case we take on is personal for us.
Contact us today to go over your options. We’ll listen carefully to your situation and discuss a financial solution. While you focus on being with family, we’ll handle the legal side of things.
Contact the “Strong Arm” today for the help you deserve. Get a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form