Some serious accidents catastrophically result in an accident victim’s untimely death. When that occurs, the accident victim’s surviving family members have legal rights – one of which is to file a claim for wrongful death. Survivors may be eligible to file for wrongful death if their loved one died because of an intentional, reckless, negligent, or criminal act caused by someone else.
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s actions or inactions, a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta can explore your available options and assist you with taking action under the law.
Eligibility to File a Claim
Wrongful death claims in Atlanta are complicated matters, and not everyone is eligible to file such a claim. Eligible persons include:
- The decedent’s spouse (sometimes on behalf of the couple’s minor children)
- The decedent’s surviving parents (if the decedent was unmarried)
- The personal representative (PR) of the decedent’s estate
An Atlanta wrongful death attorney can determine whether, based upon your circumstances, you are in a position to pursue wrongful death damages.
Types of Wrongful Death Damages
Damages in a wrongful death claim are varied depending on the situation. Potential damages include compensation for medical and funeral expenses, as well as all of the pain and suffering the decedent experienced up until the time he or she passed away. Survivors can also pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity (i.e., based on what the decedent would have likely earned over the remainder of his or her lifetime) and lost love and companionship. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the extent of available damages in a wrongful death case.
Call an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Dealing with the death of a loved one is hard enough. When that death was preventable, it only makes the grieving process worse. If you are dealing with the death of a loved one in an accident, a compassionate lawyer at the office of Ben F. Windham, P.C. can review your legal rights with you. You should feel free to call us at 833.236.9467 or contact us online about your case today.
