What Are the Most Common Wrongful Death Cases in Georgia?

John A. Mays, Jr. | | Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death Attorney Atlanta, GA

People die from various causes in Georgia. When the cause is someone’s negligence or wrongdoing, the deceased’s family is entitled to compensation. In order to obtain it, they have to file a wrongful death claim. Since Georgia wrongful death cases can be quite complex, they are better left to experienced attorneys.

Basic Rules Governing Georgia Wrongful Death Cases

Some of the most experienced lawyers live and work in Atlanta. As they may explain, obtaining wrongful death compensation takes showing that:

  • The defendant to the claim had a duty of care towards the deceased
  • The defendant neglected their duty or breached it intentionally
  • The defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing led to the demise or the injuries that caused death.

Under Georgia laws, the following parties can hire an Atlanta wrong death attorney and claim compensation:

  • Surviving spouses – When someone dies due to another person’s negligence, their spouse can seek compensation. If they did not have children, the surviving spouse is the only claimant. If there are children involved, the spouse will represent the interests of the children as well. They will then share the compensation they obtain.
  • The deceased’s children – When the deceased does not have a surviving spouse, their children can claim compensation. If there are several children, the best approach is for all of them to work together. They should hire an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer and let them take over.
  • The deceased’s parents – When the deceased has no children or spouse, their parents can seek compensation. Since grief overwhelms most parents, their best chance of obtaining compensation is to work with a lawyer.
  • The deceased’s estate executor or personal representative – They act on behalf of the deceased’s estate. They can be relatives of the deceased, friends, or third-parties. They need to be appointed by the deceased or the probate court.

The compensation claim process depends on how the wrongful death occurred. Most Atlanta wrongful death cases fit in one of the categories described below.

Common Cases an Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyer May Handle

  1. Traffic Accidents
    Every year, over 1,500 people lose their lives in traffic accidents. Most of these deaths occur due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. Common examples of negligence or wrongdoing are speeding, alcohol and drugs consumption, and distracted driving.
  2. Medical Malpractice
    In medical malpractice wrongful death cases, the negligence or wrongdoing usually comes from doctors or nurses. Other healthcare professionals and facilities may be responsible as well. Think of pharmacy errors, wrong treatment administration, hospital infections, or surgeries gone wrong.
  3. Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
    In theory, nursing homes should provide the care and comfort elders need. In practice, employees often abuse or neglect patients, unwillingly causing their death. When it happens, an experienced Atlanta wrong death attorney can hold them responsible.
  4. Work Accidents
    Employers who disregard workplace safety regulations should answer for their employees’ wrongful death. So should co-workers who act negligently and do not follow the regulations in force. Common examples of workplace accidents are electrocutions and equipment-related injuries.
  5. Defective Product Liability
    Not all the products available on the market are safe. When they malfunction and cause the death of a person, their manufacturer should answer. So should the party in charge of repairs and maintenance, if the circumstances dictate.

If you lost someone dear due to another person’s negligence, you probably don’t care about money. However, the person or institution responsible should pay and learn their lesson. You owe it to your loved one and others who could share their fate to make sure that happens.

An Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can help. They can assess your case and tell you how much your claim is worth. They can also advise you on the best course of action. If you allow them, they can take over all formalities and just bring you the money you deserve. If you do not need it, you can invest it in a noble cause and cherish your loved one’s memory.

Consult an Atlanta Wrong Death Attorney Now!

No matter how your loved one’s death occurred, we can help you make sure it wasn’t in vain. You and your family deserve compensation for your loss, and we can obtain it for you. If you are not sure of your rights or whether you have a case, schedule a free case review.

At Cain Injury Law, we have handled hundreds of wrongful death cases. We can review yours for free. All you have to do is call (678) 377-2246 or use the contact form and send us your case details. Our Atlanta wrongful death lawyer will guide your steps from there on.