Wrongful Death
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim may arise when someone loses their life because of another person's or company's negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct. While no amount of compensation can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help families seek justice and recover damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional and practical impact of their loss. These cases often involve fatal car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, dangerous property conditions, defective products, and other preventable tragedies. At Derek Hays Injury Law, we provide compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing the accountability and compensation your family deserves.
Who Can Legally Pursue a Claim?
In Georgia, the right to file a wrongful death claim is determined by state law. In most cases, the surviving spouse has the first right to bring a claim, followed by the deceased's children or parents if there is no surviving spouse. In some situations, the personal representative of the estate may also pursue certain claims on behalf of the estate. Because these cases can involve complex legal issues, it is important to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Derek Hays Injury Law can explain your rights, determine who is legally entitled to file a claim, and guide your family through every step of the process.
Types of Compensation Available
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden left behind. Depending on the circumstances, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the full value of the deceased person's life, including lost income and benefits, funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses related to the final injury or illness, and the loss of care, companionship, and support. At Derek Hays Injury Law, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your family's loss to pursue the maximum compensation available under Georgia law.
Steps to Prepare for an Attorney Consultation
If you have documents related to your loved one's death, such as the death certificate, medical records, accident or police reports, insurance information, photographs, or correspondence with insurance companies, bring them with you to your consultation. If possible, prepare a timeline of events and make a list of any questions you have about the legal process. Don't worry if you don't have every document. Derek Hays Injury Law can help obtain additional records and evidence needed to evaluate your claim. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible while providing your family with compassionate guidance during this difficult time.