Wrongful Death Claims for Catastrophic Accidents in Georgia
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, especially when his or her death was preventable. At Hanson Fuller Lina, we help Georgia families pursue justice and financial recovery after wrongful deaths caused by the negligence of others. Our team provides compassionate guidance while aggressively holding negligent parties accountable.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Georgia
A wrongful death claim is filed when a person dies due to another’s negligence or intentional actions. Georgia law allows surviving family members to seek wrongful death compensation for “the full value of the life of the decedent, as shown by the evidence.” In Georgia, unlike most states, damages for wrongful death claims are measured from the perspective of the deceased person.
In determining the “full value of the life of the decedent,” juries consider factors such as:
- Age of the decedent
- The health and life expectancy of the decedent
- Relationships with family and friends
- Lost income and earning opportunities
- Hobbies and recreational activities
- The deceased person’s overall enjoyment of life.
In every wrongful death case, the attorneys at Hanson Fuller Lina are passionate about talking to family members, friends, co-workers and acquaintances of your loved one. We pride ourselves in painting a full picture of every deceased individual’s “value of life.”
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Georgia, the deceased individual’s “next-of-kin” typically has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This generally includes the decedent’s spouse, children, parents and/or siblings, depending on the decedent’s family situation at the time of passing.
At Hanson Fuller Lina, we help families understand their rights and guide them through the legal process with sensitivity and clarity.
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
We approach every case with a combination of careful investigation, strategic legal planning, and compassionate guidance:
– Interviewing witnesses
– Accident reconstruction when needed
– Pursuing litigation if necessary
– Maximizing compensation for families
– Providing emotional support during a difficult time
– Coordinating with experts, investigators, and other professionals
Our goal is to ensure families are not only supported but also empowered to pursue justice.
Our wrongful death cases are part of our broader practice in catastrophic and severe personal injury, where we represent clients in a wide variety of serious accident cases.
Types of Catastrophic Accidents We Handle
Vehicle Accidents:
Fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or pedestrians can be caused by negligent driving, distracted driving, or reckless behavior. We investigate every detail to hold at-fault parties accountable.
Workplace Accidents:
Construction, industrial, and factory accidents can be deadly. We represent families when employers, contractors, or manufacturers fail to provide safe working conditions.
Product Liability:
Defective products or machinery can cause catastrophic injuries. We work with engineers and product experts to establish liability and secure compensation.
Premises Liability:
Unsafe property conditions, from code violations to slip-and-fall hazards to poorly maintained buildings, can result in fatal injuries. Property owners and managers owe a legal duty to visitors to maintain a reasonably safe premises, and they should be held responsible when their negligence results in injuries to others.
Common Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
Georgia law generally requires filing within two years of the death. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule, which may reduce damages if the deceased shares some responsibility, but families can often still recover compensation for the negligence of others.
While many cases are settled through negotiation, we prepare every case to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Meet our Successful Team
Why Choose Hanson Fuller Lina
- Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorneys: Decades of combined experience handling wrongful death and personal injury claims.
- Georgia-Specific Expertise: Knowledge of state laws, courts, and procedures.
- Proven Track Record: Substantial verdicts and settlements for families who have lost loved ones.
- Client-Centered Approach: Compassionate guidance through an emotional and challenging process.
- No Fee Unless You Win: We operate on a contingency basis to ensure access to justice.
Our track record speaks for itself.
Seeking Justice for Your Loved One
At Hanson Fuller Lina, we understand that no amount of compensation can replace a loved one. But pursuing a wrongful death claim and damages on behalf of your loved one’s estate, can hold negligent parties accountable and provide your family with financial support to move forward.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves.
