Have you recently lost a spouse, a child, or any other loved one? Do you suspect that it was due to someone else’s negligence? Well, you might be qualified to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If so, you need to work with an experienced Columbus wrongful death lawyer. Bethune Law Firm is the best choice when it comes to wrongful death cases in Columbus Georgia. Call our personal injury attorneys now at 4048757800 and we can make sure you receive the rightful compensation resulting from the death of a loved one.
When Can You File A Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death happens when the actions of a business or individual result in the unnatural death of someone you love. Some of the known causes of wrongful death in Georgia include the following.
- Drunk driving
- Medical malpractice
- Negligent or careless conduct
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Engineering malpractice
- Dangerous medical devices
- Defective products
- Contaminated food
- Unsafe prescription drugs
- Faulty construction
- Intentional homicide
- Unlawful acts
- Illegal sale of alcohol
If your loved one has passed one because of any of these cases, you can file a wrongful death suit. At Bethune Law Firm, we have the most competent wrongful death lawyers to handle your case. Call us now to get a free initial consultation for your case.
Who Is Qualified To File A Wrongful Death Suit In Columbus, Georgia?
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death suit in Georgia is within two years after the date of death of the deceased. After two years, you can’t file a claim and you will not receive compensation. Not everyone who is related or knows the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. You can only file the claim if you fall under the following categories.
- If you are a legal spouse to the deceased as recognized by the law in the state of Georgia.
- If the deceased wasn’t married but had children, they can file the claim.
- If there is no spouse or children, the parents of the deceased can file the claim.
- If there is no spouse, children, or living parents of the deceased, the executor of the deceased’s estate can file the claim.
Other relatives such as uncles, aunts, siblings, or grandparents have no right to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. Note that, if the deceased has a spouse without children, the spouse will receive 100% of the compensation amount. If there is a spouse and children, the spouse should only receive a third of the compensation amount and the rest of the money would be shared equally among the children.
If the wrongful death suit pertains to a child, parents can file the claim for compensation. The living parents will receive an equal share of the compensation amount. If both parents are deceased, the compensation amount will go to the executor of the deceased child’s estate.
Consulting with the best Columbus, GA wrongful death attorneys at Bethune Law Firm is prudent so you can identify the right ratio for sharing the compensation amount. Call us now and get the help you need to handle the compensation amount received after a wrongful death suit.
Types Of Recoverable Damages In A Wrongful Death Claim In Columbus, GA
In Columbus, GA, any wrongful death claim can be awarded the following damages.
The Full Value Of Life Of The Deceased
The court will determine the full value of the life of the deceased. The amount will be subjective and the court determines a fair value. If the deceased was a full working adult, the court will award economic benefits such as lost salary and wages, pension or other benefits. The court will also assign a value if the deceased was a child or unemployed.
Under this precedent, the court will also assign non-economic damages for the pain and suffering resulting from the death of your loved one. The court will assign a value for emotional turmoil, pain and suffering among other intangible issues.
Medical And Funeral Expenses
If the deceased had to be treated before death, there should be a list of medical expenses to be paid. On the other hand, after the death of the deceased, you should keep a list of the funeral expenses. The court should be able to award damages to the next of kin when for these expenses.
If you want to receive a fair amount of compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one, call us now at Bethune Law Firm and we will get started on your case immediately.
Can The Surviving Family Members File For Punitive Damages?
If you are qualified to file a wrongful death claim for your loved one, you can file for punitive damages. Here, the court will award punitive damages to punish the defendant for the actions leading to the death of your loved one. With our help, we can file a claim for punitive damages on your behalf! Call the best Columbus, GA wrongful death lawyers at Bethune Law Firm so we can start working on your case immediately.
How To Prove Negligence In A Wrongful Death Case In Columbus Georgia
After hiring us for your deceased loved one’s wrongful death case in Columbus, GA, we can prove negligence in the following ways.
- First, we need to prove that the defendant owed your loved one a duty of care.
- Secondly, we need to come up with ways to prove that the defendant breached the duty of care to your loved one.
- Third, we need to prove that as a result of breaching the duty of care, the actions of the defendant resulted directly in the death of your loved one.
- Finally, we need to prove that the death of your loved one wasn’t caused by anything else besides the breach of the duty of care.
Contact Our Columbus Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
Wrongful death suits can be quite complicated. However, if you call our Columbus, GA wrongful death attorneys, we can help. We will find the person or entity responsible for the death of your loved one and make sure you receive the rightful compensation for it. Call us now to get the legal help you need for a wrongful death case in Columbus, GA.
