Legal Support When Tragedy Strikes Your Family

Last updated on June 17, 2024

Of all the categories of personal injury law, wrongful death claims are the most emotionally charged and legally complicated. The sudden loss of a loved one, particularly a primary wage earner, brings grief and hardship. With that, uncertainty sets in when it comes to the future for a now-grieving family.

With over 25 years of experience in wrongful death claims, our wrongful death attorney Peter Meyer takes on all aspects of these types of cases, allowing our clients in Macon and Savannah to grieve and cope with the fallout that occurs following a tragic loss. We work to pursue justice while maximizing the compensation that you are entitled to. While no amount of money can bring back the family member, that won’t stop us from taking on the responsible parties.

Eligibility For Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

In Georgia, the following parties are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit: the surviving spouse, children of the deceased, parents of the deceased or a personal representative of the deceased’s estate.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Georgia laws list specific eligibility for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Loved ones eligible for compensation include the surviving spouse, children and parents. Damages can include medical costs, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and the full value of a person’s life including lifetime lost earnings.

We treat you with compassion as we work to hold negligent parties accountable. We work to identify negligence, carelessness or an intentional act that caused the death of your loved one, with specific instances including neglect, defective products or medical malpractice.

Time is of the essence in filing a wrongful death claim. While legal steps must occur two years from the tragic day that a loved one died, a delay in filing a lawsuit is not in a family’s best interests. Simply put, the sooner a case can commence, the sooner families can move on.

Factors That Influence Wrongful Death Cases

Several factors can influence the outcome of a wrongful death claim. These circumstances include:

• The specific cause of death (negligence, intentional act, product defect, medical malpractice, etc.)
• The parties involved in the incident
• The financial situation of the deceased and their surviving family members
• The relevant laws and statutes governing wrongful death cases in Georgia

Evaluating these various circumstances is crucial to building a strong wrongful death claim and maximizing the potential compensation.

Can You Pursue Punitive Damages After A Wrongful Death?

In some wrongful death cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or intentional misconduct. However, the criteria for awarding punitive damages vary and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuing Wrongful Death Claims? Let’s Discuss Your Case.

We know that nothing can replace the loss that occurred; however, financial compensation can make life a bit easier for those struggling both personally and financially. Contact our Macon office at 478-750-0709 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.