If a family member dies due to someone else’s negligence in Savannah, GA, you may be able to sue for damages. It pays to hire an attorney to find out if this is an option. When you have an experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at your side, you can get the compensation you deserve following your family member’s death.
At Rafi Law Firm, we understand what can happen in a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Savannah wrongful death attorney helps you navigate the legal process and avoid challenges. For more information, please get in touch with us.
What’s considered a wrongful death?
A wrongful death occurs as a result of someone else’s misconduct or negligence.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
The surviving spouse or parent of a deceased person has the right to bring a wrongful death claim. If there is no surviving spouse, any surviving children may bring the claim. And if there is no surviving spouse or children, then the parents or guardians of the deceased person can bring the claim.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Savannah?
At Rafi Law Firm, our dedication to justice is evident in our contingency fee arrangement. You won’t face any charges unless we effectively settle your accident claim. Our legal team offers complimentary consultations, allowing you to initiate your legal process without financial risk. Contact us to arrange your free consultation and embark on the initial phase of securing legal assistance.
How much time do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. As far as the amount of time you can expect the claim to settle – the settlement timeline varies. Reach out to our Savannah wrongful death lawyer for more detailed information.
What’s the difference between an estate claim and a “full value of life” claim?
A “full value of life,” or “wrongful death” claim, is meant to compensate for the full value of the life that was lost. The jury is asked to consider the tangible and intangible value of the person’s life to himself or herself. For instance, the deceased person may have enjoyed spending time with their niece and nephew, dedicating a substantial amount of time to babysitting and driving the children around. This time and effort is an example of intangible value, while the deceased person’s age and physical health are examples of tangible value.
Estate claims, on the other hand, are designed to compensate for the conscious pain and suffering that the deceased person experienced in the hours, days, or weeks leading up to their death. For example, if the deceased person was trapped in a burning car for five minutes before dying, that pain and suffering would make up the estate claim. Estate claims include funeral and burial expenses, as well as medical expenses and other debts that the deceased incurred before their death.
What kinds of damages can I claim?
Economic damages
You can receive economic compensation based on medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, and other quantifiable losses associated with your family member’s death. A lawyer can help you calculate your economic losses.
Non-economic damages
You may be eligible for non-economic compensation for the emotional and psychological distress stemming from the death of your family member. Non-economic damages are subjective in nature, making it difficult to precisely quantify the value of these emotional harms.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are granted by a judge or jury to discourage a negligent party from future misconduct. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff is not allowed to specifically seek punitive compensation; however, it remains within the discretion of the judge or jury to decide whether to grant such damages. In most personal injury cases in Georgia, punitive damages are limited (“capped”) at $250,000.
Who may be liable in a wrongful death case?
It can be difficult to prove a death was wrongful. Fortunately, a Savannah wrongful death lawyer can help you show that an at-fault party was negligent and should be held accountable for your family member’s death.
Rafi Law Firm has extensive experience in car accident lawsuits and other wrongful death claims. Our wrongful death attorney in Savannah takes as much time as needed to learn about your case and gives your lawsuit the attention it deserves. To find out more, please reach out to us.
At-fault drivers
Drivers often take every precaution to avoid accidents, but negligent or reckless motorists can cause fatal collisions by engaging in dangerous behaviors, including:
- Distracted driving: A driver who takes their eyes off the road can get into an accident that kills another motorist or pedestrian.
- Intoxicated driving: If a motorist is driving while impaired, they can cause a fatal accident and face criminal and civil charges based on their actions.
- Speeding: When a driver travels faster than the posted speed limit, they may not be able to stop quickly enough to prevent a fatal crash.
Your lawyer will help you sue an at-fault driver who contributed to your family member’s death. They will ensure that you seek a reasonable amount of damages. Your attorney will help you gather evidence and prepare an argument that leads a judge or jury to award you the compensation you request.
Medical providers
A medical provider is expected to provide a high standard of care. Sometimes, a healthcare professional is negligent, to the point where they put a family member’s life in danger. If a family member dies as a result of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you can ask for compensation from this at-fault party.
Criminal offenders
Violent offenders receive justice in criminal court, but they can also be liable for civil damages. A wrongful death suit helps hold your loved one’s offender accountable under the fullest extent of the law.
| Rafi Law Firm represents the family of an 18-year-old murdered in a Lawrenceville mall parking lot |
Defective or dangerous product manufacturers
Defective car parts, faulty wiring, and other dangerous product parts can tragically end in death. If you lost a loved one due to manufacturing oversight or negligence, you can hold them accountable in pursuing damages.
How are wrongful death settlements paid out?
You may have two options for how a wrongful death settlement is paid. In many instances, you will get a lump-sum payment. Or, you can use a structured settlement to receive payments at regular intervals.
If you are unsure whether a lump-sum payment or structured settlement is right for you, consult an attorney. You and your lawyer can weigh the pros and cons of both options. From here, you can make an informed decision about how your settlement is paid out.
What are some common accidents that result in wrongful death?
Common incidents that result in fatalities include the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Accidental poisoning and overdose
Don’t go it alone; a wrongful death attorney can help you move forward
At Rafi Law Firm, we understand it takes time to mourn the loss of a loved one and even longer for life to start to feel normal again. Our dedicated attorneys can help you submit a claim against at-fault parties and help you return to a sense of normalcy. To schedule a free case consultation, please contact us online or call us at (912) 461-6798.
