Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers

What Should I Do After a Wrongful Death in Atlanta?

The loss of someone you love is incredibly painful, and taking the right steps after a wrongful death can help protect your family’s future. Here’s what to do:

• Reach out to trusted family members, friends, or professional counselors to get emotional and practical support.
• Request copies of official documents, especially the death certificate and medical records, to clearly establish the cause of death.
• Notify authorities immediately, such as the Atlanta Police Department, if your loved one’s passing involved negligence, an accident, or suspicious circumstances.
• Keep records of expenses related to the loss, including funeral costs, medical bills, and any income your family has lost.
• Gather and save evidence from the incident, such as photographs, videos, or statements from witnesses who were present.
• Avoid conversations about the case with insurance representatives or accepting early settlement offers without first getting legal advice.
• Contact experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible to understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation.

At Thompson Law, we know how overwhelming this time can feel. Our compassionate attorneys will handle the legal details, ensuring your family gets the support, justice, and compensation you deserve. Reach out for a FREE CASE EVALUATION today!

Wrongful Deaths Statistics in Atlanta

In 2019, Georgia recorded 1,491 traffic fatalities, translating to a fatality rate of 1.12 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

While Georgia ranks fourth nationally in the number of fatalities, its fatality rate per 100M VMT places it 22nd, indicating a relatively lower risk compared to some other states.

Regional Trends:

• Atlanta Metropolitan Region: Saw an increase in large truck-involved fatalities, bicyclist fatalities, and fatalities involving older drivers (aged 65+).
• Other Urban Regions: Experienced an increase in motorcyclist fatalities and speeding-related fatalities.
• Rural Regions: Witnessed an increase in motorcyclist fatalities, fatalities involving older drivers (aged 65+), and large truck-involved fatalities.

In addition to auto accidents, other common causes of preventable deaths in Georgia include:

• Workplace accidents – 454 fatal occupational injuries
• Medical negligence – up to 300,000 injuries/deaths per year

The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 209 fatal work injuries in Georgia during 2022, marking an increase from the previous year.

Nationally, 5,486 fatal work injuries were recorded in 2022, representing a 5.7% increase compared to 2021.

Historically, Georgia has seen fluctuations in fatal work injuries, ranging from a high of 249 in 1994 to a low of 101 in 2012.

How We Assist in Wrongful Death Cases

This difficult time shouldn’t be made more complex by legal challenges. Here’s how our experienced wrongful death attorneys make the process easier for you:

• Build a compelling case by evaluating all evidence and establishing clear liability.
• Conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover every detail surrounding your loved one’s death.
• Negotiate assertively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court when a just resolution can’t be reached through negotiations.
• Clarify complex legal matters and guide you through every step of the process.
• Keep you informed with regular updates on your case’s progress.

Our aim is to support your family during this challenging period while pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Who Can Make a Wrongful Death Claim?

Determining Fault in a Wrongful Death Case in Atlanta

Atlanta is a modified comparative fault state, meaning you could still be entitled to compensation if they were less than 51% at fault.

Though multiple parties could be negligent, and the award may be reduced, your family could still recover damages after the accident. Both monetary claims and non-monetary claims will be taken into consideration.

It might be tempting to try to handle the case alone, but do not try to handle it yourself. Wrongful death often involves multiple layers of insurance policies.

Our wrongful death attorneys in Atlanta have the expertise to investigate and recover every penny your claim is worth.

How Our Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help?

Our experienced attorneys manage every aspect of your wrongful death claim, navigating complex liability issues and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the best outcome for your family. Here’s what we focus on:

• Liability:  Establishing who is legally responsible for the incident.
• Joint Liability:  Handling cases where multiple defendants share full responsibility.
• Several Liability:  Allocating fault so each defendant is responsible only for their share.
• Damages:  Evaluating all losses, both financial and non-monetary.
• Compensatory Damages:  Covering quantifiable losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
• General Damages: Addressing non-monetary impacts such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages:  Pursuing additional compensation when defendants’ actions were especially reckless or intentional.

We take care of the legal complexities so you can focus on healing while we work to secure the compensation your family deserves. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today!

Understanding Damages in Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death cases typically involve two types of damages: survival damages and wrongful death damages.

Survival Damages

These compensate for the losses the deceased experienced from the time of injury until death. They cover expenses such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering prior to death, and funeral or burial costs.

Wrongful Death Damages

These address the losses suffered by the surviving family members. They aim to compensate for the loss of companionship, financial support, emotional distress, and potential future inheritance.

Our experienced attorneys work to secure all applicable damages, ensuring your family receives the maximum compensation available. Book your FREE CASE REVIEW with our personal injury attorneys today!

What Factors Determine the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim?

The value of a wrongful death claim depends on several factors evaluated by insurance companies and courts. These factors help assess both economic and non-economic losses.

• Type and Severity of the Accident:  The nature and seriousness of the incident (such as a car accident, medical malpractice, or workplace incident) directly affect the claim’s value.
• Occupation and Income:  The deceased’s earnings, job stability, and potential future income loss are key components in determining economic damages.
• Age and Health:  Younger individuals or those in good health before the incident typically result in higher claims due to greater future earnings potential, while pre-existing conditions might reduce the claim’s value.
• Financial Support Provided:  The extent to which the deceased contributed financially to their family—including salary, benefits, and savings—plays a significant role.
• Dependents:  The number and dependency level of family members, such as minor children or elderly relatives, can increase the value of the claim.
• Community and Family Role:  The loss of companionship, emotional support, and social contributions is factored into non-economic damages.
• Degree of Negligence:  How clearly the defendant’s actions contributed to the death—including any shared fault—impacts the overall compensation.
• Insurance Policy Limits:  The available coverage from the defendant’s insurance can limit the maximum compensation available.
• Punitive Damages Potential:  In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award additional punitive damages.
• Legal and Jurisdictional Factors:  The prevailing legal standards, previous case outcomes, and the specific jurisdiction’s guidelines also influence the final claim value.

Each case is unique, and these factors combine to determine the fair compensation your family may be entitled to. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys will help you get the compensation you deserve. Get your FREE CASE REVIEW today!

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Choosing the right legal team after a wrongful death is crucial for securing justice and fair compensation. At Thompson Law, we provide compassionate support and proven expertise for families in Atlanta facing this difficult loss. Here’s why you can trust us:

• No Fees Unless We Win:  You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for your family.
• Proven Results:  With over $1.9 billion recovered for clients, our experience with complex wrongful death cases helps secure the best possible outcome.
• Quick and Easy Process:  Starting your case is simple. Call us anytime to speak with a lawyer, and sign up easily from your smartphone or computer so we can begin working on your case immediately.
• Available 24/7:  Tragedy can strike at any time. We are here around the clock to provide the support you need.
• Personalized Attention:  We understand the unique challenges your family faces. Our team treats every client with care, respect, and compassion while keeping you informed every step of the way.
• Bilingual Support:  We offer bilingual assistance for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that language is never a barrier to seeking justice.

At Thompson Law, we handle every legal detail, from investigating the incident and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial if needed, so you can focus on healing. Georgia law limits the time to file a wrongful death claim, so don’t wait. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions