Trusted Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers | $1.9 Billion+ in Settlements & Verdicts

Losing someone you love because of negligence or wrongdoing is devastating — but the steps you take next can protect your family’s future and strengthen your claim under the Georgia Wrongful Death Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1). Here’s what our attorneys recommend:

• Get emotional and practical support. Lean on trusted family, friends, or professional counselors to help with the immediate shock and decision-making.
• Secure vital documents quickly. Request the death certificate, medical records, police reports, and accident documentation to clearly establish the cause of death.
• Notify the proper authorities. If negligence, an accident, or suspicious circumstances were involved, contact the Atlanta Police Department or other relevant agencies right away.
• Preserve evidence immediately. Collect and save photos, videos, damaged equipment, and witness statements before they are lost or destroyed.
• Track every expense. Keep a record of funeral costs, hospital bills, lost income, and other financial impacts to maximize your claim for damages.
• Be cautious with insurers. Do not discuss the case with insurance adjusters or accept quick settlement offers without first speaking to a lawyer — these offers are often far below full value.
• Contact an Atlanta wrongful death attorney early. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to preserve evidence, consult experts, and file within Georgia’s strict deadlines (usually two years from the date of death, but exceptions apply).

Tip: If grief is preventing you from calling, ask a trusted family member to reach out on your behalf — every day matters when building a strong case.

At Thompson Law, we move fast to protect your family’s rights and start building a winning case.

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We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin the fight for justice.

Understanding the scope of preventable deaths in Georgia highlights why wrongful death claims are so critical. Each year, thousands of families lose loved ones to accidents caused by negligence — from crashes on I-285 to workplace incidents and medical errors. Here’s what the data shows:

Workplace & Occupational Fatalities

Preventable deaths aren’t limited to traffic. Workplace tragedies also take a heavy toll:

• 209 fatal work injuries occurred in Georgia in 2022
  (BLS data), up from the previous year.
• Historically, Georgia’s workplace fatalities have ranged from 101 (2012) to 249 (1994).

These numbers are more than statistics — they represent families whose lives were changed forever. At Thompson Law, we use this data to demonstrate patterns of negligence and strengthen our clients’ cases.

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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: We evaluate every piece of evidence and establish clear liability against all responsible parties.
• Comprehensive investigation: Our team uncovers every detail surrounding your loved one’s death — from accident reconstruction to expert testimony.
• Aggressive negotiation: We push back against insurance companies to demand fair settlements that reflect the full value of your claim.
• Trial-ready representation: If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice before a jury.
• Clear guidance: We break down complex legal matters and explain every step so you’re never left wondering what comes next.
• Consistent communication: You’ll receive regular updates so you know exactly where your case stands at all times.

Our goal is simple — to support your family, remove the legal burden from your shoulders, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

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Georgia law specifies who may bring a wrongful death action for the “full value of the life” and who may bring related estate claims for medical, funeral, and pain-and-suffering damages (O.C.G.A. §§ 51-4-2, 51-4-4, 51-4-5; 19-7-1).

Important: Georgia law does not automatically grant standing to domestic partners or siblings. Siblings typically cannot file unless appointed as the estate’s personal representative and there are no spouse, children, or parents.

Unsure who should file? Our attorneys can quickly determine eligibility, coordinate with the probate court when needed, and ensure all claims are filed correctly and on time.

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Atlanta follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means your family can still recover damages if your loved one was less than 50% at fault for the incident.

Wrongful death cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple defendants, complex insurance policies, and disputes over liability percentages. Trying to handle this alone can cost your family significant compensation.

Our Atlanta wrongful death attorneys investigate every detail, preserve critical evidence, consult accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to recover every dollar your family is entitled to under Georgia law.

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Atlanta follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means your family can still recover damages if your loved one was less than 50% at fault for the incident.

Wrongful death cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple defendants, complex insurance policies, and disputes over liability percentages. Trying to handle this alone can cost your family significant compensation.

Our Atlanta wrongful death attorneys investigate every detail, preserve critical evidence, consult accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to recover every dollar your family is entitled to under Georgia law.

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Wrongful death claims in Georgia typically involve two separate types of damages under state law:
survival damages and wrongful death damages.
Both are critical to ensuring your family receives full and fair compensation.

Calculating these damages requires a skilled legal and financial analysis to capture both the economic and non-economic impact on your family. Our attorneys work with economists and experts to ensure no category of recovery is overlooked.

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Insurance companies and courts evaluate many factors when determining fair compensation for a wrongful death case. These considerations cover both economic (financial) and non-economic (emotional) losses.

Every wrongful death case is unique. Our attorneys collaborate with economists, vocational experts, and investigators to calculate the true impact of your loss and fight for the maximum compensation available.

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Why Atlanta Families Trust Thompson Law

Choosing the right legal team after a wrongful death is crucial. We combine compassionate support with proven results to help Atlanta families get justice and maximum compensation.

• ✅ No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we recover compensation for your family.
• ✅ Proven Results: Over $1.9 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, including complex wrongful death cases.
• ✅ Quick & Simple Sign-Up: Start your case from home — speak with a lawyer 24/7 and sign electronically from your phone or computer.
• ✅ Available 24/7: Our team is ready around the clock to answer your questions and get to work.
• ✅ Personalized Attention: Every case is unique. We keep you informed every step of the way and treat your family with care and respect.
• ✅ Bilingual Support: Our Spanish-speaking staff ensures language is never a barrier to justice.

At Thompson Law, we handle everything — from investigating the incident and negotiating with insurers to preparing for trial if needed — so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.

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Meet Your Local Attorney

Phillip Hairston was born and raised in Stone Mountain and now lives in Atlanta. A Georgia Tech graduate (Chemistry) with a J.D. from Washington University School of Law, Phillip brings rare perspective: he defended corporations and general contractors early in his career — insight he now uses to hold insurers and large companies accountable for Atlanta families. Today, he represents victims of negligence in wrongful death, bus and trucking collisions, car and motorcycle crashes, and serious injury cases. Whether your case involves MARTA, a school bus, or a private charter, Phillip moves fast to preserve evidence, subpoena records, and maximize results. Credentials & Memberships Admitted in all Georgia state courts U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia Member, State Bar of Georgia Member, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) Learn more about Phillip and his results »

Free Consultation

If your family is grieving a preventable loss in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, or East Point,
our Atlanta wrongful death attorneys are here 24/7. We know the local roads and courts—from the Downtown Connector and I-285 to Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue—and we move fast to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

• ✅ Free Consultation — compassionate, confidential guidance
• ✅ No Fees Unless We Win — contingency representation
• ✅ $1.9 Billion+ Recovered in verdicts & settlements
• ✅ Rapid Investigation — evidence preservation, experts, insurers
• ✅ Bilingual Support — Hablamos Español

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Call (678) 981-9022

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

We know that losing a loved one can leave you with more questions than answers. Our goal is to make this process less overwhelming by giving you clear, compassionate guidance on what to expect.

How do insurance companies evaluate wrongful death claims in Atlanta?

Insurance companies look at the circumstances of the death, available evidence, and the financial and emotional impact on your family. Unfortunately, their first offer may not reflect the full value of your loss. Our attorneys fight to ensure every dollar you are entitled to is pursued.

Are wrongful death settlements taxable in Georgia?

Generally, wrongful death settlements are not taxable under federal law. However, every case is unique. We help families understand the financial implications of their settlement and can connect you with trusted tax professionals if needed.

What happens during my free consultation?

Your consultation is completely confidential and designed to relieve some of the burden you’re carrying. We’ll listen to your story, review any available documents, explain your options, and outline what steps to take next. You’ll leave with a clear plan — no pressure, no obligation.

Can I add new evidence after my case begins?

Yes. If new evidence, witnesses, or documentation come to light, we will incorporate them into your case. Timely updates help strengthen your claim and ensure the most accurate representation of your family’s losses.

What if more than one party is at fault?

Georgia follows a modified comparative fault system. Our legal team carefully investigates every party involved — drivers, employers, property owners, or manufacturers — to make sure all sources of recovery are pursued, even in complex cases.

How do attorney fees work?

You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover money for your family. This ensures everyone can access justice, regardless of their financial situation.

How is the value of my case determined?

We consider the deceased’s income, future earning potential, medical and funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and more. Our attorneys use expert witnesses and proven case results to demand the full value your family is owed.

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