Wrongful Death
Representing Wrongful Death Victims—It’s What We Do.
Macon Wrongful Death Attorneys
Committed to Fighting for the Justice Your Family Deserves
There is nothing more tragic and difficult than losing a loved one. At Adams, Jordan & Herrington, P.C., we understand that after such a devastating loss, taking legal action might not be the first thing on your mind.
However, if your loved one’s death was the result of another person or party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, Georgia law allows you to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Wrongful Death Claim Explained
A wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal proceedings that may (or may not) take place. It is a civil action, meaning the at-fault person or party will not face criminal penalties in a wrongful death lawsuit but, rather, will face the possibility of paying compensation to the surviving family members who have suffered grave financial and emotional hardships as a result of their loss.
If you believe your loved one’s death could have and should have been prevented, reach out to our Macon wrongful death attorneys to learn how we can help. We understand what you and your family are going through, and we want to help you seek the justice you deserve. Our team offers personalized legal services and will take the time to meet with you to discuss the specifics of your claim.
Call our office at 478-743-2159 or contact us online to schedule a free, private consultation.
Georgia Wrongful Death Laws
“Wrongful death” is defined by state law as any death that occurs as a result of another person or party’s negligent or wrongful act or omission. Essentially, if the decedent would have had grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit had he or she survived, this generally constitutes grounds for a wrongful death claim. This includes when the decedent died due to another’s carelessness, recklessness, or criminal acts, such as homicide.
In Georgia, only certain individuals are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These include (in order):
- The decedent’s surviving spouse and/or child/children
- The decedent’s surviving parent(s) if no spouse/child exists
- The personal representative of the decedent’s estate
In the event that the personal representative is the one to bring the wrongful death claim, any damages awarded will be awarded to the estate and held on behalf of the decedent’s next of kin.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
The sudden, unexpected death of a loved one is a devastating experience for a family to go through. We understand that this process is overwhelming, and it’s why we’re dedicated to treating our clients with compassion. If you lost your loved one due to someone else’s careless or reckless conduct, our wrongful death lawyers have the experience necessary to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
In Georgia, there are two distinct types of wrongful death claims. The first is a claim involving the “full value of the life of the deceased,” which seeks to provide damages to surviving family members who have sustained financial and intangible losses as a result of the death.
Damages in this first type of wrongful death claim may include:
- Lost wages/income that the decedent would have reasonably earned
- Loss of certain financial benefits, such as retirement accounts, pensions, etc.
- Loss of expected inheritance (for heirs of the decedent)
- Loss of love, companionship, support, guidance, etc.
- Loss of household services provided by the decedent
- Loss of consortium (for the surviving spouse of the decedent)
The second type of wrongful death claim in Georgia is intended to compensate the family for specific financial losses they endured as a result of the death.
Damages in this second type of wrongful death claim include but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses associated with the decedent’s final injury/illness
- Funeral and/or burial costs
- Any conscious pain and/or suffering the decedent endured prior to death
Don't Wait to Get Help From a Macon Wrongful Death Lawyer
While a wrongful death lawsuit will certainly not undo the immense emotional suffering you have been through, a successful claim can allow you a much-needed sense of justice and can provide the financial resources you need to properly heal.
It is critical that you do not wait to seek help from an experienced attorney, as the state of Georgia only grants you two years from the date of death to file your claim. If you fail to bring a wrongful death lawsuit within the statute of limitations, your case will almost assuredly be thrown out.
Providing Personalized, Compassionate Legal Representation
Our wrongful death lawyers in Macon, Milledgeville, and Albany provide the compassionate representation you deserve. At Adams, Jordan & Herrington, P.C., we make it a point to pay personal attention to every case we represent. As experienced trial attorneys, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the years.
Our team has handled complex wrongful death cases involving:
If you’re looking for legal representation that can provide a customized approach to your case, you’ve come to the right law firm. We are a diverse group of legal professionals, and our practice focuses on complex litigation cases. When you’re ready to work with a Macon wrongful death attorney that has a proven track record of success, we’ll be here to offer a free case consultation.
Contact our team to schedule a free consultation today: 478-743-2159.