Losing someone in a fatal car accident changes your family’s life in an instant. Along with the grief, you may be facing difficult decisions about what comes next. You should not have to handle those challenges alone. Our experienced Mableton fatal car accident lawyers will guide you through the process.
At Jones & Swanson, we have over 50 years of combined experience advocating for injured people. Our car accident lawyers in Mableton will tell you everything you need to know about your case to make informed decisions. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Our Mableton Fatal Car Accident Attorneys Offer Compassionate Legal Support
Our Mableton personal injury lawyers provide personal attention to families who have lost a loved one in a car accident. We’ll take the time to understand what happened and explain your options in straightforward terms.
We are not one of the big TV-advertising firms that treat clients like numbers. You will have a team focused on your case and your family.
Can You File a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Georgia law limits who has the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit after someone dies because of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct.
Generally, the right to file belongs to the deceased person’s family in a specific order.
- The surviving spouse has the first right to bring a wrongful death claim. If there is a surviving spouse and children, the spouse brings the claim on behalf of both and shares in any recovery, with the spouse’s share being no less than one-third.
- If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased person’s children may file.
- If there is no surviving spouse or child, the deceased’s surviving parent(s) may bring the claim.
- If none of these survive, the personal representative of the estate files on behalf of the next of kin.
There are limited circumstances in which someone other than the person normally entitled to file will be allowed to pursue a claim. For example, when a surviving spouse is unable or unwilling to bring the lawsuit, a court may permit another person to pursue the claim for the benefit of the deceased’s minor children.
If we decide it’s in your best interests to file a lawsuit, we will be prepared to help you do so.
Wrongful Death Damages in Mableton
When a loved one dies in a car crash, your family loses far more than a source of income. You lose someone who was part of your daily life, your plans, and your future. Georgia law allows certain surviving family members to seek damages for the losses caused by that death.
Depending on the circumstances, wrongful death damages will include the full value of the life of the deceased person. This includes both the financial contributions your loved one would have made and the intangible value of the life they would have continued to enjoy.
A wrongful death claim can also address certain expenses and losses connected to the death. Depending on the circumstances, wrongful death damages can include:
- Lost income and future earnings your loved one would have provided
- Loss of household services and support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the fatal crash and your loved one’s final treatment
- The value of your loved one’s life, including the intangible aspects of the life they would have lived
Every family’s loss is different. The amount and types of damages available will depend on the facts of the crash, your relationship with the deceased, and Georgia law.
At Jones & Swanson, we know a wrongful death claim is about more than a financial award. Your family is dealing with a loss that cannot be undone. Our Mableton fatal car accident attorneys will pursue the damages your family needs.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia
For most wrongful death cases arising from a fatal car accident, the lawsuit must be filed within two years. This deadline generally applies regardless of how serious the accident was or how strong the evidence appears to be.
A wrongful death case involves important evidence, insurance issues, and legal decisions that take time to address properly. Waiting until the deadline is approaching will make an already difficult situation harder. Our fatal car accident lawyers in Mableton will review the circumstances of the fatal crash and explain the applicable deadlines.
If you have lost a loved one in a deadly crash, speak with our attorneys as soon as possible. We will give you personal attention while your family focuses on getting through this difficult time. We will make sure your case is handled with care.
Call Our Experienced Fatal Car Accident Attorneys in Mableton
After losing someone you love in a fatal car accident, dealing with insurance companies and legal paperwork may feel overwhelming. You deserve time to grieve and focus on your family while someone else handles the legal side of your case.
At Jones & Swanson, our attorneys provide the personal service you should expect from a hometown law firm. We know you are more than a case number, and you will have a dedicated team focused on your family’s needs.
Call us to discuss your loved one’s accident with our attorneys. Our Mableton fatal car accident attorneys will give you honest, straightforward advice about your case and what comes next.
