Did you recently lose a loved one in an unexpected accident in Thomson, GA? Your family may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Thomson wrongful death lawyer at Hawk Law Group can help fight to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Our top-rated lawyers have over 71 years of experience handling complex personal injury claims. We’ve already won hundreds of millions of dollars for our injured clients over the years.
We’re well-equipped to fight for your family. Contact our law offices in Thomson, Georgia, to schedule a free consultation at 706-361-0350 to get the legal advice you deserve.
How Hawk Law Group Help With a Wrongful Death Claim in Thomson, GA
Countless people are forced to grieve the loss of a loved one due to a negligent person’s carelessness. If you’ve lost a family member, you deserve justice. Sometimes, the only option is to seek compensation for wrongful death.
Facing the insurance company can be intimidating–especially when you’re grieving. An experienced Thomson personal injury lawyer can handle the fight to recover the fair compensation you deserve.
At Hawk Law Group, we have over 71 years of combined experience. Over the years, we’ve recovered some of the highest personal injury verdicts and settlements in the area.
Our local trial lawyers will fight for you by:
- Determining who was responsible for your loved one’s death
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Hiring experts to assess the value of your claim
- Protecting you if your loved one is blamed for causing the accident
- Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
If insurers won’t offer you a fair settlement, our Thomson personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for you in court. You don’t have to rely on a generic lawyer directory. Learn more about our legal team by calling for a free case review.
What is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is any death that happens because of the negligent, intentional, or wrongful acts of another person.
Most of the time, wrongful death claims are based on negligence. Your loved one likely would have been entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived. Therefore, the negligence claim will survive your loved one’s death.
For example, if you lost a loved one because of injuries sustained in a fatal motor vehicle accident or slip and fall, you may be entitled to seek damages for wrongful death.
Survivors can also sue for damages in cases involving homicide or intentional acts. Even if the responsible party is facing criminal charges, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a lawsuit in civil court.
How Common Are Fatal Accidents in Thomson, GA?
In Georgia, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in people under age 45. According to CDC estimates, about 4,300 Georgia residents die from unintentional injuries every year.
Those unintentional injuries happen in many ways. In 2020, the Georgia Department of Transportation reported 1,730 fatalities that were caused by motor vehicle accidents. Four of those fatalities were in McDuffie County. 207 Georgia workers lost their lives in workplace accidents in 2019.
Typically, these deaths happen because someone was careless. If you lost a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about obtaining legal representation today.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?
Only certain people are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Georgia state law, those survivors include:
- A surviving spouse
- The decedent’s children
If there is no surviving spouse or children, the estate’s administrator or executor can bring a wrongful death action. The proceeds will be distributed to the decedent’s next of kin.
What is My Thomson Wrongful Death Case Worth?
Every wrongful death case is unique. Your case could be worth several thousand dollars or several million dollars. A careful investigation is required to determine the fair value of your case. Our lawyers can help put a fair dollar value on your loss.
The value of your wrongful death claim will depend on many factors, including:
- The cost of your loved one’s medical treatment prior to death
- Your loved one’s lost wages and future earning capacity
- Your loved one’s life expectancy
- The identity of surviving loved ones, including dependent children (and their ages)
- The circumstances of the accident
You’ve already suffered a terrible loss. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of your grief. Call our lawyers at Hawk Law Group to get help fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims in a Wrongful Death Case?
Under Georgia wrongful death laws, survivors are entitled to receive several types of damages. The terms of the statute give survivors the right to recover the full value of the decedent’s life.
In practical terms, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Past and future lost wages and income
- Loss of your loved one’s companionship and support
- Loss of parental guidance
There are two different types of wrongful death actions in Georgia. One is brought to recover compensation for surviving family members. The other is brought by the personal representative to recover damages on behalf of the decedent’s estate.
Those damages reimburse the estate for any costs associated with the accident or estate administration, including:
- The decedent’s medical expenses, from the date of injury to the date of death
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Damages for the victim’s physical pain and suffering
- Any other out-of-pocket costs incurred because of the accident and injuries
In rare cases, you may even be entitled to punitive damages to hold the at-fault party liable for gross negligence or intentional acts.
Once all parties are reimbursed for the expenses they’ve paid, the remaining damages are divided among the surviving family members or the decedent’s beneficiaries.
Our experienced lawyers in Thomson can help you identify all the damages you may be entitled to receive. We offer a free case evaluation, so call our team to get started today.
Can I Recover Damages If My Loved One is Being Blamed for Causing a Fatal Accident in Georgia?
While it may seem unimaginable, insurance companies often try to blame accident victims who can’t defend themselves. Under Georgia modified comparative negligence laws, the liable party won’t be responsible for damages if they can prove your loved one was at least 50% responsible for the accident.
You could lose your right to financial compensation if shared fault is an issue in your case. Suppose the insurance company can only prove that your loved one was partly responsible for their death. In this case, your compensation will be reduced if your loved one shared any blame for the accident.
Our lawyers can help you fight back. Call Hawk Law Group for a free initial consultation today to learn more about the contributory fault laws in Georgia.
What Causes Most Fatal Accidents in Thomson, Georgia?
You may have a valid wrongful death claim if someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentional acts caused your loved one’s death.
At Hawk Law Group, our Thomson wrongful death attorneys handle all types of fatal accident cases, including those involving:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus and school bus accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Negligent security and premises liability
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Assault and sexual assault
Our lawyers can help you recover the money you need to protect your family’s future. Call our law firm to schedule a free case review today to learn more about our services.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Fatal Accident in Georgia?
To recover compensation, you have to prove that the at-fault party somehow caused your loved one’s death. Typically, that means proving the at-fault party was negligent.
To establish negligence, you must first establish:
- The responsible party owed the decedent a legal duty of care
- A breach of duty occurred
- The breach directly caused your loved one’s death
- The damages you suffered
The thought of conducting an investigation to find evidence is probably overwhelming right now. Let our lawyers take on that burden.
We will gather:
- Video footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- And more
We’ll work tirelessly to locate the strong evidence you need to prove your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident in Georgia?
Georgia state law limits the amount of time you have to take legal action after the loss of a loved one. In wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years. If you don’t file a lawsuit within two years of your loved one’s death, you forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Contact a Thomson Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Money can’t bring your loved one back to life or make up for your loss. However, it can help you protect your family’s financial security. To learn more about how Hawk Law Group will help your family fight for justice, call to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Thomson wrongful death lawyer today.
