Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
Losing a loved one because of another party’s negligence is a tragic event that requires fair compensation. If you’ve recently lost a loved one in an accident, consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta, GA at Buddoo and Associates, P.C. to see how we can help you recover compensation.
Call us today at 404-870-3557 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Atlanta
A wrongful death claim in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia arises when a person dies due to another party’s criminal, intentional, reckless, or negligent actions. The claim is intended to compensate any surviving family member who has suffered emotionally as well as financially due to the loss of their loved one.
You must meet certain criteria to initiate a wrongful death claim in Atlanta. First, the death must have been the result of the misconduct or negligence of another entity or party. The surviving family members, including the decedent’s children, spouse, or parents, are required to file the claim within 2 years from the date of death.
Key Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in Atlanta, GA
Here are the steps you should take after a wrongful death in Atlanta, GA:
I. Determine Your Eligibility to File a Claim
The right to file a Georgia wrongful death claim lies primarily with the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, or parents, in that order. If the decedent has no immediate family, it may be up to the executor of their estate to file the claim.
II. Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer
The wrongful death claim process is incredibly complex, which is why you need a lawyer. Fortunately, the legal team at Buddoo and Associates, P.C. understands Georgia’s wrongful death statutes and can thus provide the best representation possible.
III. Undertake a Thorough Investigation
Your wrongful death lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation aimed at establishing the cause of death and identifying the at-fault parties. The process may involve evidence gathering, consulting experts, interviewing witnesses, and researching relevant laws.
IV. File the Wrongful Death Claim
Your lawyer will then file a wrongful death claim against any identified at-fault parties. In Georgia, you have 2 years from the accident date to file the claim, which is why it’s so important not to delay the process.
V. Negotiate a Settlement
The defendant’s lawyers may propose a settlement to avoid going to court after you file the wrongful death claim. If the settlement that they are proposing is fair and adequate, your lawyers will likely advise you to accept it.
VI. Trial
If the settlement proposed by the defendant’s lawyers isn’t fair and adequate and negotiations ultimately fail, the case will proceed to trial. Your lawyer will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and even make legal arguments on your behalf.
VII. Collecting Damages
If the wrongful death claim is successful, you will likely receive damages for the full value of the decedent’s life, which includes both economic damages (e.g. lost wages and benefits) as well as non-economic damages (e.g. pain and suffering, loss of companionship, etc.)
How Buddoo and Associates, P.C. Can Support Your Case
The Atlanta wrongful death lawyers at Buddoo and Associates, P.C. will always be there to support you from the beginning of the case to its conclusion. Here are some of the ways they ensure that your case goes smoothly:
- Navigating the legal process, thus giving your family peace of mind
- Investigating the incident that resulted in your loved one’s death
- Collecting and preserving evidence of fault or carelessness
- Filing a lawsuit to help you recover the compensation you deserve
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating the claim if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Cases
Here are some frequently asked questions about Atlanta wrongful death cases:
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?
You have 2 years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful claim. Still, you should take action as soon as possible since the longer you wait to file, the more challenging it likely will be to establish fault and seek full compensation.
What Compensation Can I Receive in a Wrongful Death Case?
Here are some of the different types of compensation survivors can receive in a wrongful death claim:
- Compensation for the loss of income, services, and benefits the victim provided for the family and what they would have provided in the future.
- Compensation for the personal losses suffered by the surviving family since they will no longer have the victim’s support, love, and companionship.
- Compensation for the emotional anguish, grief, and sorrow that the death of the victim has caused the surviving family.
- Compensation for expenses incurred due to the death of the victim including any life-saving and medical treatment received before death, funeral and burial expenses, etc.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
Wrongful death lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. It means that you won’t have to pay your lawyer while they work on your case. Instead, your lawyer will receive a payment if they win the case and recover compensation on your behalf. Wrongful death lawyers typically receive 33 – 40% of a settlement.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Case?
You should consider hiring an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer in the following situations:
- The deceased was the victim of a homicide.
- A workplace accident occurred.
- The deceased died in a vehicular accident.
- The deceased died while under the care of a doctor.
What Evidence is Important in a Wrongful Death Case?
The evidence you use in a wrongful death case must show that the defendant was at fault for the death and depends on the circumstances surrounding the death and accident. The most important evidence in a wrongful death case includes:
- Medical records
- Physical evidence (fingerprints, fibers, hair, DNA)
- Expert witness testimony
- Eyewitness testimony
- Video Footage
Why Choose Buddoo and Associates for Wrongful Death Cases?
Here are the top 4 reasons why you should choose Buddoo and Associates for your wrongful death case:
Experience
The lawyers at Buddoo and Associates have handled thousands of wrongful death cases, which has given us a lot of experience. We know what’s required to present a strong wrongful death case and even know how to develop a case for trial.
Expert Litigators
Our lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys and we are always prepared to fight on behalf of our clients. Insurance companies know which lawyers try cases and those that don’t. This gives us an advantage in obtaining better settlements than law firms without trial experience.
Our case results reflect our dedication and expertise.
Excellent Service
We give every single one of our clients 100 percent of our time and resources. Once you retain one of our attorneys, we will begin creating an individualized case strategy on your behalf.
Check out client testimonials here.
Ethical Representation
The rules of professional conduct require lawyers to be honest with the courts. We are never involved in presenting fraudulent claims or even misrepresenting the law or facts to the court and believe that this approach benefits our clients in the long run.
Contact Our Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have recently lost a loved one in Atlanta, GA and think you have a valid wrongful death case, you need to speak with a wrongful death lawyer from Buddoo and Associates today. They will ensure that you have a valid case and advise you on how best to move forward with the process.
Buddoo and Associates, P.C. has over 20 years of experience handling wrongful death claims and various other legal matters and can help you and your family. To learn more and speak with one of our lawyers for free, call us today at 404-870-3557 so that we can get started.
