A wrongful death is a death that happens because of someone else’s negligent or intentional act. There are several types of accidents that can cause wrongful deaths. After such accidents, victims’ families can suffer immense emotional distress and economic hardship.
Our wrongful death attorneys can help victims’ family members pursue financial compensation. The monetary damages available through wrongful death lawsuits can offer crucial support during periods of hardship.
If your loved one suffered a wrongful death in Columbus, GA, get help obtaining the payment you deserve. Get in touch with our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357. Our lawyers will review your case for free.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death in Columbus, GA
O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 establishes what constitutes a wrongful death in Columbus, GA. A wrongful death is a death that results from a crime, from criminal or other negligence, or from property which has been defectively manufactured. Simply put, a wrongful death is one that happens because of another party’s negligent or intentional act. While reviewing your case, our Columbus wrongful death attorneys can help assess whether your family member’s passing will be considered a wrongful death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Columbus, GA
Only certain parties are permitted to file wrongful death cases in Columbus, GA. First, the deceased person’s surviving spouse may bring a wrongful death case to court. If there is no surviving spouse, then the victim’s child may file the claim. If no surviving spouse or child exist, then the deceased person’s parent may file the case.
If no surviving spouse, child, or parent exist, then the administrator or executor of the deceased person’s estate may file the claim. In such cases, any monetary damages sought will be recovered for the benefit of the victim’s next of kin.
If your loved one suffered a wrongful death, you should reach out to our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys. Our team can help locate the right person to file your case.
What Damages are Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Columbus, GA?
A wrongful death case seeks to compensate family members for the full value of the life of the deceased. In other words, wrongful death cases seek to repay victims’ family members for the lost income, services, and benefits the deceased would have provided had they lived. Furthermore, victims’ family members can also recover financial compensation related to the loss of companionship, care, and advice they suffered because of their loved ones’ deaths.
However, after a wrongful death, financial losses related to the death must be sought in a separate survival action brought by the victim’s personal representative. Accordingly, damages for medical expenses related to the victim’s injury, funeral expenses, and other financial losses must be recovered in a separate claim brought by the executor of the deceased person’s estate.
If your loved one was killed because of another party’s negligent or intentional act, our Columbus wrongful death attorneys can help pursue the full range of compensation available to you.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Columbus, GA
There are several different types of accidents that regularly cause wrongful deaths. The following are common sources of wrongful deaths in Columbus, GA:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction site accidents
If your loved one’s death stems from any of the aforementioned sources, you should contact our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys. Our team can help victims’ families take the appropriate steps toward compensation.
Proving Fault for a Wrongful Death in Columbus, GA
In order for a wrongful death case to succeed, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is liable for the death at issue. There are multiple types of evidence that may be utilized when proving fault. Our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys can help collect and preserve any of the following forms of evidence in your case:
Witness Testimony
Eyewitnesses can offer either oral or written testimony that helps prove fault for wrongful deaths. Statements from witnesses can help explain the events that unfolded before, during, and after fatal accidents. Our team can help retrieve contact information for potential witnesses to your loved one’s death.
Accident Reports
Accident reports are another valuable tool used to prove fault for wrongful deaths. After various types of accidents, reports are created that may point to their causes. For instance, after a deadly car accident, a police officer should visit the scene to draft their accident report. Further, after a deadly slip and fall accident at a workplace, employees at the scene may be asked to fill out an accident report.
Accident reports can contain a variety of information that points to accidents’ causes. Our Columbus wrongful death attorneys can help recover a copy of the official accident report in your case.
Surveillance Footage
Additionally, surveillance footage can be used to prove fault for a wrongful death. For example, after a deadly pedestrian accident, security camera footage from a nearby storefront may be used to show that a careless driver is at fault. Furthermore, after a fatal slip and fall accident, surveillance footage may be recovered to show that the fall was caused by a slippery floor.
Unfortunately, parties in control of surveillance footage may not act cooperatively with plaintiffs. Our lawyers can help obtain copies of any pertinent surveillance footage in your case.
Photos from the Scene
Photos from the scene are another valuable tool used to prove fault for wrongful deaths. Photos can be used to prove that defendants acted negligently. For instance, after deadly car accident, photos of a crushed vehicle can be used to show that the defendant was travelling at excessive speeds. Furthermore, photos showing dim lighting in public hallway may be used to show that an apartment owner failed to fix a dangerous condition on their premises. Our Columbus wrongful death attorneys can help review any photos from the scene of an accident during your free case review.
If You Loved One Suffered a Wrongful Death in Columbus, GA, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your family member suffered a wrongful death, seek support from our experienced Columbus wrongful death attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free review of your case.
