A wrongful death occurs when someone is killed because of another party’s intentional or negligent act. These deaths can stem from many different sources. For example, a wrongful death may occur because of a slip and fall accident, a car accident, or a construction accident.
After a wrongful death, the deceased person’s surviving family members may recover monetary damages from the at-fault party. There are multiple types of monetary damages that may be sought. The assistance of our wrongful death attorneys can be highly valuable when seeking fair compensation in your case.
If your family member suffered a wrongful death in Knoxville, TN, get help recovering the payment you deserve. Reach out to our experienced Knoxville wrongful death attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357. Our lawyers can provide a free case review.
What is a Wrongful Death in Knoxville, TN?
T.C.A. § 20-5-106 defines what a wrongful death is in Knoxville, TN. A wrongful death is one that is caused by the wrongful act, omission, or killing by another. Simply put, a wrongful death is a death that occurs because of another person’s negligent or intentional act. In a wrongful death case, the victim would have been entitled to a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. During your free case assessment, our lawyers can help determine if your loved one’s passing constitutes a wrongful death.
Who Can File a Knoxville, TN Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
T.C.A. § 20-5-07 establishes which family members of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit in Knoxville. First, the victim’s surviving spouse will have the right to file a case. If no surviving spouse exists, then the following parties may file, in order:
- The victim’s child or next of kin
- The victim’s parent
- The victim’s personal representative
If your family member suffered a wrongful death, you should contact our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys. Our attorneys can help find the right person to file your case.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Knoxville, TN
States’ statutes of limitations set forth time limits for filing particular types of cases. T.C.A. § 28-3-104 establishes the time frame for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Knoxville, TN. Typically, you will have one year from the date of a wrongful death to file your case. Noncompliance with this deadline could cause you to miss out on monetary damages.
Furthermore, important evidence needed to support your claim may become hard to gather and preserve over time. For instance, witnesses can forget pertinent details and physical evidence can deteriorate. The sooner you get in touch with our team, the more easily we can collect the information needed to in your case. Accordingly, you should contact our experienced Knoxville wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible after a fatal accident.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Knoxville, TN
Many different types of accidents can lead to wrongful deaths. Fortunately, negligent parties can be held liable for the fatal accidents they cause. The following are common causes of wrongful deaths in Knoxville, TN:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a very common source of wrongful deaths. Many different types of crashes can cause fatal injuries. However, head-on collisions and accidents that occur at high speeds are most likely to cause wrongful deaths. Our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys can help hold careless drivers responsible for deadly crashes they cause.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are also a common cause of wrongful deaths. Riders are not afforded the same protections as those driving standard cars. Therefore, when motorcyclists are struck by negligent drivers, catastrophic injuries can occur. Many riders are struck because drivers fail to notice them before making improper left turns or illegal lane changes. Fortunately, after such accidents, at-fault drivers can be sued for wrongful deaths they cause.
Pedestrian Accidents
Furthermore, many wrongful deaths stem from pedestrian accidents. Like motorcycle riders, pedestrians are prone to suffering severe harm when they are struck by negligent motorists. Such collisions typically occur at intersections and in crowded urban areas. Many of such accidents happen because drivers travel at excessive speeds or disobey traffic signals. If your loved one was killed because of a pedestrian accident, our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys can help build your case against responsible party.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another common cause of wrongful deaths. There are multiple types of slip and fall accidents that can lead to fatal injuries. For example, a slip and fall that occurs at the top of a tall staircase may result in a wrongful death. Further, a slip and fall accident involving a senior citizen or a victim with pre-existing injuries may also lead to fatal harm. After a deadly slip and fall accident, the victim’s family may be able to pursue financial compensation.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are also a common cause of wrongful deaths. Such accidents are especially prone to causing deadly injuries because of the size of vehicles involved. Truck crashes can occur because of negligent conduct committed by truck drivers and trucking companies. For example, a collision involving a large truck may occur because the driver was speeding. Further, a truck accident may happen because a trucking company engaged in negligent cargo securement practices. After fatal truck accidents, our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys can offer victims’ families guidance and support on their paths to recovery.
Construction Site Accidents
Lastly, some wrongful deaths occur because of construction site accidents. Construction workers are often working from tall heights, with powerful tools, and amongst dangerous machinery. Accordingly, negligence that occurs on construction sites can lead to deadly injuries. For instance, a worker may suffer a fatal fall because they were equipped with defective safety equipment. Further, the victim of an on-site vehicle accident may suffer catastrophic harm. After deadly construction site accidents, our lawyers can help deceased workers’ families evaluate the legal options available to them.
If Your Loved One Suffered a Wrongful Death in Knoxville, TN, Our Attorneys Can Help
If your family member suffered a wrongful death, seek assistance from our experienced Knoxville wrongful death attorneys by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 to review your case for free.
