Gainesville Wrongful Death Lawyer
Firm seeks compensation for survivors of people who died due to others’ negligence
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, things are never the same again. The emotional loss can be even worse when a family member’s untimely death was caused by negligence or intentional misconduct. Though nothing can reverse this type of tragedy, The Brownell Law Office in Gainesville can represent you in a wrongful death lawsuit that seeks to hold the liable party accountable for your financial damages. Attorney William M. (Bill) Brownell, Jr. relies on his more than three decades of legal experience to assist bereaved Georgians in recovering the compensation they deserve.
Georgia law on wrongful death claims
In a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff seeks to hold parties liable for a fatality caused by a negligent or willful act. This type of lawsuit typically must be filed within two years of the incident at issue. However, seeking justice after a fatality poses special challenges. The victim, of course, cannot testify as to what occurred. The plaintiff is usually a surviving spouse, child or parent who might not have been present at the lethal incident. This makes it crucial to hire a seasoned attorney who understands how to gather the evidence necessary to prove the death was wrongful.
Attorney handles cases involving various types of fatal incidents
Our firm handles a wide range of wrongful death actions, including cases related to the following:
- Car and truck crashes — Without warning, a careless driver can end the life of someone else on the road. Whether a vehicle accident was caused by alcohol, drugs, distraction or mere inattention, we press defendants and their insurance companies for adequate compensation.
- Workplace accidents — Safety is sometimes overlooked on a job site or other place of employment. Our firm investigates workplace deaths to determine whether dangerous conditions led to the fatality.
- Unsafe premises — Failure to take sufficient measures to protect guests from harm can have deadly results. A property owner could be held liable for a death that occurs on their premises due to an unsafe walking surface, lack of security or exposure of guests to toxic substances.
No matter what might have triggered the tragic loss of your loved one, we will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve as we pursue appropriate legal relief on your behalf.
Damages available for plaintiffs in wrongful death actions
While no amount of money can truly bring justice to bereaved family members, there are several specific types of compensation that can be part of a wrongful death verdict or settlement, such as:
- Income and benefits that the victim presumably would have provided over their lifetime
- Funeral costs and other final expenses
- Mental and emotional distress suffered by family members due to the untimely death
- Loss of care, guidance and counsel the victim gave their loved ones
- Loss of consortium suffered by the decedent’s spouse
Wrongful death cases in Georgia can be accompanied by survivorship claims, which are filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. These claims seek personal injury damages stemming from the fatal incident prior to the victim’s death. For example, if someone dies days or weeks after a car accident, their estate can recover compensation for the medical bills that accrued and the pain and suffering the decedent experienced before passing away.
Contact an experienced Georgia attorney to discuss a wrongful death claim
The Brownell Law Office in Gainesville seeks compensation on behalf of bereaved family members in Georgia wrongful death actions. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligent or willful act, call 770-215-0184 or contact us online to learn about your legal options.
