Wrongful Death
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Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional misconduct is devastating. JWJ provides compassionate legal guidance while fighting for full accountability and the compensation your family deserves.

Trial-Tested Representation

How Jonathan W. Johnson handles wrongful death cases.

Counsel for families dealing with fatal injury claims and accountability after a devastating loss.

Atlanta Wrongful Death Lawyers
Case focus

What you should know about your wrongful death claim.

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence or intentional misconduct is devastating. JWJ provides compassionate legal guidance while fighting for full accountability and the compensation your family deserves.

  • Car accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability
  • Establishing liability and preserving evidence
  • Economic and non-economic damages for surviving family
Primary narrative

How we build your case.

What is a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death is when a person's death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. These cases can arise from car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace accidents, nursing home neglect, and many other situations.

When someone dies due to preventable causes, Georgia law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss and hold the responsible party accountable.

Who can file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?

The rightful person to file an Atlanta wrongful death claim typically depends on the surviving relations of the deceased:

  • If the person who died is survived by a spouse, the spouse usually has the right to file the claim.
  • If there is no surviving spouse, then any surviving children can file the claim.
  • If the deceased had no spouse or children (for instance, if the decedent was a child), then the parents or guardians can file the wrongful death claim.

What damages are available in a Georgia wrongful death case?

Georgia law allows recovery for the "full value" of the life lost. While there is no true way to completely value the life of a human being, the law provides for ways to establish both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include the decedent's future income, lost wages, medical expenses incurred before death, funeral costs, loss of alimony, child support, and medical insurance benefits. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering prior to death, loss of companionship, and emotional distress suffered by the family.

Common causes of wrongful death

Wrongful death can result from many types of negligence and misconduct. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Car accidents caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, or speeding
  • Medical malpractice including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, and birth injuries
  • Product liability from defective vehicles, dangerous pharmaceuticals, or household appliances
  • Workplace accidents and unsafe working conditions
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Premises liability including unsafe property and negligent security

Time limits for filing a wrongful death claim

According to O.C.G.A SS 9-3-33, a person has two years from the date of the deceased's death to file a wrongful death claim. This is often referred to as the statute of limitations. However, depending on the circumstances, the time frame may be shorter or longer.

Even though you may have two years to file, early legal consultation is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies will begin building their defense immediately. Contact an experienced Atlanta wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How JWJ can help

Navigating the legal process after losing a loved one is overwhelming. A wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta can guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options. JWJ will handle all the legal paperwork, negotiations, and court proceedings on your behalf, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.

JWJ has a proven track record in dealing with wrongful death cases. Our Atlanta lawyers have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases, understand Georgia law, have trial experience, and provide the emotional support families need during this difficult time.

Why clients call

Direct attorney involvement on every case.

01

Compassionate representation

Losing a loved one is an incredibly emotional experience. JWJ provides empathy and compassion while also fighting tirelessly for your rights and seeking justice for your loved one.

02

Understanding Georgia wrongful death law

In Georgia, immediate family members are entitled to financial recovery from those who caused the death for the "full value" of the life lost. This includes economic and non-economic damages.

03

Experience with complex cases

Wrongful death cases often involve complex insurance and financial matters, medical records, expert testimony, and potentially multiple responsible parties. Experience matters.

Questions clients ask first

Plain answers before the case gets buried in jargon.

What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and a criminal case?

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation for the family. A criminal case is brought by the state to punish the wrongdoer. Both can proceed independently, and you can file a wrongful death claim even if no criminal charges are filed.

How long does a wrongful death case take?

Every case is different. Some settle within months, while others may take years if they go to trial. Your Atlanta wrongful death lawyer can provide a more specific timeline based on the facts of your case.

What if we cannot afford a lawyer?

JWJ works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees unless there is a recovery. Your first consultation is always free.

Free consultation

Let our family take care of your family.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence, contact JWJ for compassionate legal representation and a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Contingency fee representation. Free consultation.

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