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Were you injured in Lawrenceville, GA or its surroundings? Our lawyers can help you recover from your losses. We have decades of combined experience handling local personal injury cases.
Having a local personal injury lawyer with experience with and knowledge of the actual value of your case is vital to ensuring you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers know the best way to go up against insurance companies because we used to work with them and use that experience to help you win.
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At Spaulding Injury Law, we deeply understand the immense pain and challenges that surge from the unexpected loss of a cherished family member. The agony deepens when the death occurs due to someone else’s negligence. In these heart-wrenching times, you and your family might feel the need to seek justice. Our legal team in Grayson stands by you, ready to fight for your rights.
Under the leadership of Theodore Spaulding, a prominent Georgia-based attorney with an outstanding 10/10 Avvo rating, we offer unwavering legal support, allowing you to focus on personal healing and honoring your departed loved one. Our firm’s commitment to our clients has earned us a stellar 5.0/5.0-star rating, positioning us as a leading legal team in Grayson.
What Is Wrongful Death?
“Wrongful death” might sound like a tough term, but let’s break it down. Think about a time when someone might get hurt because of another person’s mistake or carelessness. Now, imagine if that accident was so bad that someone died from it. That’s what we call a “wrongful death.”
So, how can wrongful death happen? There are many ways. One common example is car accidents. Maybe someone wasn’t paying attention while driving or was driving too fast, and this led to a crash. If someone dies because of that crash, it could be considered a wrongful death.
Another example could be a simple fall. Let’s say a store left a spill on the floor, and they didn’t clean it up or put up a sign to warn people. If someone slips on that spill, falls, and dies because of the injuries, that’s another case of wrongful death.
Then there’s medical malpractice. This means that a doctor or hospital made a mistake, and someone died because of it. For instance, if a doctor gives the wrong medicine to a patient and the patient dies, that can be wrongful death, too.
Now, if you’re in Georgia and think that someone you love died because of another person’s mistake, the law is on your side. Georgia law says you can go to court to get justice for your loved one by filing what’s known as a “wrongful death lawsuit.”
If all of this feels a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. We have a team right here in Grayson that knows all about this. We can sit down with you, listen to your story, and help you figure out the next steps. And the first meeting with us? It’s completely free. You can either fill out a form on our website or just give us a call to set it up. We’re here to help.
FAQs
Georgia’s wrongful death laws can be complex. To assist you, we’ve addressed some frequently asked questions.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim In Georgia?
The first right to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia is given to the deceased’s surviving spouse, representing any minor children. Any compensation received will be shared between the spouse and children, ensuring at least 33% goes to the spouse. If there’s no surviving spouse or children, the deceased’s parents or their estate can file the claim.
How Do Survival Actions and Wrongful Death Claims Differ?
A wrongful death claim compensates for the losses experienced by the survivors due to their loved one’s sudden passing, like lost income, emotional distress, and funeral expenses. In contrast, survival action caters to damages the deceased could have claimed if they had lived, such as preceding medical bills and pain endured before passing.
Who Funds the Wrongful Death Settlement?
Generally, the negligent party’s insurance provider covers the financial liability in wrongful death cases. However, there are coverage limits, and if the compensation exceeds this, the responsible party might be required to cover the difference.
What Role Do Grayson Wrongful Death Lawyers Play?
Wrongful death cases in Grayson demand an experienced attorney. From building a strong case to collecting essential evidence and managing paperwork, attorneys offer comprehensive support. If your case proceeds to trial, trust Spaulding Injury Law to be your voice in court.
Beginning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Grayson
To initiate a wrongful death lawsuit in Grayson, it’s crucial to prove that someone’s negligence caused your loved one’s death. Once you gather substantial evidence, including police reports and medical records, the legal process in a Grayson court can commence. The defendant will have the chance to refute your claims. If no resolution is reached, the case will proceed to trial.
Possible Compensation in a Grayson Wrongful Death Lawsuit
When something as serious as a wrongful death happens, families may be left with many pieces to pick up, both emotionally and financially. One way the law tries to help is by letting families ask for “damages” or money to cover some of their losses.
In Grayson, this compensation is split into two big parts: economic damages and non-economic damages. Let’s break these down.
Economic Damages
Think of this as the “hard numbers” or actual bills you can touch.
- Medical Bills: If your loved one needed medical attention before they passed away, those bills can pile up. This money can help cover those costs.
- Funeral Costs: Saying goodbye to a loved one can be expensive. This includes the ceremony, the place they’re buried or cremated, and other related costs.
- Lost Earnings: Imagine the money your loved one might have made if they were still here. It’s like looking at their job and thinking of the paychecks they won’t get anymore.
- Benefits: Sometimes, the person who passed away had special perks at their job, like health insurance or retirement plans. Their family might miss out on these benefits, so this part of the compensation helps cover that.
Non-Economic Damages
These are a bit harder to put a price on, but they’re just as important.
- Emotional Distress: It’s the heavy feeling in your heart. It’s the sleepless nights, the tears, and the pain of losing someone.
- Loss of Companionship: Imagine all the hugs, laughs, advice, and moments you’ll miss without your loved one. This compensation is a way to recognize how precious those moments are.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Life changes after a loss. Maybe family trips aren’t the same, or everyday routines feel tougher. This is a way to recognize that things aren’t how they used to be.
Now, with all these pieces of the puzzle, it can get confusing. That’s why it’s super important to have a local Grayson lawyer by your side. With their help, you can make sure you’re asking for all the money pieces you deserve so you and your family can start putting things back together.
The Importance of Prompt Action
In Georgia, there’s a rule about the time you have to file this kind of lawsuit. From the day someone sadly passes away, you have two years to go to court and ask for justice. This might seem like a long time, but it can go by faster than you think. Two years can be filled with mourning, trying to heal, and getting back to everyday life. Before you know it, the time can run out.
So, why is there a time limit on Georgia wrongful death cases? There are a few reasons. First, as time goes on, it can become harder to find and remember all the details about what happened. Witnesses might move away, forget things, or the evidence could get lost. Second, the law believes in fairness. It’s not fair for someone to always worry about being taken to court years after an event happened.
But here’s the most important part: if you wait too long and those two years pass, you could lose your chance to get help and support for what happened. This is called “compensation.” It’s a way the court says, “We see your pain, and this is what the person at fault should give to help make things a bit better.”
It’s crucial not to let that time slip away. Even if you’re not sure about everything or what to do, it’s always a good idea to talk to someone who can guide you, like a lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law. We can help you understand everything, keep track of time, and make sure you don’t miss out on your chance for justice.
Choose a Grayson Wrongful Death Attorney
Choosing a wrongful death attorney from Spaulding Injury Law is risk-free. Our fee comes directly from your settlement, and if no compensation is secured, you won’t owe us any attorney’s fees.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrongful death in Grayson, we urge you to contact our experienced team. With Spaulding Injury Law by your side, you’re equipped with dedication, legal knowledge, and a winning legal approach.
For a free case review, fill out our online form. In your darkest moments, let Spaulding Injury Law shine a light, providing the empathy and guidance you rightfully deserve. Get the legal help you and your family deserve during this time of mourning by contacting Spaulding Injury Law. We are here to help you.
Visit Our Grayson Wrongful Death Office
We help victims inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Grayson, GA. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA