Compensation for the Loss of a Loved One
When a family member dies in a car accident, motorcycle crash or any other accident, it feels as though your world comes to a sudden standstill. As you cope with your loss, you are forced to confront the daily realities of losing a spouse, child or another family member. This almost inevitably means dealing with the financial realities of your loved one's sudden death.
Experienced Representation in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If your family member died in an accident caused by the negligence of others, you may have a right to be compensated for your loss. Any compensation recovered can alleviate the financial hardships associated with your loss. The law firm of Smart & Harris will vigorously pursue wrongful death and survivorship damages for your loss. You have our condolences and our promise to help in any way we can.
Our law firm has handled dozens of wrongful death lawsuits for clients in Savannah and surrounding counties of Georgia, as well as bordering counties of South Carolina. Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation, compassionate support and proven representation.
A Death That Never Should Have Happened
Our Savannah wrongful death lawyers have secured negotiated settlements and jury verdicts for all types of wrongful death claims — fatal trucking accidents and car accidents, motorcyclists and pedestrians killed by cars, construction and work-related deaths, medical negligence, and defective products or machinery.
Trial lawyer Don Smart brings 35 years of experience to your case. He personally visits the scene of the accidents, traces witnesses to get their statements, and brings in experts as necessary to help prove liability of the companies or individuals who were at fault.
Understanding Wrongful Death and Survivorship Claims
Mr. Smart will meet with family members to explain the legal process, starting with who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Georgia law, the claim is brought by the deceased's spouse or by the children if there is no surviving spouse. If the person had no living spouse or kids, the executor of the estate can bring suit on behalf of the next of kin. When a minor child is killed, the parents or the child's estate are entitled to sue for compensation.
Georgia's statute provides damages for the "full value of the life of the decedent." This includes:
- Lost income
- Compensation for lost services and family contributions (parenting or child care, household chores, child mentoring, etc.)
- Compensation for lost companionship (advice and companionship, marital relations, etc.)
Our challenge is to illustrate every way in which the person is missed, both economically and emotionally, so that the jury or insurance company can determine appropriate compensation.
The deceased's estate can also bring a survival action if death occurred hours, days or months after the accident. It covers costs of unpaid medical bills, the person's conscious pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages if the death resulted from gross negligence or intentional behavior, such as due to a drunk driving accident.
Free Consultation With a Georgia Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
We offer a confidential consultation with an experienced attorney at no cost. We comprehend the challenges you are confronting and want to do everything we can to help — even if it only means finding answers. Call our Savannah office at (912)-201-2332, Brunswick office at (912) 262-9464 to determine what rights you may have for the wrongful death of your loved one, or contact us online and we will respond promptly to arrange an appointment.