Wrongful Death Lawyers Chattanooga

Wrongful Death Overview

The law defines a wrongful death as “the death of a person caused by the conduct or negligence of another.” Georgia and Tennessee law not only base the claim on damages to the decedent, but base it upon the damage the loved one’s death causes the surviving spouse, family members or even parents. Georgia and Tennessee law allows the claimant to recover expenses in the absence of the decedent. This includes loss of salary, health benefits, pain and suffering and other factors that place burdens on the surviving family members or distributes/beneficiaries.

Wrongful deaths may occur as the result of many types of accidents such as a car crash, construction site accident, semi-truck collision, train accident, bicycle accident, boating accident, slip, trip and fall, a defective product, or medical malpractice.

Survivors/beneficiaries may be eligible for compensation for the following types of damages:

• Sorrow, mental anguish, and loss of solace which includes loss of society, companionship, comfort and guidance
• Any reasonably expected loss in income of the decedent suffered by the survivors/beneficiaries
• Any reasonably expected loss of services, protection, care, and/or assistance which the decedent provided to the survivors/beneficiaries
• Expenses for the care, treatment and hospitalization of the decedent incident to the injury resulting in death
• Reasonable funeral expenses

Do Not Rely On Insurance Companies

Do not accept any claim before you speak with an attorney. Many large insurance companies have adopted settlement policies that encourage their adjusters to offer quick payments to persons involved in an accident. Insurance adjusters will contact you or your family shortly after an accident to try to gain your confidence. In doing so, insurance adjusters often try to present themselves as the friend of the injured person or the family of the person who was killed in an accident. The goal of such contact is to settle the case on terms as favorable as possible for the insurance company.

You Are Our Top Priority

Dennis & Winningham Law are old fashion Chattanooga wrongful death attorneys who limit the number of cases we take so we can give top-flight personal service. We are not a big “settlement mill” that will merely process your case. We maintain a statewide reputation for the care we take with each of our clients. Experience the Dennis & Winningham Law difference. Give us a call today at (423) 892-5533 or fill out our contact form.

A combination of experience, expertise, and exceptional dedication to the needs of every client is the cornerstone of our success. Negligence causes many accidents, so it is imperative that anyone involved in an accident contact an experienced Chattanooga injury attorney. Please remember that it is vital to act swiftly after an accident has killed your loved one – hard though that may be. The sooner you involve one of our Chattanooga wrongful death attorneys, the better we will be able to preserve evidence, gather essential witnesses and address any other important factors.

You Deserve

• Medical reimbursement
• Payment for past and future income loss
• Full compensation for pain and suffering
• Peace of mind in knowing your financial interests are being protected

Our Chattanooga Wrongful Death Attorneys Are There For You

• Same day, evening and weekend appointments
• Home and hospital visits for the severely injured
• Never a fee until we receive a settlement for you
• We will go to trial if a fair settlement is not obtained
• Serving Georgia and Tennessee

Dealing With Wrongful Death Legally

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and the loss can feel even more devastating when it results from someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Legally, wrongful death refers to a situation where a person’s death is caused by another’s careless or reckless actions. In these cases, the family may have the right to seek financial compensation to help cover the expenses and emotional toll that come with such a tragic loss. At Dennis & Winningham Law, a Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer works with families to help them understand their options and pursue the justice they deserve.

Establishing Liability In A Wrongful Death Case

One of the key aspects of a wrongful death claim is proving liability. This requires showing that another party’s negligence or misconduct directly led to the loss of life. To build a strong case, our team gathers evidence, which may include accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. For instance, if a wrongful death was caused by a car accident, we might examine traffic camera footage, analyze the accident scene, and speak with witnesses to confirm the responsible party’s actions.

In many cases, proving liability also involves establishing that the responsible party had a duty of care toward the deceased. This duty varies depending on the circumstances; for example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive responsibly to avoid putting others at risk. When this duty is breached, it can provide grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Calculating Damages In A Wrongful Death Case

Another important part of a wrongful death case is determining the damages that the surviving family members are entitled to pursue. These damages can help ease the financial burden left by the deceased’s absence and provide a measure of justice for the emotional impact of the loss. Damages in wrongful death cases may include medical expenses incurred before the person’s death, funeral and burial costs, lost income, and loss of future earnings.

There is also the less tangible impact of losing companionship and emotional support. Courts recognize this loss and may award compensation for emotional suffering, which acknowledges the emotional pain caused by losing a loved one. A Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer can help families assess their damages comprehensively to ensure that all losses, financial and emotional, are accounted for.

Legal Deadlines For Filing A Wrongful Death Claim

Every wrongful death case has a statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a claim. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is typically one year from the date of death. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to pursue compensation, making it essential for families to act promptly. Working with a Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer from Dennis & Winningham Law can help ensure that all paperwork is filed accurately and on time.

Providing Support Throughout The Process

Dealing with the legal aspects of a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming, especially when grieving. Having a compassionate attorney by your side provides peace of mind and support during this difficult time. We take on the legal aspects, so you and your family can focus on healing. From handling communications with insurance companies to gathering evidence and presenting your case, a Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer can provide the guidance and representation needed to pursue justice.