Wrongful Death Attorneys In Peachtree Corners & Metro Atlanta
Seeking Justice After the Loss of a Loved One
Losing someone you love is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss occurs because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful conduct, families may also be left with difficult questions about why the death happened and whether someone should be held accountable. At Bair Wilson Sharma LLC, our wrongful death attorneys provide compassionate, hands-on representation to families facing an unimaginable loss.
Wrongful death claims can arise from many circumstances, including fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents; dangerous property conditions; medical negligence; and other preventable incidents. While no legal action can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide a way for surviving family members to pursue accountability and address the financial and personal consequences of their loss.
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death action generally arises when a death is caused by the negligent, reckless, intentional, or criminal acts of another person or entity. However, determining who may bring a claim and what compensation may be available involves specific legal rules.
Georgia law generally establishes an order of priority for bringing a wrongful death claim. Depending on the family circumstances, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased may have the right to pursue the claim. In certain situations, a personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may also pursue specific claims on behalf of the estate.
Our lawyers help families understand these distinctions, determine which claims may be available, and identify the individuals or entities that may be legally responsible for the death.
Call Bair Wilson Sharma LLC at 678-250-6095 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Understanding Wrongful Death Compensation in Georgia
Wrongful death cases are different from ordinary personal injury claims because Georgia law recognizes both the losses suffered as a result of the death and certain claims belonging to the deceased person’s estate.
One of the most significant components of a Georgia wrongful death claim is the “full value of the life” of the deceased person. This can include both economic and intangible aspects of the life that was lost. Economic considerations may include income and other financial contributions the person reasonably would have made during their lifetime. Intangible considerations can address the loss of experiences, relationships, and enjoyment of life from the perspective of the deceased.
Separate estate claims may also be available depending on the circumstances. These can potentially include medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial expenses, and compensation for conscious pain and suffering experienced between the injury and death. The specific damages available depend on the facts of the case and who is legally authorized to pursue each claim.
Establishing liability is another critical part of a wrongful death case. Our attorneys may investigate accident reports, photographs and video, witness statements, medical documentation, business records, and other evidence to determine how the fatal incident occurred. Depending on the type and complexity of the case, additional professionals may also assist in evaluating issues such as accident reconstruction, medical care, or financial losses.
Insurance companies and responsible parties may dispute fault or attempt to minimize the value of a claim. Our lawyers work to build a well-supported case that reflects both the circumstances surrounding the death and the magnitude of what has been lost. We pursue appropriate resolutions through negotiation and are prepared to litigate when necessary.
Compassionate Guidance for Families During a Difficult Time
Families grieving the death of a loved one should not have to navigate complicated legal questions on their own. At Bair Wilson Sharma LLC, we approach wrongful death cases with sensitivity, respect, and personal attention. We understand that every family and every loss is different, and our attorneys take the time to listen before determining how to move forward.
We handle the legal process while keeping our clients informed and involved in important decisions. Our lawyers can investigate the circumstances of the death, preserve evidence, identify responsible parties, communicate with insurance companies, evaluate potential damages, and pursue available claims on behalf of the appropriate family members or estate.
Timing is especially important. Georgia wrongful death claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations, but calculating the applicable deadline can be more complicated than simply counting two years from the date of death. Certain circumstances may affect or pause the limitation period, and different legal requirements may apply depending on the parties involved. Families should consider speaking with attorneys promptly so the specific deadline can be determined and important evidence can be preserved.
We also recognize that pursuing a wrongful death case is about more than financial compensation. For many families, it is about understanding what happened, holding responsible parties accountable, and protecting their family's future after an unexpected loss. Our attorneys provide straightforward guidance without treating clients as case numbers or passing them from person to person.
We proudly represent families throughout the Metro Atlanta Area and offer multilingual legal services in English, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, and Russian. If your family has lost a loved one because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct, our wrongful death attorneys are here to listen, explain your legal options, and help you pursue accountability with care and determination.
Wrongful Death FAQs
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?
Georgia law establishes an order of priority for wrongful death claims. Depending on the circumstances, the right to bring a claim may belong to the surviving spouse, children, or parents. In certain situations, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may pursue claims on behalf of the estate.
What does the “full value of the life” mean in Georgia?
Georgia wrongful death law allows certain surviving family members to pursue the full value of the life of the deceased. This can include both economic considerations, such as expected lifetime earnings, and intangible aspects of the life the deceased person lost.
What damages may be available in a wrongful death case?
Depending on the circumstances, a wrongful death action may address the full value of the deceased person’s life. Separate estate claims may potentially include final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and conscious pain and suffering experienced before death.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?
Wrongful death claims in Georgia are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations, but certain circumstances can affect how that deadline is calculated. Speaking with attorneys promptly can help determine the deadline that applies to your family’s case.
What if my loved one was partially responsible for the accident?
Georgia’s comparative negligence laws may affect a wrongful death claim when the deceased person shared responsibility for the incident. The effect on recovery depends on the percentage of fault and the specific circumstances involved.
Is a wrongful death claim the same as an estate claim?
No. Georgia law recognizes different types of claims following a wrongful death. Certain family members may pursue the full value of the deceased person’s life, while the estate may have separate claims for particular expenses and losses.
Will a wrongful death case have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Some cases are resolved through negotiations with responsible parties and insurance companies. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to pursue litigation when appropriate.
No Fees Unless We Win
At Bair Wilson Sharma LLC, we offer free personal injury consultations, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our multilingual attorneys serve clients in English, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Call 678-250-6095 today to discuss your case.