Wrongful Death Attorney in Macon & Savannah, Georgia

Statistics from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) indicate that there were over 330,000 crashes statewide in 2020, many of them fatal. Losing a loved one to another person's negligent or wrongful actions can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. If you believe that the wrongful or negligent actions of someone else might have caused the sudden death of a family member, you may be eligible to pursue fair compensation through a wrongful death claim. 

At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we have the diligence, experience, and resources to help you hold those responsible for your loved one's death liable for their actions. Our experienced Georgia personal injury attorney can evaluate all of the surrounding facts of your unique circumstances and explore your available legal options to recover damages. In addition, we will advocate for your family's best interests and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your loss. 

The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C. proudly serves clients across Macon and Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding areas of Laurens, Bibb, Twiggs, Houston, Chatham, Telfair, Peach, Dodge, Wheeler, Jones, Candler, Bulloch, and Bleckley.

Why File a Wrongful Death Claim? 

Wrongful death law applies in tort cases where a person died due to the negligence, carelessness, or wrongful act of the defendant. Under Georgia law, a wrongful death action may be brought when a person's death is caused by someone else's neglect, medical malpractice, defective product, or an intentional act. 

Though no amount of financial compensation can bring the person back, filing a wrongful death claim can help achieve the following: 

• Justice for the Decedent's Loved One: Filing a wrongful death action can be an option for the decedent's family members to hold the responsible party liable and get justice for their loved one's death. 

• Deterrence: In addition to getting justice for the decedent's loved ones, filing a wrongful death suit can hold the liable party accountable and make sure such an unfortunate event doesn't happen to other individuals and families. 

• Obtain Financial Compensation: Filing a wrongful death claim can mean a much-needed financial boost for the decedent's survivors to cover lost income, funeral expenses, burial expenses, outstanding medical expenses, and loss of consortium. 

What Constitutes Wrongful Death in Georgia?  

According to Georgia law, a "wrongful death" occurs in "all cases in which the death of a human being results from a crime, from criminal or other negligence, or from a property which has been defectively manufactured, whether or not as the result of negligence." 

Furthermore, to establish a wrongful death claim in Georgia, the plaintiff must show that: 

• The at-fault party (defendant) owed the decedent a legal duty of care. 

• The duty of care was breached. 

• A death occurred. 

• The defendant's neglect or wrongful actions caused the victim's death. 

• The surviving family members suffered actual damages from the death. 

A trusted personal injury lawyer can review all of the surrounding facts of your case, help establish negligence, and determine the best way to proceed with your wrongful death claims. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
in Georgia?  

Under Georgia laws, the following individuals may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim in the order below: 

• The surviving spouse of the decedent 

• If there is no surviving spouse, the decedent's surviving child or children 

• If there is no surviving spouse or children, the decedent's parent or parents 

• If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the administrator or executor of the deceased person's estate 

Time Limit for Filing 

Generally, a wrongful death action must be commenced within two years from the date of the victim's death. An experienced Georgia wrongful death attorney can enlighten you about the damages that may be recovered and help file your claims. 

Damages Available  

The following damages may be recovered by filing a wrongful death claim in Georgia: 

• Medical expenses related to the decedent's last injury or illness 

• Lost wages, benefits, and services 

• Lost care, companionship, advice, and counsel 

• Funeral and burial expenses 

• Pain and suffering experienced by the surviving loved ones 

• Other necessary expenses due to the victim's injury or illness and death 

A knowledgeable attorney can advocate for your family's best interests and help you pursue the maximum possible compensation for your loss. 

Work With a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney 

The death of a family member can be extremely painful and heartbreaking. Such an untimely loss can affect your mental and financial well-being. Fortunately, Georgia's wrongful death laws allow surviving loved ones of the deceased person to pursue damages by holding the responsible parties accountable. Therefore, if your loved one's death was caused by another person's negligence, retaining a highly-skilled personal injury attorney immediately is crucial to protect your rights and for proper guidance. 

At The Law Offices of Peter Meyer, P.C., we've dedicated our careers to advocating for families of wrongful death victims. Using his comprehensive legal understanding of the Georgia statutes and procedures addressing liability in wrongful death cases, our attorney can walk you through the often-complicated wrongful death claims processes. Also, we will fight vigorously to protect your rights and help you achieve the financial justice you deserve.