Atlanta Child Wrongful Death Attorneys
Fatal Accident Involving a Child
Nothing equals the loss of a child. The pain has no parallel and it impacts every part of your life – from the minute you wake up, to the moment you fall asleep. It is a tragic event, no matter what the circumstances or reasons may be. If another individual caused your son or daughter’s accident, the pain can be especially acute. Families facing such a situation are more than likely quite frustrated, possibly even clouded by anger and grief. You may be wondering:
- Who is responsible for my child’s death?
- Can they be held accountable?
- Should I call an attorney?
- What options do I have?
The Atlanta wrongful death attorneys at Grant Law Office are prepared to help answer these questions – and many more. Over our three decades of practice, we have seen the harm that can come from the wrongful death of a child. It is an agonizing event that no parent should have to endure. We are committed to helping families who've unexpectedly lost a son or daughter, while holding the at-fault party responsible for their negligence. We will use every resource at our disposal to help your family obtain the recovery it deserves.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Atlanta wrongful death lawyers at (404) 995-3955.
Recent Child Wrongful Death Verdicts and Settlements
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How Could This Happen To Our Family?
Wrongful death happens when someone is killed either intentionally or through an act of negligence. In other words, were it not for one person’s actions, another person’s death would not have happened. If someone hurt your child through their negligent actions, they could be held liable for wrongful death. The same applies to anyone that behaves in a reckless manner that causes your son or daughter’s death. In the case of negligent behavior, it must be proven that the defendant owed your son or daughter a level of care and failed to apply this standard when necessary. This can occur in a variety of different circumstances, such as:
- Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
However your child passed, we are sure you are in a state of shock, as well as in deep pain. No parent should have to see their child’s funeral, especially when the death was completely preventable. Considering that nothing can undo the damage that was done, you may be wondering why even bother filing a claim. While a claim can’t fix anything, it can help your family recover financially.
How Can a Georgia Wrongful Death Claim Help?
Of course, one of the main questions raised by those who have lost a child to wrongful death is: "What good will it do? The damage has already been done." To a certain degree, this is true. All the legal action in the world can't turn back time or undo what has been done. However, a successful wrongful death claim can help you overcome those immediate financial obstacles you may be facing, such as funerary expenses and doctor’s fees. In addition, any monies obtained will provide you and your family with the necessary space in which to recover.
Who Can File a Claim?
When a child is injured, a guardian, usually a parent, can file a claim on the child’s behalf. But who files a claim when a child passes? Wrongful death claims are meant to relieve the financial burden that often accompanies the sudden loss of a family member. Funerals and medical bills are both expensive, and few families can afford to pay for either.
In Georgia, in the case of an adult wrongful death, the right to file a claim usually lands with the spouse first, and then the children. However, it is unlikely that your child had either. This means that the right then falls to the child’s parents. If the parents have already passed, or are unable to file a claim, then it falls to the child’s siblings. If you are neither a parent nor sibling, then your legal options may be limited. However, you should never assume that you are unable to file a claim. Instead, contact a skilled Atlanta wrongful death attorney and find out what your legal options are.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Of course, there is no way to measure the loss of your child. No amount of compensation will ever truly make up for the damage that has been done. However, if you are trying to file a wrongful death claim after losing your child, it is important to know what can and cannot be claimed for. A child wrongful death claim will have different claimable damages than an adult wrongful death claim. That is because an adult is presumed to be working and providing services and benefits for the family. A child, on the other hand, will not have started work yet. This means that you can claim compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Burial costs
- Loss of future earning potential
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
It is important to keep in mind that you will have a time limit you need to adhere to. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is just two years. This means that you have two years from the date of your child’s passing to file the claim. While two years may sound like a long time, losing a loved one, especially a child, can make time management difficult. Life may feel like it is passing in a blur. That is completely understandable. But it is also why we recommend that families file a claim as quickly as possible following the loss of their child.
Contact a Dedicated Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney
Grant Law Office has helped many Georgia families through this difficult time. For more information about wrongful death or to schedule a consultation, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer at Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955. We understand the pain you are going through, and we are ready to help. While nothing can bring your child back, you can at least seek the compensation you family needs to start on the path of recovery.
Additional Information
Contact us today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
We require no legal retainer or upfront fees,
and you pay nothing unless we prevail.
Phone: (404) 995-3955
