St. Simons Island Wrongful Death Lawyer
The unexpected loss of a family member is one of the most difficult situations anyone can face. Knowing that your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence adds another layer of heartache to an already traumatic situation. If you believe your family member died because of another’s reckless, careless, or negligent action, call a St. Simons wrongful death lawyer today.
Filing a legal claim against the person responsible for your loved one’s death may allow you to seek compensation for the financial losses you and your family suffered. A wrongful death claim may also help you hold that person accountable for the pain they caused. Contact a St. Simons wrongful death lawyer now to learn more.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in St. Simons Island
Wrongful death claims often arise as the result of an accident. Many of these claims involve a car or truck accident where a negligent driver kills a passenger or other driver. In fact, any death due to someone else’s negligence is a wrongful death. This may include scenarios where a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to deter criminal activity based on prior crimes in the area, and as such allows a fatal criminal act to occur.
When a wrongful death occurs, the victim’s family may be able to sue the at-fault party in civil court. These cases are particularly complicated, in part because the law restricts who can file a wrongful death suit.
Wrongful death lawsuits are civil claims in which the deceased’s surviving family members can seek financial compensation for their loss. As noted above, state law limits who among the surviving family can file a wrongful death claim. The law creates the following hierarchy:
- Spouse – if the deceased has a living spouse, their spouse has the legal right above all others to file the wrongful death suit
- Children – if the individual does not have a living spouse, their children then have the right to file a claim
- Parent – if the person was a minor, or had no spouse or children, their parent(s) may file the wrongful death claim
- Next of kin – finally, if the victim had no surviving spouse, children, or parents, their next of kin could pursue the claim
Why File a Wrongful Death Claim?
The loss of emotional support and companionship resulting from a wrongful death are difficult to calculate. When a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family likely also suffers financial losses. If the person was the household breadwinner, their family must cope with the loss of income. Further, the surviving family members must also pay funeral and burial expenses, along with any other end-of-life expenses.
These financial burdens make a tragic situation that much more difficult to bear. Therefore state law allows the surviving family of a wrongful death victim to sue to the at-fault party in court. An individual’s family may be able to pursue compensation for their financial and emotional losses, and hold the negligent party accountable.
Call a Compassionate St. Simons Island Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your loved one died as the result of a car accident, medical malpractice, or another form of negligence, call a St. Simons wrongful death lawyer today. You may have the opportunity to speak with a compassionate attorney who may be able to use their experienced and skill to help your family.
Choosing to file a wrongful death lawsuit is not an easy decision. Call now and let a St. Simons wrongful death lawyer answer your questions and address your concerns.
