If you have lost a loved one in a car accident that was not their fault, you may be wondering what your next steps are. You may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the person or company responsible for the accident. This can help provide financial relief for you and your family during this difficult time.
What is a wrongful death claim?
A wrongful death claim is a type of lawsuit that can be filed by the family of a person who has died as a result of someone else’s negligence. For instance, if a fatigued or drunk driver kills someone in a car accident, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death claim against the driver.
Filing a wrongful death claim
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, your first step should be to collect as much information as possible about the accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene. After you have gathered this information, consider negotiating with the other party or their insurance company. If a settlement isn’t reached, you may need to file a lawsuit.
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, so it is important to act quickly. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years. Failing to file a wrongful death claim within this timeframe may result in you being unable to recover any damages.
The type of compensation that you may be able to recover in a wrongful death claim depends on the specifics of your case. However, common types of damages can include medical expenses, funeral costs and loss of income. If the accident was a result of someone’s negligence, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.