Losing someone unexpectedly is one of the hardest things a family can face. When someone else’s actions—or failure to act—cause a loss, the aftermath can leave you struggling with more than grief. You may be facing enormous financial strain, unanswered questions, and the aching sense that it didn’t have to happen. An experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney can help you seek justice and navigate the road ahead.
If you’re trying to understand your legal options, you’re not alone. Many families are left unsure where to turn or what steps to take in the aftermath of a tragedy.
At Evans Litigation and Trial Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. An Atlanta wrongful death attorney is here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the next steps at your own pace and with care.
What Is Wrongful Death?
Legally, a wrongful death happens when someone loses their life because of another person or company’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. This can include a wide range of situations, including car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, nursing home neglect, and defective products.
When someone’s negligence ends a life suddenly and needlessly, families deserve the opportunity to understand what happened and pursue accountability. Working with a wrongful death attorney in Atlanta is one way to do that while protecting others from similar harm.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
These tragic losses happen in various situations where safety or responsibility is ignored. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Auto accidents involving reckless, impaired, or distracted drivers;
- Medical mistakes, including failures in diagnosis, treatment, or communication;
- Workplace hazards in dangerous industries like construction and manufacturing;
- Elder care neglect caused by facilities that fail to provide oversight or medical attention;
- Unsafe premises led to fatal injuries due to poor maintenance or inadequate security; and
- Defective products, such as faulty equipment, vehicles, or appliances that should never have made it to market.
Each case is unique, but the driving question remains the same: Could this death have been prevented if someone had acted differently?
If you’re uncertain whether your loved one’s passing qualifies as a wrongful death, speaking with an Atlanta wrongful death attorney can help clarify what happened and what your options may be.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, certain close relatives have the right to bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one who has passed away due to negligence.
Typically, this includes:
- A surviving spouse,
- Children (if there is no surviving spouse), and
- Parents (if there is no spouse or children).
In cases where none of the above parties are available, an estate representative may be the one to initiate a claim for the deceased’s next of kin. For example, while siblings and grandchildren of the deceased cannot usually bring a wrongful death claim directly, they may still recover if they are heirs of the estate and the claim is pursued by the estate’s representative.
You may not be sure whether you’re in a position to file, and that’s completely understandable. What’s important is knowing that guidance from a wrongful death attorney in Atlanta, GA, is available to help you understand who can bring a claim.
What Can Families Recover?
Wrongful death cases involve far more than financial losses. They recognize the life that someone’s actions cut short, the relationships they disrupted, and the future the family lost. Depending on the circumstances, a successful claim may result in compensation for:
- The financial support the person would have provided;
- The loss of emotional connection, advice, and presence;
- Funeral or burial costs (in a related estate action); and
- In limited cases, damages related to intentional or reckless conduct.
These cases seek to provide families with the resources they need to rebuild their lives while honoring the memory of the person they loved.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Timing is important. In most wrongful death cases, Georgia gives families two years from the date of death to file a claim. But this window may be extended or shortened, depending on specific circumstances, such as ongoing criminal proceedings or delays related to estate matters.
Holding off too long can affect your ability to pursue a case. Documentation, witness testimony, and evidence often become harder to track down as time passes. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your timeline sooner rather than later.
Even if you’re not ready to file, knowing what deadlines apply to your situation can ensure you don’t lose your right to pursue justice.
Why Families Call Evans Litigation and Trial Law
In the wake of a preventable death, many people don’t feel ready to talk with an attorney, and that’s okay. You may be focused on your family or wonder whether a legal claim is possible.
Here’s what we offer when you reach out to an Atlanta wrongful death lawyer at Evans Litigation and Trial Law:
- A chance to speak openly and ask questions without pressure;
- A thoughtful review of what happened and whether you have a claim;
- Clear communication and transparency throughout our work together;
- A team deeply familiar with Atlanta courts and wrongful death procedures; and
- Respect for your values, your timeline, and what your loved one meant to you.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you call. You just have to take the first step.
Talk with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Atlanta Today
There’s no guidebook for what to do after the sudden loss of someone you love. You might be looking for answers or simply trying to make sense of what happened. That’s where a conversation can help.
For over twenty years, attorney Alfred Evans III has worked alongside families who have lost someone due to negligence. He understands the emotional weight of these cases and the importance of treating every client with respect and care.
Taking legal action cannot reverse what happened, but it can ease financial burdens and honor the value of the loved one you lost.
If someone else’s actions caused your loved one’s passing, we are here to speak with you. Contact Evans Litigation and Trial Law for a free and private consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Atlanta.
Resources:
Ga. Code § 51-4-5, link.