The unexpected loss of a family member leaves a void that can never be filled. When that loss occurs due to another’s negligence or misconduct, you may find yourself dealing with a mix of grief, anger, and confusion. In these situations, your family deserves justice for the loss you have suffered.
Woodard Injury Law can stand by your side and fight for accountability. Our Chattanooga personal injury attorneys bring years of experience and a deep commitment to each case we handle. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, trust our firm to advocate for the financial security that your family needs to move forward. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your legal options today.
We Protect the Rights of Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones in Chattanooga
- With 19 years of legal experience and a 99% success rate, our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers are committed to holding people’s negligence accountable. We will work to build a robust and compelling case in your favor.
- A wrongful death can take a heavy toll on every aspect of your life. Our Chattanooga wrongful death attorneys will handle your case with the utmost care and sensitivity while we fight for justice on your loved one’s behalf.
- When you choose Woodard Injury Law for your wrongful death case, you’ll work with only one lawyer from start to finish. Your attorney will get to know you and your loved one’s story so that they can build a strong, trusting relationship with your family.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Chattanooga, Tennessee
When your family member loses their life due to the negligence of another person, you have the legal right to file for compensation for any losses incurred. You must prove that the other party owed your loved one a duty of care, meaning they had some level of responsibility for keeping the individual safe, and in some way, they failed that duty of care. In that failure, they caused an accident that resulted in the death of your family member.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
The law allows close family members to seek financial compensation on behalf of the lost loved one. This process typically is the surviving spouse’s responsibility, or if there is no spouse, it will be the children of the deceased or the parents of the deceased. If none of these parties exist, the surviving next of kin has the legal right.
Alternatively, the court may appoint a personal representative for the state. This party handles all of the estate’s claims. In this situation, the representative has the responsibility to seek compensation to recover damages the estate lost, which ultimately are paid down to heirs.
Why You Need a Chattanooga Wrongful Death Lawyer on Your Side
Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming, especially while you are grieving. A Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer can alleviate this burden and improve your family’s chances of recovering fair compensation.
At Woodard Injury Law, our wrongful death attorneys in Chattanooga possess extensive knowledge of Tennessee’s specific wrongful death statutes and case law. This experience allows us to build strong, legally sound cases that stand up to scrutiny in court or at the negotiating table. We will gather all available evidence to prove that the defendant is responsible for the death and aggressively pursue the settlement that your family deserves.
Properly valuing a wrongful death claim is a critical step. Our firm has the knowledge and resources to accurately calculate damages, including future lost earnings, loss of companionship, and other non-economic factors. We work with financial experts and economists to provide a comprehensive assessment of your family’s losses.
If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in the loss of a loved one and you sustained serious injuries, contact our experienced Chattanooga car accident attorneys today for the legal support you need.
What Types of Recoverable Damages Can I Receive From a Chattanooga Wrongful Death Claim?
When you meet with our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer, we will discuss the specific losses you may seek in a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. In most situations, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses leading up to the death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of expected earnings into the future, based on their age, health, and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased party prior to their death
- Loss of benefits for the family members, including health insurance, pension plans, retirement benefits, and others that the deceased would have provided over the years
- Loss of inheritance, including the value expected based on what would have accumulated and passed down to heirs
There is no level of compensation that is truly fair to recover from a wrongful death claim. However, your Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer will be aggressive in pursuing fair compensation for what occurred. Many times, victims leave money on the table because they do not realize just how robust the claim should be. We can help you pursue legal action in these cases to seek truly fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
Family members have just one year from the date of the person’s death to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, or they miss their opportunity to do so. This is not a lot of time, and in every situation, it means that the victim’s family needs to act quickly.
Under §78.5 Limitation of Actions, there are very few limitations to this rule. For example, if the family does not know or could not have known of the wrongdoing, the court may increase the statute of limitations to allow for that factor. In all cases, you should not wait to speak to a wrongful death attorney in Chattanooga in any type of case like this. If you suspect your loved one’s death was due to another person’s actions, set up some time to speak to an attorney immediately.
Contact Woodard Injury Law for Compassionate Legal Support in Chattanooga
The unexpected loss of a loved one is a devastating experience. If their death was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you have the right to seek justice—and Woodard Injury Law can help. Our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers will handle your case with the sensitivity and dedication it deserves. Call or text us at (615) 216-5757 to discuss your family’s legal options and begin building your case.