If you lost a family member in a fatal accident in Columbia, Tennessee, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Filing a wrongful death claim can’t undo what happened, but it can provide your family with meaningful support and a sense of justice during this devastating time.
At Woodard Injury Law, our compassionate Columbia wrongful death lawyers have 19 years of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients to date. We will stop at nothing to help you and your loved ones secure maximum compensation, including by taking your personal injury lawsuit to court if needed.
Call (615) 880-6126 today or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. At that time, we can advise you of your legal rights and options.
How Woodard Injury Law Can Help You Take Action After a Wrongful Death in Columbia, TN
Losing a loved one because of someone else’s actions is one of the hardest things any family can experience. At Woodard Injury Law, we’re here to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what’s most important.
When you hire our Columbia personal injury attorneys, we can:
- Investigate the accident and gather all available evidence
- Identify every potentially liable party
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if needed.
- We understand how high the stakes are in cases like these. Call our wrongful death lawyers in Columbia, TN, for more information about our legal services and to set up a free case evaluation.
What Is Wrongful Death in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s death results from another party’s “wrongful act, omission, or killing.” In these cases, surviving family members may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses.
Tennessee law generally allows the following parties to file a wrongful death claim in order:
- The surviving spouse
- The deceased’s children
- The deceased’s next of kin (if no spouse or children)
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
Wrongful death cases are civil actions, separate from any criminal prosecution. This means that regardless of whether the responsible party faces criminal charges, you can still file a wrongful death claim in civil court to recover financial damages. The burden of proof is also lower in a civil claim, so you can win your case even if the at-fault party isn’t found guilty in criminal court.
Who Can Be Liable for a Wrongful Death?
Many different parties can be held responsible for a preventable death, depending on the circumstances of the case. Common examples include:
- Negligent drivers in car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
- Employers who neglected workplace safety standards
- Healthcare providers in cases of medical malpractice
- Manufacturers of defective or dangerous products
Our wrongful death attorneys in Tennessee will conduct a detailed investigation to identify who is legally responsible for your loss and build a compelling claim for compensation.
What Is My Columbia Wrongful Death Case Worth?
No amount of money can replace your loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can help relieve the financial strain caused by your loss. The value of your case depends on several factors, such as:
- The age and health of the deceased
- Their earning potential and work history
- The financial and emotional support they provided
- The circumstances surrounding their death
- Whether they shared any fault for the accident
You may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages through a wrongful death claim, including:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional.
How Does Shared Fault Affect a Wrongful Death Case in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault law. This means that if your loved one was found to be less than 50% at fault, your family can still recover compensation. However, any award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For instance, if your loved one was 20% responsible for the accident, your recovery would be reduced by 20%. If they were 50% or more responsible, you would be barred from recovering damages.
Our legal team knows how to counter these tactics and will work hard to ensure fault is assigned accurately and fairly.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Columbia, TN?
We understand that families are often under tremendous financial pressure after a loss. That’s why Woodard Injury Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you can hire us without paying anything up front or by the hour.
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our attorney’s fees are taken as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you, meaning you’ll never owe us unless we win your case. This ensures that you can afford experienced legal representation regardless of your financial circumstances.
How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
In most cases, Tennessee’s statute of limitations gives families one year from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This is one of the shortest filing deadlines in the country, and missing it can mean permanently losing your right to compensation.
Certain exceptions can apply, such as cases involving the delayed discovery of negligence. However, these situations are rare. To protect your rights, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Columbia Wrongful Death Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the team at Woodard Injury Law is ready to help you seek justice. We’ve spent nearly two decades standing up for Tennessee families during their most difficult times, and we’ll do the same for you.
Call (615) 880-6126 today or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. Our Columbia wrongful death attorneys will fight to secure the full amount of compensation your family needs and deserves.