Did you lose a loved one in a fatal accident in Murfreesboro, Tennessee? If so, your family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Woodard Injury Law can guide you through the legal process while offering compassionate support every step of the way.
We understand that no amount of money can replace the person you’ve lost. However, a successful claim can ease the financial burden and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Our Murfreesboro wrongful death lawyers have 19 years of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for families throughout Tennessee.
We’re ready to put our experience and resources to work for you straight away. Contact our Murfreesboro personal injury law offices today at (615) 314-4626 or online to schedule a free consultation.
How Woodard Injury Law Can Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim in Murfreesboro, TN
Losing a family member unexpectedly is one of life’s hardest challenges. When someone else’s negligence caused the tragedy, the pain can feel unbearable. During this difficult time, you deserve a law firm that can take care of your legal concerns while you focus on your family.
Woodard Injury Law will work tirelessly to help you maximize the value of your claim if you hire us for your case. Our Murfreesboro personal injury attorneys have received numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional work and will put just as much effort into your case.
Our legal team can help by:
- Conducting a detailed investigation into how your loved one’s death occurred
- Gathering and preserving key evidence to support your case
- Identifying all of the potentially liable parties
- Calculating the full extent of your losses
- Negotiating with insurers for a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if necessary
Set up a free consultation with our wrongful death lawyers in Murfreesboro, TN, today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help.
What Is Wrongful Death in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken because of “injuries received from another” or another party’s “wrongful act, omission, or killing.” These claims are civil cases that seek financial compensation, not criminal punishment, for the surviving family members.
A wrongful death claim can be filed by the deceased person’s spouse by default. However, if there is no spouse, the following people may file the claim instead:
- Surviving children
- Surviving next of kin
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
- Surviving parents
If the responsible party is also facing criminal charges, the wrongful death case will proceed independently in civil court. You can win compensation even if the defendant is not convicted in criminal court, since the burden of proof in civil cases is lower.
What Types of Accidents Can Lead to a Mufreesboro Wrongful Death Claim?
Tragic accidents can happen in countless ways, but many result from preventable negligence. Our Murfreesboro wrongful death attorneys handle cases involving:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Nursing home abuse
- Slip and fall accidents
- Criminal acts
So long as your loved one’s death could have been avoided, you may have a valid claim. Our team can evaluate your case and determine who is legally responsible.
What Damages Are Available in a Tennessee Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death claim aims to compensate surviving family members for the financial and emotional losses caused by their loved one’s death. The available damages in Tennessee may include:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Emotional suffering and mental anguish
- Loss of parental guidance and care
In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death in Tennessee?
Liability in wrongful death cases can fall on many different parties, depending on how the accident occurred. These may include:
- Negligent drivers in motor vehicle accidents
- Trucking companies that failed to follow safety rules
- Property owners who ignored dangerous conditions
- Employers and contractors who violated workplace safety standards
- Healthcare providers who committed medical malpractice
- Manufacturers of defective products
Our personal injury lawyers in Murfreesboro will investigate every angle to identify each responsible party and hold them accountable under Tennessee state law.
How Does Comparative Fault Affect Wrongful Death Claims in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar to recovery. This means your family can still recover compensation if your loved one was partially at fault, so long as their share of responsibility was less than 50%.
However, any award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if they were found 25% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by that amount.
Insurance companies often try to use this law to try and limit their liability. Having an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side can help protect your claim’s value.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Murfreesboro?
Woodard Injury Law represents families on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.
If we don’t win compensation for you, you owe us nothing in terms of attorney’s fees. This structure allows you to hire a top-rated attorney regardless of your financial situation and also ensures we’re motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your family. From car crashes to truck accident litigation in Murfreesboro, we are ready to represent you.
How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the initial injury or accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This means the time limit could start accruing prior to death. Missing the statute of limitations could permanently prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s critical that you take legal action on time.
Certain circumstances, such as if the case involves a criminal offense, can sometimes extend this limit. Still, it’s always best to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evidence.
Contact Our Murfreesboro Wrongful Death Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If your family has suffered the tragic loss of a loved one in Murfreesboro, TN, you deserve justice. The legal team at Woodard Injury Law has spent nearly two decades helping Tennessee families hold negligent parties accountable and has recovered millions on their behalf in the process.
We’ll be at your side no matter what it takes, including taking your case all the way to trial. Call our Murfreesboro wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation at (615) 314-4626 today.