An individual holds a white rose in front of a casket covered with candles, indicating a funeral.

Get Compassionate, Dedicated Support After a Loss

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and seeking justice can feel overwhelming. As your Cleveland wrongful death lawyer, we are here to provide sensitive yet determined legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we may help you through this difficult time.

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Wrongful Death Lawyer in Cleveland, TN

When someone else’s negligence causes a loved one’s death, the emotional and financial toll can be extreme. Working with a wrongful death lawyer in Cleveland can help you pursue justice and seek compensation for your family’s losses. Our team understands the sensitivity of these cases and is committed to standing by your side every step of the way.

At The McMahan Law Firm, we’re proud to serve families in Cleveland, TN. Whether it’s handling the legal complexities or fighting for fair compensation, we’re here to offer support and advocacy when you need it most.

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Getting Help Is Simple

What you’ve been through is simply immeasurable. That’s why we want to take this burden off your shoulders so that you can focus your time on what’s important. It only takes one phone call or a quick form to get started, and we will take care of everything from there.

You Deserve Justice

The pain of losing a loved one is indescribable, and losing a loved one because of someone else’s careless actions is unfair and cruel. You could be owed compensation for your loss, and we’re dedicated to helping you seek everything you’re entitled to.

No Costly Upfront Fees

The last thing you should have to worry about when grieving the loss of your loved one is a costly, upfront fee for an attorney. That’s why you won’t owe us a single penny unless we successfully collect compensation for your loss.

How Is Wrongful Death Defined in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s negligence, wrongful act, or intentional conduct. This allows surviving family members or the deceased’s estate to seek damages for the financial and emotional impact of the loss.

What Does the Average Wrongful Death Settlement Include in TN?

Wrongful death settlements in Tennessee can vary widely depending on the circumstances of each case. Generally, these settlements may include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s passing
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided
  • Pain and suffering endured by the victim prior to death
  • Loss of companionship and emotional support for surviving family members

The specific amount your family may recover will depend on the details of your case, including the degree of negligence and the impact of the loss on your household.

What Is the Most You Can Recover With a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee?

Tennessee places caps on certain types of damages in wrongful death cases. For non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of companionship, the cap is typically $750,000. However, in cases involving catastrophic losses, such as the wrongful death of a parent leaving minor children, the cap may increase to $1,000,000.

Economic damages, such as lost wages and medical expenses, are not capped, allowing families to recover the full extent of these quantifiable losses. Understanding these limits and how they apply to your case is crucial, and our team can help you navigate this process.

Our Results Speak For Themselves!

Motorcycle Accident

$1,250,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$1,000,000.00

Brain Injury

$950,000.00

Truck Accident

$850,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$800,000.00

Truck Accident

$500,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$500,000.00

Car Accident

$230,000.00

Workers’ Comp

$225,000.00

Truck Accident

$200,000.00

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How Do Wrongful Death Suits Work?

Wrongful death lawsuits are civil actions filed by surviving family members or estate representatives to seek compensation for losses resulting from another party’s negligence. The process typically involves:

  1. Filing a claim within the statute of limitations.
  2. Investigating the circumstances of the death, including collecting evidence like medical records and witness statements.
  3. Identifying liable parties, which may include individuals, businesses, or organizations.
  4. Pursuing compensation for damages such as medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support.

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What Is the Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, wrongful death claims must generally be filed within 1 year of the date of the deceased’s passing. This time frame is strict, and failure to file within the statute of limitations can bar you from pursuing compensation. Certain exceptions may apply, depending on the case specifics, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

Liability in Wrongful Death Cases: Why It Matters

Establishing liability is a critical component of a wrongful death lawsuit. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

  • Individuals who acted negligently, such as drivers or property owners
  • Employers or companies if the wrongful act occurred within the scope of employment
  • Manufacturers in cases involving defective products

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning compensation may be reduced by the plaintiff’s share of fault, provided it is less than 50%. Proving negligence through evidence with the help of your attorney is essential to ensuring a strong claim.

How Did the Accident Happen?

Accidents can result from a variety of negligent actions, including:

  • Car and truck accidents caused by reckless or distracted driving
  • Motorcycle crashes
  • Unsafe workplace conditions
  • Defective products or equipment failures
  • Medical malpractice
  • Slips and falls due to poorly maintained premises
  • Construction site accidents
  • Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
  • Nursing home neglect or abuse

By investigating the details of how the accident occurred, we can identify all responsible parties and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

5 Star Reviews

I want to thank you again for representing me. The McMahan Law Firm is not only a good law firm; [the staff and lawyers] are good people as well. I would recommend you to a friend or enemy. Thank you again.

-G.W.
5 Star Reviews

Your team makes the clients feel like their case is important no matter how small the case may be or how small the benefits may be.

-R.M.
5 Star Reviews

I feel that the McMahan Law Firm put me first. I’m very satisfied with the results that I received from them, and I would recommend them to anyone. I thank you very much.

-B.C.
5 Star Reviews

Very impressed and thankful for the manner in which you do business… most certainly for the people… from greeting [me] at the door throughout all business handled. Please never fail to keep up the good work. Thanks again.

-L.P.
5 Star Reviews

Julie Gee did an outstanding job for me and I greatly appreciate it. I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone. Thanks for everything.

-B.K.
5 Star Reviews

I want to thank each and every one involved in my case. I have no doubt I would not have succeeded on my own. I’m glad I listened to my sister advising me to use an attorney. The McMahan Law Firm is tops. Thanks again.

-S.C.
5 Star Reviews

Jay [is] a very good lawyer, and he was also concerned about my well-being. Janice was always there to answer any questions that we had.

-T.G.
5 Star Reviews

I just wanted to thank you for the all the hard work that the McMahan Law Firm has done for me. I appreciate your patience and determination, and of course your super skills in the courtroom. This has been life changing for me and my family, God bless all of you!! Thanks again and take care.

-W.J.
5 Star Reviews

Guys listen! My Attorneys Jill Crouch and Brent who run the place are the most proficient accident attorneys I've ever witnessed! No lie, I got awarded an amount bigger than a yearly salary from an 18 wheeler accident settlement through them!! (If you know, you know!) I get paid sometime this month! It took less than a year to settle and the ONLY reason it took that long was because the treatment was extensive and needed months to complete. If you're EVER in an accident in the state of Tennessee, MCMAHAN LAW FIRM NEEDS TO BE YOUR FIRST CALL AFTER THE AMBULANCE!!! THIS GROUP OF ATTORNEYS ARE CHANGING, SAVING AND REVIVING LIVES!! TRUE STORY!

-P.T.
5 Star Reviews

Brent was always honest, thoughtful and understanding. We are grateful for the time you spent on us.

-R.D.

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Who May Be Eligible To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit typically belongs to certain family members of the deceased. This includes:

  • The surviving spouse
  • The children of the deceased
  • The deceased’s parents (if no spouse or children are present)
  • The personal representative of the deceased’s estate

These individuals may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses resulting from their loved one’s death.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases for Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases are civil matters, meaning their primary purpose is to recover financial compensation for the victim’s family. This is separate from any criminal charges that might be filed, such as manslaughter or homicide. However, an ongoing criminal case can provide useful evidence for the civil claim, and a conviction may strengthen your case by supporting the claim of negligence or wrongdoing.

You and Your Family Deserve Strong Legal Representation

Pursuing a wrongful death claim is a deeply personal and challenging process. Our team is here to provide compassionate guidance and fierce advocacy, ensuring your family’s rights are protected. Contact us today for a free case review and let us help you seek justice for your loved one.

Our Cleveland, TN, Wrongful Death Attorneys

Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyer Jay Kennamer

Attorney James Kennamer

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Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyer Brent Burks

Attorney Brent Burks

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Attorney Lew Belvin - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Lew Belvin

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Attorney Chris Gentry - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Chris Gentry

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Attorney William Joe Hollis, Jr. - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney W. Joseph “Joe” Hollis, Jr.

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Attorney Herbert Thornbury - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Herbert Thornbury

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Attorney Katie Reed from The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga.

Attorney Katie Reed

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Gerard M Siciliano, Personal Injury Lawyer from The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga

Attorney Gerard M. Siciliano

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Attorney Richard S. Taliaferro of The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga

Attorney Richard S. Taliaferro

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