Wrongful Death Lawyer in Dalton, GA

What Is a Wrongful Death Defined as in GA?

In Georgia, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s life is taken due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. This can result from, among other situations, car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, or violent acts.

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to seek compensation for the full value of the deceased’s life, including both economic and non-economic losses. Proving negligence is essential in these cases, which means demonstrating that the responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the fatal incident.

What To Expect

If your family member was injured in Dalton, GA, and passed away due to their injuries, here’s how the legal process typically unfolds:

1. Consultation With an Attorney: Your first step is to meet with an experienced wrongful death lawyer who will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your legal options.
2. Investigation & Evidence Collection: Your attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to prove negligence.
3. Determining the Responsible Parties: In some cases, multiple parties may be liable, such as a negligent driver, a property owner, or even a company. Your attorney will identify all at-fault parties to help maximize compensation.
4. Filing the Claim: Your lawyer will file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the eligible family members, ensuring it complies with Georgia law and meets all deadlines.
5. Settlement Negotiations: Most wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. Your attorney will fight for a fair settlement that covers lost income, medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.
6. Taking the Case to Court (If Necessary): If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer will prepare your case for trial, presenting evidence and advocating for justice in court.
7. Receiving Compensation: Once a settlement is reached or a court verdict is obtained, compensation is distributed to the eligible family members according to Georgia’s wrongful death laws.

Losing a loved one is devastating, but having legal guidance can help you focus on healing while your attorney fights for the justice and compensation your family could be owed.

Georgia’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitation

In Georgia, you generally have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Certain factors may shorten or extend this deadline:

• If the wrongful death resulted from criminal activity: The statute may be paused until criminal proceedings are complete.
• If the deceased’s estate is in probate: The statute may be extended by up to 5 years in some cases.
• Claims against government entities: May have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 6 months.

Because missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation, contact a Dalton wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to begin your case.

The McMahan Law Firm Can Help Your Family

The McMahan Law Firm provides compassionate legal support while aggressively pursuing justice for your loved one. We handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers to representing you in court if necessary. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation available while giving your family the space to grieve and heal.

We Fight for Accountability When the Unthinkable Happens

We know that no 2 wrongful death cases are the same. That’s why we take a personalized approach, listening to your story and building a legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether the loss was due to medical malpractice, a fatal car accident, or another act of negligence, we fight to hold the responsible party accountable.

If you’re ready to seek justice, contact The McMahan Law Firm today for a free consultation—we’re here to help when your family needs it most.