Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorneys in Savannah
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
At Franklin Law, we understand your pain and sorrow. Wrongful death lawyers like us are dedicated to helping families like yours navigate this difficult time. We offer compassionate legal guidance while working relentlessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
We have a proven track record of success in wrongful death litigation, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for victims’ families. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and providing personalized support every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: healing and finding peace.
Our Experience Includes:
Automotive accident fatalities
Industrial accident fatalities
Product liability fatalities
Premises liability fatalities
Workplace accident fatalities
Entertainment industry fatalities
Many seven-figure and eight-figure wrongful death recoveries and verdicts, including our $11.2 million movie set death verdict and $16.5 million tire defect verdict, show our commitment to securing justice for bereaved families.
What is Wrongful Death in Georgia?
A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct causes another person’s death. If you’ve lost a loved one due to an accident, medical malpractice, or other preventable situations, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children (if no surviving spouse)
- Parents (if no surviving spouse or children)
- Estate Representative (if the deceased has no immediate family)
Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
- Full Value of Life: The monetary value of the deceased’s life, including lost earnings and future contributions.
- Medical Bills: Coverage for medical expenses incurred before death.
- Funeral Expenses: Compensation for funeral and burial costs.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress suffered by the family members.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death We Handle
Franklin Law has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases across a wide range of causes. We’ve helped countless families in Savannah and throughout Georgia secure justice and compensation for their loss. Below are some of the most common types of wrongful death cases we handle:
Our approach involves a thorough investigation, expert consultation, and aggressive litigation to secure rightfully owed compensation for medical negligence victims.
Automotive Accident Fatalities
Fatal car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common causes of wrongful death. Whether due to speeding, distracted driving, or automotive defects, we help hold negligent drivers and corporations accountable for their actions.
Industrial & Workplace Fatalities
Accidents in workplaces involving heavy machinery or safety violations often result in wrongful death. Our wrongful death lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault and pursue justice for victims.
Premises Liability Fatalities
When a property owner’s negligence leads to dangerous conditions—such as slippery floors, broken stairs, or inadequate security—it can result in a fatal accident. Our wrongful death attorneys help families of victims killed in such incidents.
Product Liability Fatalities
Defective products or mechanical failures, including faulty vehicle parts, toys, and machinery, can cause deadly accidents. We fight for compensation from manufacturers and distributors who bring dangerous products to market.
Medical & Hospital Wrongful Death
Medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or improper care, can lead to wrongful death. We’ve secured justice for families in Georgia who lost loved ones due to hospital negligence or malpractice.
Entertainment Industry Fatalities
Accidents on movie sets or in the entertainment industry, such as equipment failures or unsafe conditions, can be tragic. Franklin Law secured a significant $11.2M verdict in a wrongful death verdict involving the entertainment industry.
How Our Savannah Wrongful Death Attorneys Build a Strong Case
Wrongful death cases are as complex as they are emotionally challenging. Our attorneys take a methodical approach to ensure that every aspect of the case is thoroughly investigated and prepared for litigation.
Here’s how a wrongful death lawyer builds a strong case:
Comprehensive Investigation
We consult with accident reconstruction experts and forensic specialists, and conduct a detailed review of corporate and medical documents to gather all the facts. Our in-depth investigation ensures we uncover every piece of evidence necessary to prove negligence.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Our team leaves no stone unturned when identifying the responsible parties. Whether it’s an individual, a company, an employer, a medical professional, or a government entity, we ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.
Proving Negligence & Causation
To win a wrongful death claim, we must establish that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the victim’s death. We build a compelling case demonstrating negligence and causation, supported by expert testimony.
Calculating the Full Value of the Claim
We work closely with financial experts to calculate the full value of the claim, including projected lifetime income, loss of companionship, and any future financial support the deceased would have provided.
How We've Helped Clients in Wrongful Death Claims
Franklin Law has secured millions of dollars in wrongful death verdicts and settlements, fighting tirelessly for the rights of grieving families. Below are some of the notable successes we’ve achieved in wrongful death cases:
Franklin Law secured a $11.2 million verdict for a family whose daughter was tragically struck by a train on a movie set.
Franklin Law secured a $16.5 million verdict in a defective tire case.
By working closely with experts in automotive safety and defect analysis, we were able to prove that the tire’s defect caused the fatal crash, which resulted in one fatality and multiple catastrophic injuries.
In every wrongful death case, several factors affect the settlement amount or verdict, including:
- Insurance Limits: The defendant’s insurance coverage may limit the settlement or verdict.
- Strength of Evidence: Higher quality we can present—such as witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and expert testimony—the higher the settlement value.
- Defendant’s Level of Negligence: Cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct may lead to higher compensation.
- Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, can help strengthen a case and increase its value.
- Punitive Damages: If the defendant’s actions were especially egregious, punitive damages may apply, which can significantly increase the total award.
What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Laws in Georgia
Understanding Georgia’s wrongful death laws is essential for anyone considering a wrongful death lawsuit. A lawyer will help you understand the various statutes that are in place to protect both victims and the legal process:
Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is typically two years from the date of death. However, certain exceptions or other restrictions may apply, so contacting an attorney promptly is critical.
Why Families Choose Franklin Law for Wrongful Death Cases
When it comes to wrongful death claims, families need more than just legal expertise—they need a compassionate team that will fight for justice. Here’s why Franklin Law is the most trusted personal injury law firm in Savannah:
- Proven Track Record with Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts: We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts for our clients, including high-profile wrongful death cases. Our success in achieving significant settlements and verdicts speaks to our commitment to our clients’ causes.
- Trial-Ready Approach: We are not afraid to take a case to trial. While many firms settle out of court, we are fully prepared to go to trial and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
- Close Relationships with Accident Reconstructionists & Experts: We work closely with a network of experts, including accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and forensic specialists, to ensure that your case is supported by the best possible evidence.
- Personalized Support for Grieving Families: We understand that losing a loved one is a profoundly emotional experience. Our team provides compassionate, personalized support to families, helping them navigate the legal process during this difficult time.
- Transparent Communication: We pride ourselves on clear and open communication. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we keep our clients informed every step of the way.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. This ensures that everyone who needs a lawyer for the wrongful death of a loved one has access to justice, regardless of financial circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?
In Georgia, the following individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit: the spouse of the deceased, the children of the deceased (if no surviving spouse), the parents of the deceased (if no surviving spouse or children), or an estate representative (if the deceased has no immediate family).
How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?
The timeline for a wrongful death lawsuit can vary depending on the complexity of the case. It typically takes a year or more for a case to reach a resolution, especially if it goes to trial.
How does contributory negligence affect wrongful death claims?
In Georgia, if the deceased was partially at fault for the accident, the settlement or verdict will be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. For example, if the victim is found to be 25% at fault, their compensation will be reduced accordingly. Once fault exceeds 50%, they are no longer legally eligible to receive compensation.
Speak with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Savannah Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence or recklessness, Franklin Law is committed to providing compassionate support and fighting for the justice your family deserves.
Call us today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. A wrongful death lawyer is here to guide you through this challenging time and ensure that your loved one’s death is not in vain.