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Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Beyond the emotional grief, families are often left with unexpected medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of financial support. If your family is facing this tragedy, an experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney can help you pursue justice and financial accountability.
At The Dixon Firm, we represent families throughout Atlanta who have lost loved ones due to preventable accidents and wrongful conduct. Our wrongful death lawyers work to hold negligent individuals, corporations, and insurance companies responsible while helping families seek stability during an incredibly difficult time.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Georgia law allows surviving family members to pursue compensation when a death could have been avoided through reasonable care.
Wrongful death claims commonly arise from car accidents, truck crashes, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace incidents, nursing home neglect, and acts of violence. These cases are civil claims, separate from any criminal proceedings, and focus on the financial and emotional losses suffered by surviving family members.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Atlanta?
Georgia law strictly defines who may bring a wrongful death claim. The surviving spouse has the primary right to file. If there is no spouse, the right passes to the deceased person’s children.
If there are no children, the parents may bring the claim. When no immediate family members survive, the personal representative of the estate may pursue the lawsuit for the benefit of the next of kin. Only one wrongful death action may be filed, making it important that the claim is brought by the proper party under Georgia law.
What Compensation Is Available in a Wrongful Death Case?
Georgia wrongful death claims seek damages for the full value of the life of the deceased, which includes both economic and non-economic losses. This can include lost wages and benefits the individual would have earned, as well as the intangible value of relationships, companionship, and everyday life.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Atlanta
Wrongful death cases in Atlanta often result from serious motor vehicle accidents on highways such as I-75, I-85, and I-285. Commercial truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle collisions are frequent contributors.
Medical negligence is another leading cause, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and hospital negligence. Construction accidents, defective consumer products, and unsafe premises also result in fatal injuries across Georgia each year. Regardless of cause, these claims require immediate investigation to preserve evidence and identify responsible parties.
Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case
To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence or misconduct, and directly caused the death. Evidence may include accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia
In most cases, Georgia law allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Certain circumstances may alter this deadline, such as pending criminal investigations or delays in appointing an estate representative. Missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar recovery, which is why families are encouraged to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation
Wrongful death claims are emotionally complicated and legally challenging. Insurance companies and corporate defendants often fight aggressively to avoid paying full compensation, particularly when significant damages are involved.
An experienced wrongful death attorney Atlanta families trust can manage all communications with insurers, gather expert testimony, calculate long-term financial losses, and advocate for maximum compensation, allowing families to focus on healing.
Why Choose The Dixon Firm
The Dixon Firm is dedicated to representing families who have suffered unimaginable loss due to negligence. Our attorneys approach wrongful death cases with compassion, precision, and a commitment to accountability.
We understand Georgia wrongful death law, the strategies used by insurance companies, and the importance of building cases that reflect the true value of a lost life. Our firm works closely with experts in accident reconstruction, economics, and medicine to present strong, evidence-based claims.