Justice and compensation
you rightfully deserve
Injury & Accident Attorney Serving Nearby Areas of Columbus & Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama
The loss of a loved one is a difficult and confusing event that is compounded when the death was caused by someone’s reckless or careless conduct. Legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind during your time of grieving, but if the death of your loved one occurred because of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional losses you’ve suffered as a result of your loved one’s death.
At the Law Offices of Gary Bruce, we strive to provide clear and accurate information when you’re dealing with these traumatic circumstances. To discuss your case for free with one of our attorneys, please call us today at 706-813-1624. Our wrongful death lawyers help families in and around Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, as well as Phenix City, Alabama, and other communities.
What Is
Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence leads to the death of another; the death could have been accidental or intentional, but the responsible party directly caused the other person’s death. Even after a criminal case has been tried, and possibly failed, a wrongful death suit can still be pursued.
Successful wrongful death cases must establish the following criteria:
The death of an individual (the deceased)
Someone’s negligence caused the death
The survival of certain family members who are suffering damages as a result of the death
The appointment of a personal representative for the deceased’s estate
Who Can File a
Wrongful Death Claim?
In Georgia, only the following parties can seek compensation for “the full value of the life” of a lost loved one:
- Surviving spouse
- Surviving child (if there is no spouse)
- Surviving parents (if there is no spouse or child)
- Administrator of the deceased’s estate (if there is no spouse, child or parent)
Alabama law, on the other hand, doesn’t allow family members of the deceased to file wrongful death claims. Instead, only a personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a claim, and all damages are paid to the estate.
Potential Damages
in a Wrongful Death Claim
There are two general types of damages in wrongful death claims: monetary and non-monetary. Monetary damages involve actual, quantifiable losses such as funeral expenses, medical costs, lost income and other calculable damages. Non-monetary damages involve pain, suffering and emotional losses. In some cases, punitive damages are levied against the responsible party as punishment for gross negligence.
In Georgia, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, damages could include:
Related medical expenses prior to death
Funeral expenses
Loss of future income
Loss of future benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Emotional pain and suffering
Punitive damages
In Alabama, only punitive damages can be pursued in a wrongful death case. There are no compensatory damages.
Call Now to Discuss Your Wrongful Death Case for Free
To learn more about how our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help you and your family, contact us today on line or at 706-813-1624 to schedule a free initial consultation. We welcome clients from all over Georgia and Alabama, including Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama.
Proudly Serving
Those Who Serve
The military personnel and families of Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) are highly valued and respected members of our community. It is our honor to help service members at home and abroad with their legal needs. We frequently work with the Judge Advocate General office of Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) to protect our client’s rights and coordinate health care benefits.
If you live on Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore) or Ft. Mitchell, or in Columbus or Phenix City, we want to hear from you. We understand that your schedule may require special planning, and we are happy to work with you to find a convenient time and place to meet. Contact the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today to learn more about our legal services for military families.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call the Law Offices of Gary Bruce today at 706-786-4428 to discuss your case for free. We welcome clients in and around Columbus and Ft Benning (formerly Ft Moore), Georgia, as well as Phenix City, Alabama, and surrounding areas.
