Wrongful death refers to a claim by a plaintiff (not the victim) who seeks to recover damages for the unjust death of another caused by someone's negligent, reckless or intentional acts. There are no specific guidelines that dictate the means of death; however, wrongful death tort claims frequently occur in several circumstances:
- Medical malpractice, especially errors in surgery, diagnosis and/or prescriptions;
- Product defects;
- Automobile accidents, including truck and pedestrian accidents;
- Criminal acts such as murder, physical abuse or neglect.
Clayton County wrongful death attorney Shane Smith represents families who have lost loved ones in auto accidents, truck accidents, DUI accidents, pedestrian accidents or serious premises liability accidents.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jenni Rivera's husband filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the charter plane company that was flying the popular entertainer when her plane crashed. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
The husband, who was formerly a major league baseball pitcher, was in the process of divorcing the entertainer but reportedly still received financial benefits from her. The lawsuit names the plane's owners and its parent company and claims that the 78-year-old pilot and the co-pilot were not licensed to fly paying passengers. Both died in the crash.
The crash also killed Rivera's publicist, makeup artist, hairstylist and attorney. Their families previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the plane's owners and Rivera's company.
If a death is caused by the negligence of another then the decedent's family may be entitled to legal relief through a wrongful death lawsuit. You should hire an experienced Clayton County wrongful death attorney if you will file a lawsuit on behalf of a family member who died due to another's negligence. Call Shane Smith Law for a free consultation.