According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 126,438 unintentional injury deaths in 2010; this was the fifth highest cause of death in the United States. By comparison, there were 33,783 auto accident deaths.
Georgia wrongful death attorney Shane Smith can help a victim's family receive compensation for their loss.
Georgia's wrongful death statute establishes that the decedent's life is to be viewed and valued from the perspective of the decedent (the value to himself). Evidence in the form of videos, photos, letters and stories from the decedent's life educates a jury on the decedent's quality of life. This is used to create a narrative upon which there is no ceiling for determining damages. These damages are commonly referred to as a claim for "the full value of the life." The decedent's estate can also make a damages claim for any medical bills, conscious pain and suffering prior to death and funeral expenses. These damages are commonly called "survival actions."
Wrongful death damages are not subject to estate or income taxes and they are not subject to the decedent's creditors' claims.
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.