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 a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), auto accident and wrongful death cases cost Georgia approximately $1.5 billion in 2005, the latest year that statistics were released. Georgia was the fourth highest out of 10 states in medical expenses and lost wages associated with preventable deaths caused by auto accidents.
The CDC study included the following statistics regarding accidental deaths in the United States:
- Georgia's costs for auto accident and wrongful death claims of $1.5 billion.
- Georgia had over 120,000 deaths from accidents.
- Deaths due to accidents is the fifth highest cause of death in the United States.
- There are approximately 26,000 deaths caused by falls in the United States each year.
- There are approximately 33,000 deaths caused by auto accidents in the United States each year.
- There are approximately 42 million emergency room visits for injuries in the United States each year.
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.