Chattanooga Wrongful Death Attorneys

“Wrongful death” refers to the avoidable death of an individual caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another person or organization. Because the victim cannot seek damages through a personal injury claim, qualifying parties have the right to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf. 

If you are not sure whether you or your family has grounds for a wrongful death claim, we encourage you to reach out to our team at The Hamilton Firm. Our Chattanooga wrongful death attorneys can assess your situation and walk you through your legal rights and options.

Types of Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death Claims

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Bus accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• And more

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Not all family members and loved ones of a wrongful death victim have the right to take legal action. Each state enforces laws governing who can initiate a claim. If you are not sure whether you have the right to file a lawsuit, get in touch with our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers. We can quickly determine whether you have standing, and, if you do not, advise who does. 

Wrongful Death Claim Rights in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the victim’s closest surviving relative has the exclusive right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This may be the victim’s surviving spouse, child, or parent. If there are no surviving relatives available to pursue the claim, the personal representative of the victim’s estate (decided by the victim’s will or the court if there is no valid will) can bring a claim.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia

In Georgia, the wrongful death victim’s surviving spouse, parent, and children all have the right to take legal action. Again, if no qualifying surviving relative exists, the personal representative of the victim’s estate can file a lawsuit.

Alabama's Approach to Wrongful Death Claims

In Alabama, only the personal representative of the victim’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit if the victim was an adult at the time of their passing. If the victim was a minor when they died, their parents have a six-month window to bring a wrongful death claim, after which the exclusive right to take legal action reverts to the personal representative. 

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in the Southeast

The time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit will depend on where the victim passed away, as the deadlines vary by state.

Deadlines for Wrongful Death Lawsuits by State

• Tennessee: One year of the death
• Georgia: Two years of the death
• Alabama: Two years of the death

It is important to note that, no matter the state, the pertinent deadline is tied to the date the victim passes away, not the date of the incident that caused fatal injuries. In other words, if someone suffers catastrophic injuries but does not die until weeks later, the clock does not start ticking until they pass away. 

If the cause of death is not immediately apparent, the relevant deadline may also be tied to the date the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered).

Recoverable Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

No level of compensation can replace a lost loved one. Holding responsible parties accountable for their actions is important, however, as is getting the compensation you need to cover the losses that unavoidably come with the unexpected death of a family member. The exact damages you can potentially recover varies by state, but, generally, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages suffered by the victim as well as their survivors.

Compensation for Wrongful Death: What Families Can Claim

• Your loved one’s final medical expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Your loved one’s pain and suffering
• Mental anguish sustained by you and other survivors
• Lost wages and earning potential
• Loss of consortium and companionship

Support Organizations for Victims of Wrongful Death in Chattanooga, TN

Experiencing the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death is an unimaginable tragedy. It can be overwhelming to navigate the emotional, legal, and financial challenges that follow. Here are some organizations and resources in Chattanooga, TN, that offer support and assistance to victims and their families during this difficult time:

Compassionate Friends of Chattanooga

The Compassionate Friends provides support to families who have experienced the death of a child. They offer monthly support group meetings, resources, and a compassionate community to help families heal.

• Website: Compassionate Friends of Chattanooga
• Contact: (877) 969-0010
• Location: Meeting locations vary, check the website for details.

Hospice of Chattanooga

Hospice of Chattanooga offers grief counseling and support services to individuals and families coping with loss. Their bereavement programs include individual counseling, support groups, and educational workshops.

• Website: Hospice of Chattanooga
• Contact: (423) 892-4289
• Location: 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416

Survivors of Homicide Victims Support Group

This support group provides a safe space for those who have lost loved ones to homicide. They offer emotional support, resources, and a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by survivors of wrongful death.

• Contact: (423) 209-7150 (Hamilton County District Attorney's Office)
• Location: Meeting locations vary, contact the Hamilton County District Attorney's Office for details.

Partnership for Families, Children and Adults

This organization offers a range of services, including grief counseling and crisis intervention for families and individuals dealing with traumatic loss. Their professional counselors can help navigate the emotional aftermath of a wrongful death.

• Website: Partnership for Families, Children and Adults
• Contact: (423) 755-2822
• Location: 1800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Tennessee

MADD Tennessee provides support to families who have lost loved ones to drunk driving incidents. They offer victim services, support groups, and assistance with legal advocacy.

• Website: MADD Tennessee
• Contact: (877) ASK-MADD (275-6233)
• Location: Statewide services, contact for local support.

Family Justice Center of Chattanooga

The Family Justice Center offers support and resources to victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes. They provide counseling, legal assistance, and a range of other services to help families in crisis.

• Website: Family Justice Center of Chattanooga
• Contact: (423) 643-7600
• Location: 5705 Uptain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) Tennessee

SNAP Tennessee supports survivors of clergy abuse and their families. They offer confidential support, counseling referrals, and advocacy for those seeking justice and healing.

• Website: SNAP Tennessee
• Contact: (877) SNAP-HEALS (762-7432)
• Location: Statewide services, contact for local support.

GriefShare

GriefShare is a nationwide network of grief recovery support groups, including several in the Chattanooga area. These groups provide a structured program and a supportive community for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

• Website: GriefShare
• Contact: (800) 395-5755
• Location: Various churches and community centers in Chattanooga, check the website for details.

These organizations offer invaluable support to those dealing with the aftermath of a wrongful death. Whether you need emotional support, legal guidance, or practical assistance, these resources can help you navigate this difficult journey.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? At The Hamilton Firm, our wrongful death lawyers in Chattanooga work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket. We only charge a fee for our services if we are able to recover compensation on your behalf – which would be a percentage of the compensation awarded in your case. 

Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by giving us a call today.

Contact The Hamilton Firm Now for Compassionate Wrongful Death Representation(423) 454-3288 or reach out online if your loved one died due to another person’s or entity’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing.