When reckless, careless, or negligent actions take the life of someone you love, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim, which helps to compensate surviving family members for their losses. However, Tennessee wrongful death law can be extremely complicated, and families are held to strict time limits for filing a claim. If you believe that the accident that took your loved one’s life may have been caused by another person or company, the best way to quickly determine your rights and legal options are to speak with an experienced attorney who is experienced with wrongful death cases in Tennessee.
At GriffithLaw in Franklin, TN our compassionate attorneys understand what it takes to help grieving families fight for their rights and the rights of the deceased. To talk with us in a free, no-obligation case review, give our Nashville law office a call today.
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Tennessee, a wrongful death claim may be filed by:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- The personal representative or administrator of the estate
However, there are also some exceptions that may apply depending on the unique circumstances of a case, so it is important to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney before moving ahead.
It is also important to understand that time limits apply in wrongful death cases. Surviving family members generally have one year to file a claim, but this can vary depending on the details. Another consideration is the time needed to investigate and prepare for a wrongful death suit—if family members wait until the last minute to look into their rights, it may already be too late to build an effective case.
What Is Gained by Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Filing a lawsuit can seem overwhelming on top of everything else your family is going through, but asserting your rights can actually help you manage in a difficult time. Taking legal action now can mean:
- Financial recovery. Death is surprisingly expensive, and many families face financial ruin in the aftermath. In a wrongful death lawsuit, family members may be able to recover the costs of the funeral and burial, medical bills, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship and parental guidance, losses experienced by the deceased between the time of injury and death, and more. Learn how wrongful death money is distributed among family members.
- Peace of mind. Obtaining justice after a tragic and preventable accident can provide a sense of closure. And, by holding the responsible person legally liable for what happened, a wrongful death suit can potentially prevent the same thing from happening to other families.
Remember, too, that you don’t have to go it alone. Working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer from the start can help you investigate the circumstances of the death, protect your rights, and get relief from the stress of insurance paperwork and unanswered questions.
Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Help Families Legally Recover After a Wrongful Death
Determining if the death of your loved one is a “wrongful death” under the law is difficult, especially when you already have so much on your mind. Let our experienced wrongful death attorneys guide you through investigating your loved one’s death, getting important records, and making sure that your legal paperwork is handled accurately and filed on time.
Our Nashville wrongful death attorneys are experienced and respected in the legal community, and we treat every case we handle with compassion and discretion. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at 615-807-7900 , or complete our contact form for a prompt response.