When you've lost a loved one due to another person's negligence, the tragic realities seemingly never stop making themselves known. One of the harshest and cruelest of those realities is that the loss of your loved one often represents a significant threat to your economic well-being.
You don't want to think about money, of course. You just want to mourn your loved one and piece together your life. But as understandable as that desire might be, it won't stop the bills from coming to your door.
The good news is that you're not alone. Herbert Thornbury is an experienced wrongful death lawyer. He has decades of experience helping Chattanooga-area residents who have suffered the sudden death of a family member.
If you need to speak to our wrongful death lawyer about your case, please call Mr. Thornbury at 423-667-0184 for a complimentary consultation. We are located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case?
One of our tasks at your consultation and throughout the process will be answering any and every wrrongful death law question you might have. We believe in doing everything we can to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the legal environment you're facing.
But arguably our most important task will be evaluating the quality of your case and determining if you have a viable claim under Tennessee law. No one wins when a wrongful death lawyer misleads you as to your chances. We will always be up-front and honest with you.
In order to successfully pursue a wrongful death claim in Tennessee, you need to be a spouse of the recently deceased, a family member, an executor of the estate, or in some circumstances, a sibling. You'll generally need to file your claim within one year of the date of the tragic accident. And you'll need to prove that the person or persons you're suing possessed a duty to your loved one that they breached, and that this breach caused your loved one's death.
Common Wrongful Death Cases we Handle In Chattanooga, TN
A wrongful death can arise from just about any accident caused by the negligence of another. Our firm handles wrongful death cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Premises liability cases
- Boating accidents
This isn't an exhaustive list, of course. But it does provide you with a clear sense of our experience and skill set.
Herbert Thornbury can Help
There's a lot to consider, and the law can be complicated. But don't try and untangle the web yourself. Don't make assumptions about what's possible and what's not possible. Let Mr. Thornbury use his decades of experience to help you through this difficult time in your life. He'll evaluate your claim and determine if you have a case. And if you do, you can count on him to provide you with the high-quality representation you deserve.
Client Testimonial
"I am so thankful for all the things you have done for me. Knowing you were looking after me gave me peace of mind and I knew that I did not have to worry. I felt that I wasn’t just another client, but that I was a personal friend. Thanks again!"
What Is the Difference Between a Personal Injury Lawsuit and a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
There are some differences between both a personal injury case and a wrongful death case. While they have similarities, the primary difference is whether the individual was severely hurt or the accident resulted in their death. Personal injury cases are designed to help with medical expenses, loss of a job, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and even future costs for necessary medical expenses for the rest of the individual’s life. In a wrongful death claim, personal representatives or family of the deceased are pursuing a lawsuit against the individual or business responsible for causing a fatality. A settlement can be achieved to recover the cost of bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of support for the remaining family or dependents.
What Are Some Examples of Wrongful Death Cases?
Whenever an act of negligence or malpractice occurs that results in a death, living relatives or representatives have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These may include car accidents, slip and fall cases, animal attacks, construction accidents, or defective products. Malpractice focuses on incorrect medical care that caused the death of the individual, and plaintiffs need to prove that the failure of the doctor or medical provider was the direct cause of the deceased’s fatality.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
There is a period of time by which you must file a wrongful death claim through the courts, and Herbert Thornbury understands these limitations and can make them clear to you when considering your lawsuit. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations is one year, while Georgia residents have up to two years after the death to file their lawsuit. If a branch of the government is at fault for the wrongful death, then there is an “ante litem” deadline, typically between six months to one year. Consulting with our attorney regarding your case as soon as possible is always the best way to determine if you have time to file a complaint in the state where he will represent you. Herbert Thornbury represents clients in both states and can guide you through the specifics of each state’s laws.
What Types of Compensation Can Be Received Through a Wrongful Death Claim?
There are several different ways in which compensation can be received when filing a lawsuit for wrongful death. There are several different factors to consider as well due to the extent of the loss that occurred and the impact that it had on inheritance, medical bills, and funeral costs, just to name a few. Because each wrongful death lawsuit is based on individual, unique circumstances, Herbert Thornbury cannot give you an average settlement amount. Below are just a few of the damages that a plaintiff can file for in wrongful death lawsuits:
- Loss of the deceased’s lifetime income
- Pain and suffering experienced while alive
- Medical bills accumulated after the accident until the death
- Loss of inheritance money
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Unexpected funeral costs after death
- Punitive damages, depending on the state laws
Contact our Chattanooga Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you've lost a loved one in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area and need an experienced wrongful death lawyer, please call Herbert Thornbury, Attorney at Law at 423-667-0184 for a complimentary case evaluation and an honest review of your rights and options.
