Dedicated Valdosta Lawyer For Wrongful Death Litigation
The death of a loved one is difficult to cope with no matter what the circumstances. But losing a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly, such as in a car accident, is something few people are prepared to face. If this has happened in your family, an experienced wrongful death attorney can be your strong ally.
At Jody D. Peterman, LLC, we are here to support you through this difficult time. Please note that we are selective about which cases we take on so that our efforts are focused on those who need our services the most. Our founder, attorney Jody D. Peterman, emphasizes the importance of trial readiness as litigation unfolds. He has tried more than 200 jury trials and is ready to represent you skillfully and vigorously after your loved one has died because of someone else’s negligence.
Please see our Georgia Wrongful Death FAQ.
Supporting You In Your Family’s Time Of Need
We understand the emotional toll a death can take on a family as well as the financial challenges it can create. As we evaluate your wrongful death eligibility, we will also investigate the fatal accident to prove who is liable to compensate you. We help clients in Lowndes County and throughout Georgia pursue the maximum available compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
We know that no amount of money can ever make up for the death of your loved one. With this in mind, it is our goal to help our clients obtain the compensation they need to move forward to a place of financial strength once again. For many families, a successful wrongful death claim also provides closure after an unimaginable loss.
You Deserve Answers During This Difficult Time
You deserve to feel informed and supported every step of the way. Below, we have put together answers to some of the questions families in your situation most commonly ask us.
How is the “full value of the life” calculated under Georgia law?
Georgia takes a unique approach to wrongful death damages. Instead of only looking at what the family has lost, the law focuses on what the person who died lost due to their life being cut short. This includes two main categories:
- The economic value: This covers the measurable financial contributions your loved one would have made if they had lived a normal lifespan. These include lost wages and income, retirement benefits, health insurance and future earning capacity.
- The noneconomic value: This recognizes the deeply personal side of the loss – the things that cannot be measured in dollars. Examples include time spent with loved ones, emotional fulfillment, hobbies and passions your loved one can no longer enjoy, and the loss of companionship for those left behind.
Georgia does not cap damages in wrongful death claims, which means compensation can truly reflect the full weight of your loss.
What happens if the deceased person was partially at fault for the accident in Georgia?
Georgia uses what is known as a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, the compensation your family can recover decreases based on how much fault your loved one carried. For instance, if your loved one was found 20% at fault, your family could still recover up to 80% of the total damages. However, if that fault reaches 50% or more, Georgia law may bar your family from receiving any compensation.
How are wrongful death settlement proceeds divided among surviving family members?
Under Georgia law, if a spouse and children survive, the spouse brings the claim for everyone. The proceeds are then split equally among the spouse and children, but the spouse always receives at least one-third of the total no matter how many children there are. Without a surviving spouse, the children split the proceeds equally among themselves. Without a spouse or children, the proceeds go to the surviving parents. If none of these family members survive, the estate administrator brings the claim for the next of kin.
What types of fatal accidents lead to wrongful death claims in Lowndes County?
Common causes include car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, medical malpractice, dangerous property conditions, workplace accidents and defective products. The most important question in any of these cases is whether someone else’s negligence played a role in your loved one’s death. If it did, your family may have the right to seek justice, and we are here to help you find out.
Act Quickly After A Fatal Accident To Preserve Evidence
While it may not seem ideal at this painful time, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately after a fatal accident. The sooner we can get started gathering evidence for your claim, the better our chances will be of building a strong case to prove that a wrongful death occurred.
We know that the time right after the sudden death of a family member is a difficult time for you. For this reason, we strive to make our clients feel comfortable throughout the legal process. We listen and educate our clients to help them make the right decisions about taking cases to trial. We will always keep you informed of your options.
Request A No-Obligation Consultation
If your loved one has been fatally injured because of another person’s negligence, please complete our contact form or call us at 229-588-2608 to discuss your claim with our Valdosta wrongful death attorney.