For some, death is the final chapter of a full life, while for others, it’s an untimely tragedy resulting from someone else’s negligence. In such cases, the bereaved must seek help from a Nashville wrongful death lawyer. At TorkLaw’s Nashville offices, we understand the pain a wrongful death can cause a family, which is why we offer consultations 24/7 to support you in your time of need.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Nashville
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another person’s negligence. In the legal system, the deceased’s family or survivors bring a lawsuit against the negligent party. Typically, it’s the executor of the estate or the deceased’s family who consult with wrongful death lawyers to seek justice.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Nashville?
According to Tennessee Code § 20-5-106, specific individuals may file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. These individuals include the surviving spouse, children, personal representative of the decedent, or, in some cases, parents or siblings.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims Handled by Nashville Lawyers
Like personal injury cases, wrongful death claims can arise from various scenarios, with the crucial difference being a fatality. Examples of wrongful death claims in Nashville include:
- Car accident fatalities due to a negligent or drunk driver
- Reckless driving resulting in a motorcycle accident fatality
- Death from medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse or neglect leading to patient fatality
- Product liability or malfunction causing death
- Unsafe property posing a fatal threat
Damages That Can Be Requested in Nashville Wrongful Death Cases
Every wrongful death claim is unique, and different factors must be considered based on the negligent act that led to the individual’s death. With the help of a skilled Nashville wrongful death lawyer, you can determine the damages to seek in your case.
Funeral Costs and Medical Bills
One of the most common damages pursued in wrongful death claims is funeral costs and medical bills. In many cases, the decedent received significant medical treatment before their passing, resulting in substantial expenses.
Income and Benefit Loss
If the decedent was the primary wage-earner for their family, the court might involve economists to calculate the income they would have earned if they had lived to life expectancy. In addition, wrongful death claims often seek compensation for the loss of medical, retirement, social security, and pension benefits.
Homemaker and Child Care
The Nashville court system acknowledges the value of stay-at-home parents, assigning monetary values to childcare, housekeeping, and other essential roles the decedent may have fulfilled. A wrongful death lawyer can help secure compensation for the surviving family members.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate surviving family members for their distress and emotional pain. While not always awarded, these non-economic damages are more likely when the surviving party experiences extreme trauma or shock.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve as a deterrent for the negligent party, helping bring closure to the family while punishing the responsible individual. Like pain and suffering damages, these non-economic damages provide financial compensation to the grieving family.
Trust Nashville’s Leading Wrongful Death Lawyers at TorkLaw
If you need help pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit in Nashville, the experienced attorneys at TorkLaw are ready to support you. Call (615) 866-4800 for a free case consultation, and our team of wrongful death lawyers in Nashville will work tirelessly to bring your case to court and ensure your voice is heard.