Sevierville Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone close to you because of a preventable accident is horrific, yet you might be shocked to learn how often fatal incidents occur. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately 214,000 unintentional injury deaths annually, and these victims leave behind survivors who are devastated. As they suffer through their grief, families will also soon experience other losses when a loved one’s life was tragically taken.
Though legal action cannot bring back the victim, it may come as some comfort to know that you have legal remedies under Tennessee wrongful death laws. Our team at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette will take care of all essential tasks, enabling you to cope during this difficult time. For more information on your rights, please contact our firm to schedule a free case review with a Sevierville wrongful death lawyer. Some background information may also be helpful.
How Tennessee Wrongful Death Laws Work
The legal principles that affect personal injury cases also apply when the victim is killed in a fatal accident. Negligence is the theory of liability, but the term has a very specific meaning under Tennessee law. You must be able to prove that the deadly incident was the result of the at-fault party’s failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to losses for survivors. Wrongful death cases are frequently linked to:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions;
- Bus and trolley crashes;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents;
- Slip and fall incidents related to dangerous conditions on property;
- Drownings and accidents in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar amenities; and
- Boat collisions.
Because the victim has passed, wrongful death laws provide that the decedent’s survivors are in the position to pursue legal action. A surviving spouse, child, or parent may file a claim, and the personal representative of the deceased’s estate could also have standing.
Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases
The legal process starts by filing an insurance claim under the at-fault party’s policy for auto, business, or property liability coverage. Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette will deal with the insurance company, and we will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurer denies your claim or refuses to pay a reasonable amount, our Sevierville wrongful death lawyers are prepared to go to court.
However, you should note that a wrongful death case is intended to compensate survivors for the losses they suffer from losing a loved one. You may be eligible to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Lost wages and financial contributions; and
- Losses related to education, guidance, support, love, and others.
Reach Out to a Sevierville Wrongful Death Attorney for Details
While an overview about your rights and remedies is useful, it is still critical to get legal help after losing a loved one in a fatal accident. To learn more about the process, please contact Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette. Call 866-862-4855 or visit our website to set up a no-cost consultation with a skilled Sevierville wrongful death lawyer.