Decatur Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful Death Attorney in Decatur

A Decatur wrongful death lawyer can help find answers and accountability after the unimaginable: the loss of a loved one through someone else’s carelessness. From a car accident on I-285 to a workplace injury to a faulty product, Georgia law provides for legal claims on behalf of the person you lost. While financial compensation never makes up for the loss of a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim delivers stability and a bit of recompense.

At Barnes Law Group, we know how grief can make the steps that follow a tragedy feel hazy and out of reach. A Decatur personal injury lawyer from our firm will walk families through the legal process with care and compassion.

We treat each claim with the personalized attention it deserves, uncovering the truth, calling negligent parties to account, and fighting to secure the full financial recovery you need to move forward. Our mission has never changed — Making It Right for those who’ve been wronged.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The Barnes Law Group has been named to the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report, recognized by Super Lawyers, and featured in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Our lawyers are also members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and recipients of Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating.

These accolades represent far more than awards on our office walls. They are a testament to the decades we’ve spent dedicated to Georgia families who have lost a loved one and are seeking the truth, justice, and closure that can help them begin the long process of healing after a wrongful death.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia

Georgia law provides that when a person’s life is taken through negligence, the family is entitled to both answers and accountability. O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2 allows a surviving spouse or child to bring a wrongful death claim, and any recovery is shared among them.

If there is no spouse or children, O.C.G.A. §§ 51-4-4 and 51-4-5 allow parents or the estate representative to pursue the claim. These laws are intended to recognize the full value of a loved one’s life, not just their income, but also their presence, their relationships, and the future that was taken away.

The amount sought in a wrongful death claim is the “full value of the life” of the person who was killed, which includes both economic and non-economic damages. The most common causes of wrongful death in Decatur involve car accidents, unsafe premises, or defective products.

Understanding your rights early on can help your family protect the legacy of your loved one and seek the justice you need with confidence and purpose.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Decatur

Death can strike at any time, in any place. Too many times, people are killed in I-285 crashes, car accidents on Memorial Drive, and other unexpected tragedies. In 2024, 121 people were killed in DeKalb County car accidents, five of which were Decatur car accidents.

Fatal work accidents, dangerous property conditions, and other situations can also lead to wrongful deaths in DeKalb County. Defective products and negligent drivers are some of the most common causes.

No matter how your loved one died, we can look at all of the facts to determine how someone else’s actions or omissions were negligent and legally caused their death. Determining liability in these cases can bring closure for families and hopefully deter anyone else from engaging in the same activity.

How Georgia’s Statute of Limitations Affects Wrongful Death Claims

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). There are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, the two-year period may be tolled, or paused, if there is a criminal case pending that involves that death. Also, if an estate has not been opened, a claim cannot be brought under this statute. If the two-year period passes, you will not be able to seek recovery for your loss.

It is important to be aware of these time limitations from the start so that you can take prompt action and move forward with the case while still allowing yourself the time you need to mourn your loss and get the support you need.

FAQs

What Is Considered a Wrongful Death Under Georgia Law?

A wrongful death is when a person’s life is ended due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. These acts can include car accidents, dangerous property conditions, defective products, and criminal violence. O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 gives family members the right to sue for the full value of the decedent’s life. A Decatur wrongful death lawyer can discuss the facts of your case to see if it meets Georgia’s definition.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?

The law allows for the family to recover the “full value of the life” of the person who was killed. This value includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as lost income and benefits, companionship, love, care, attention, and common experiences.

In some cases, the estate can also bring a separate claim for medical expenses, funeral costs, and pre-death pain and suffering.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Barnes Law Group?

When you hire a wrongful death lawyer from Barnes Law Group, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid when we settle a case or win a verdict for our client. This means that grieving families can focus on their recovery, while our legal team focuses on holding the responsible party accountable for the loved one they lost.

Can a Criminal Case Affect a Wrongful Death Claim?

When death leads to criminal charges, such as DUI or homicide, legal proceedings, the civil wrongful death suit gets paused until the conclusion of the criminal trial. Tolling allows for the two-year statute of limitations to pause until the criminal matter has been resolved, which then allows for the family’s civil case to proceed.

Contact a Decatur Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one changes everything, but justice is still possible. At Barnes Law Group, our attorneys help families seek accountability and closure after tragedy. Schedule a consultation with a Decatur wrongful death lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options.