Losing a loved one due to someone else’s wrongdoing can be devastating. In addition to grief, surviving family members often face severe financial challenges due to losing their loved one’s support. While nothing can undo the tragic death of a family member, a Tennessee wrongful death lawsuit can offer some measure of justice and provide financial stability.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A Tennessee wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action alleging that a person or entity caused another person’s death through negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. It is a separate matter from any criminal charges that might arise from the death. A civil wrongful death claim could be successful even if criminal charges are never filed or a criminal case results in an acquittal.
Compensation in a successful Tennessee wrongful death suit may include the following:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income, loss of household services, and other financial benefits
- Bills related to the decedent’s medical treatment before death
- Loss of the decedent’s emotional support and care
- Pain and suffering prior to death
- Loss of consortium which includes such things as loss of affection, care, love, support, and, in the case of a spouse, sexual relations
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Various types of wrongful death cases occur in Tennessee. The most common cases include the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Auto accidents are among the most common causes of wrongful deaths in Tennessee. Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can all result in wrongful deaths. When a motorist’s negligent or reckless behavior on the road leads to the loss of life, the decedent’s surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.
- Medical malpractice – Medical malpractice occurs when a patient dies due to a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the standard of care. Medical malpractice can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and other negligent medical mistakes. Nursing home wrongful death cases sometimes fall under this category.
- Workplace accidents – Surviving family members may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits when a workplace accident takes the life of their loved one. If a worker dies due to the negligence of a non-employer third party, the worker’s family might also be eligible to file a wrongful death case.
- Product liability – The manufacturer, distributor, or seller of a defective or dangerous product can be liable for death resulting from the use of the product. These wrongful death lawsuits often involve faulty car parts, dangerous pharmaceuticals, or hazardous machinery, for example.
- Premises liability – Property owners must maintain safe premises for visitors and fix any known hazards. If a visitor dies because an owner fails to fix a dangerous condition on the property, such as a broken step, the decedent’s family could file a wrongful death claim.
Talk to Our Experienced Tennessee Wrongful Death Attorneys Today
The sudden loss of a loved one can be heart-wrenching, and the grief is often compounded when the death is due to someone else’s wrongdoing. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At The Terry Law Firm, our compassionate and dedicated attorneys have the experience and resources to build a solid wrongful death case and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. With over 50 years of combined legal experience and a long track record of success, we are ready to seek justice for your loved one.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced Tennessee wrongful death attorneys.
