Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, one that leaves a void that can never truly be filled. The pain of this loss is only compounded when the death is the result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. This is known as a “wrongful death” in legal terms.
If your family has suffered a wrongful death, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the financial and emotional burdens you now face. At The Higgins Firm, our wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
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A wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligent or wrongful conduct directly causes another person’s death. This can arise from a wide range of circumstances, such as:
In these situations, the responsible party may be an individual, a business, or even a public entity. It’s important to note that not every unexpected or injury-related death qualifies as a wrongful death under the law. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you determine if your loved one’s passing meets the legal criteria.
Under Tennessee law (Code Section 20-5-106), certain surviving family members are allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation. The priority order is as follows:
In some cases, if there are no surviving spouses, children, or parents, other relatives may be permitted to bring the claim. A knowledgeable Nashville wrongful death lawyer can advise you on your eligibility to file suit.
The unexpected loss of a loved one often leaves families facing significant financial hardships on top of their grief. A wrongful death claim seeks to recover compensation for these economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, securing fair compensation can help ease the financial burdens you face in the wake of your loss.
Wrongful death cases are often complex, costly, and emotionally charged. They require extensive evidence gathering, witness testimony, and legal expertise to build a strong case. Many law firms lack the resources or experience to handle these challenging cases effectively.
At The Higgins Firm, our wrongful death division is led by Attorney Jim Higgins, a seasoned litigator with a track record of success in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. As a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite group of trial lawyers who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, Jim has the knowledge and tenacity to take on even the most complex cases.
Our legal team understands the immense toll a wrongful death takes on a family. We offer compassionate guidance and tireless advocacy every step of the way. From investigating the circumstances of your loved one’s death to negotiating with insurance companies and presenting your case in court, we’re here to fight for your rights and interests.
No legal action can undo the tragedy your family has suffered. But pursuing a wrongful death claim can help you secure the financial resources you need to move forward and find a sense of closure and justice. It also holds the responsible parties accountable for their actions and may help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
If you believe your loved one’s death was the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Tennessee wrongful death attorneys. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. With offices in Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis, we serve clients throughout the Southeast.
Contact us online or call us to schedule your consultation today. Let us fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
In Tennessee, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit typically belongs to the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, or the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses prior to death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering of the deceased before death.
In most cases, you have one year from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party. This can include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.
Compensation is typically distributed according to Tennessee’s laws of intestate succession, unless the deceased left a will specifying otherwise.
Yes. Economic damages are just one part of a wrongful death claim. You may still be able to recover damages for loss of companionship, guidance, and other non-economic factors.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action and can proceed regardless of any criminal charges. The burden of proof is also lower in civil cases.
