TESTIMONIALS
I called Matt after several people recommended him. He was very kind and did a very good job on my son’s case. We are very thankful for the work he did. Most importantly, he was never hard to reach and answered every question we had while going through the process. Matt is the only attorney I will ever call in the future.
- Emily
My husband is a cyclist that did not fair well against an SUV recently. Matt and his team took phenomenal care of us, allowing us not to stress out (too much) about the little things. Matt and his team handled everything with professionalism. We know we made the right call.
- Jane
So glad I hired this firm after my rearend car accident. Matt embodies the skill set and values I was looking for. He treats every case like a mini war, and was a zealous advocate on my behalf. And he did so in the most competent and skillful manner. He listened, was empathetic and understood my legal and nonlegal problems.
- Jared
It was important to me to get the maximum money I could for my broken neck and arm. After getting jerked around for months by State Farm, I interviewed several firms and chose Mr. Wetherington. I’m glad I did. He forced the insurance company to pay twenty times their last offer to me.
- Veronica
It is an honor to share my experience with Mr. Wetherington. He was able to get answers about what happened in my son’s wreck that other attorney’s were not able to do. I am so thankful for the work that he did and he was very thorough in his explanation of why the vehicle had a “defect.”
- Anonymous
My case did not settle. The person that hit me only had minimal policy limits. Fortunately, I had my own insurance, which should have provided more money. My insurance company, Allstate, treated me like garbage. We had to sue them and go all the way to trial, which we won.
- Jane Doe
Matt Wetherington is the attorney who is suing the booting companies. We need to do everything we can as a community to help him succeed. God bless you, Mr. Wetherington!
- Michael
At Wetherington Law Firm, P.C., our Rome wrongful death lawyers are experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable advocates for grieving families. As a boutique law firm, we are committed to providing personalized legal representation to each and every client we work with. If your family member was killed in an accident, our legal team is here to protect your rights and help you secure justice, accountability, and closure. To set up a free, confidential consultation with a Rome wrongful death attorney, please contact us today.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
A wrongful death claim is a civil legal claim filed against the party deemed responsible “at fault” for a fatal accident. To hold another party legally liable for wrongful death, you must be prepared to prove that their negligence—failure to take due care—contributed to your loved one’s passing. A wrongful death claim can be filed in a wide range of different circumstances, including for:
- Car accidents;
- Pedestrian collisions;
- Motorcycle crashes;
- Truck accidents;
- Bus accidents;
- Fall accidents;
- Dangerous conditions on property;
- Negligent security by businesses or property owners;
- Medical malpractice; and
- Dangerous and defective products.
Every fatal accident in Floyd County, GA should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Rome wrongful death lawyer. Do not assume that your family is without options. A Rome wrongful death attorney will investigate the matter, identify parties that bear liability, and secure all of the evidence that you need to get justice, accountability, and closure.
The Statute of Limitations for a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia must be filed before the state’s statute of limitations expires. Under (O.C.G.A § 9-3-33), there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. If you and your family wait too long to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit, the case could be dismissed on statutory grounds. You do not want to wait to get started with the legal claims process. Consult with a Rome, GA wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal accident.
Understanding Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia
Unfortunately, not everyone who was close to the deceased victim has the right to file a wrongful death claim under Georgia law. The state has strict laws in place regarding eligibility to bring a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident. Here is a basic overview of who can file in five different circumstances:
- Surviving Spouse (No Children): If the decedent has a surviving spouse, but not children, then the surviving spouse has the exclusive right to bring the wrongful death lawsuit.
- Surviving Spouse (Children): If there is a surviving spouse and surviving children, then they both have rights under the Georgia wrongful death lawsuit. The surviving spouse may have the sole right to bring the claim if the children are shared and are minors.
- No Surviving Spouse (No Children): If there is no surviving spouse and the decedent has no children, the wrongful death claim should be filed by their parents.
- No Surviving Spouse (Children): If there is no surviving spouse and the decedent has surviving children, then those kids generally have the shared right to bring the wrongful death claim.
- No Surviving Spouse, Children, or Parents: If there is no surviving spouse, no surviving children, and no surviving parents, the personal estate of the victim will likely be responsible for initiating the wrongful death claim. The heirs of the victim will be the beneficiaries.
What Damages Can Be Recovered Through a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Nothing can ever truly be enough to make up for the loss of a family member in an accident that could have been prevented with proper care. At the same time, grieving families need justice, accountability, and financial support. A civil legal claim for wrongful death in Georgia gives surviving family members the right to sue for the “full value of the life of the decedent.” There is both economic and non-economic aspect to these claims. Through a wrongful death claim in Georgia, surviving family members may be entitled to recover for:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages can be recovered through a wrongful death claim in Georgia, including for out-of-pocket medical expenses, funeral & burial costs, and loss of financial support.
- Non-Economic Damages: A wrongful death claim in Georgia should also include compensation for a grieving family’s non-economic damages, including loss of love, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and loss of household services.
Contact Our Rome, GA Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
At Wetherington Law Firm, P.C., our Georgia wrongful death attorneys are compassionate and justice-focused advocates for grieving families. If your loved one was killed due to the negligence of another party, we are here as a legal resource. Contact us today to arrange your no-cost, fully confidential consultation. We handle wrongful death cases in Rome and throughout Floyd County.