Wrongful death refers to a claim by a plaintiff (not the victim) who seeks to recover damages for the unjust death of another caused by someone's negligent, reckless or intentional acts. There are no specific guidelines that dictate the means of death; however, wrongful death tort claims frequently occur in several circumstances:
- Medical malpractice, especially errors in surgery, diagnosis and/or prescriptions;
- Product defects;
- Automobile accidents, including truck and pedestrian accidents;
- Criminal acts such as murder, physical abuse or neglect.
Clayton County wrongful death attorney Shane Smith represents families who have lost loved ones in auto accidents, truck accidents, DUI accidents, pedestrian accidents or serious premises liability accidents.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a driver who lost a ladder caused a chain-reaction four-vehicle accident that left one person dead and injured two others. Investigators reported that a vehicle hit the ladder and then struck two other cars and a tractor-trailer which jackknifed and blocked all traffic lanes. The driver of the car that struck the ladder was killed in the accident.
The driver of the truck carrying the ladder has not been found or identified. Police investigators were working from the ladder's bar codes to track down the purchase in hopes that it could lead to the driver.
Georgia Code (O.C.G.A. 40-6-254) prohibits the operation of a vehicle with a load on or in the vehicle unless the load is adequately secured. Anyone violating this regulation can be held responsible for injuries sustained as a result of their negligence.
If a death is caused by the negligence of another then the decedent's family may be entitled to legal relief through a wrongful death lawsuit. You should hire an experienced Clayton County wrongful death attorney if you will file a lawsuit on behalf of a family member who died due to another's negligence. Call Shane Smith Law for a free consultation.