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 wrongful death lawsuit was filed against a mall and the city of Atlanta following a fatal 2012 shooting at the Underground Atlanta mall.
The victim's family filed the wrongful death lawsuit claiming that the mall and city did not provide adequate security that might have prevented the shooting. The suit stated that there were more than 6,000 crimes in the mall area reported to the local police and they knew that the area was dangerous. Despite this, the mall did not keep its patrons adequately safe. It also alleges that the mall did not properly train security guards or have well-positioned security cameras that could have prevented the fatal shooting. Several additional management companies and mall employees were also named as defendants.
Police arrested the man responsible for the shooting. He was charged with murder, gun possession and aggravated assault.
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.