Losing a loved one to someone else’s wrongful actions is devastating. In Cadwell, Georgia, families have the legal right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawyer helps surviving family members hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of their loss.
Wrongful death cases arise from various tragic circumstances, including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, defective products, and criminal acts. These cases require immediate legal action because Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. An experienced wrongful death attorney understands the complexities of state law and can build a compelling case while you focus on grieving and healing.
Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. has helped countless families in Cadwell and throughout Georgia pursue justice after losing loved ones to preventable tragedies. Our compassionate legal team handles every aspect of your case, from investigating the incident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court when necessary. Call us at (404) 446-0271 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help your family during this difficult time.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows certain family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, Georgia law recognizes that surviving family members suffer both economic and emotional losses when a loved one dies prematurely, and the law provides a path to financial recovery.
These claims differ from criminal prosecutions because they focus on compensating the family rather than punishing the wrongdoer. Even if criminal charges are filed, families can still pursue a separate civil wrongful death claim. The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court, meaning you can win your case by showing it is more likely than not that the defendant’s actions caused your loved one’s death.
Wrongful death claims serve two purposes: they provide financial support to families who have lost a provider and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. This accountability can prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families in the future.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Cadwell
Georgia law strictly defines who has the legal standing to file a wrongful death claim. The statute creates a hierarchy that determines who can bring the lawsuit based on the deceased person’s family situation.
Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse has the first right to file a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. If your spouse died due to someone else’s negligence, you can file the lawsuit on behalf of yourself and any children. The recovery is divided among the spouse and children, with the spouse receiving at least one-third of the total amount even if multiple children exist.
If you were separated but not legally divorced at the time of death, you still retain the right to file as the surviving spouse. However, the court will consider the separation when determining the appropriate allocation of damages among family members.
Children of the Deceased
If no surviving spouse exists, the children of the deceased person have the right to file the wrongful death claim. All children share equally in any recovery unless the court determines a different allocation is appropriate based on specific circumstances. This includes biological children, legally adopted children, and in some cases, children born after the parent’s death.
When multiple children exist, they should ideally agree on legal representation and work together to pursue the claim. If disagreements arise about how to proceed, the court can appoint a representative to act on behalf of all children.
Parents of the Deceased
If the deceased person had no spouse or children, the parents have the right to file a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. This typically occurs when an unmarried adult child or a minor child dies. Parents can recover compensation for the full value of their child’s life, including the loss of companionship and the financial support the child would have provided.
Both parents generally share equally in any recovery. If only one parent survives, that parent can file individually. Stepparents do not have automatic standing to file unless they legally adopted the deceased person.
Administrator of the Estate
If no immediate family members exist or if they fail to file within the statute of limitations, the administrator or executor of the deceased person’s estate can file the wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-5. This person is appointed by the probate court and acts on behalf of the estate and any potential beneficiaries.
The administrator has six months from the date of death to file if no family member has already done so. Any recovery in this situation becomes part of the estate and is distributed according to Georgia’s inheritance laws or the terms of the deceased person’s will.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Cadwell
Wrongful deaths occur in many different contexts, but certain types of incidents account for the majority of cases in Cadwell and the surrounding area.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes are the leading cause of wrongful death in Georgia. These incidents often result from distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, or failure to obey traffic laws. Highway 117 and other roads through Cadwell see their share of serious collisions, particularly involving commercial trucks traveling through the region.
When a driver’s negligence causes a fatal accident, surviving family members can hold that driver accountable through a wrongful death claim. If the driver was working at the time of the accident, the employer may also bear liability under Georgia’s vicarious liability laws.
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors kill thousands of Americans each year, including patients in small-town Georgia. Wrongful death from medical malpractice can result from misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, failure to diagnose serious conditions like cancer or heart disease, or inadequate monitoring during procedures. Birth injuries that result in infant death also fall into this category.
Medical malpractice wrongful death cases require expert testimony to establish that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care. These cases are complex and demand an attorney with specific experience in medical negligence litigation.
Workplace Accidents
Fatal workplace accidents occur in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. While Georgia’s workers’ compensation system provides death benefits to families, these benefits are often limited and may not fully compensate for the family’s losses. In some situations, families can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a wrongful death lawsuit against a third party whose negligence contributed to the death.
For example, if defective equipment caused a fatal workplace accident, the equipment manufacturer could be sued for wrongful death even though the employer is protected by workers’ compensation immunity. An experienced attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Elderly residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are vulnerable to abuse and neglect that can lead to death. Fatal neglect includes failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration, failure to turn bedridden residents leading to fatal infections, medication errors, and failure to provide necessary medical care. Physical abuse by staff members can also result in fatal injuries.
Georgia law requires nursing homes to meet specific care standards, and facilities that fail in their duty can be held liable for wrongful death when their negligence or intentional misconduct causes a resident’s death.
Defective Products
Dangerous or defective products cause wrongful deaths when they malfunction and cause fatal injuries. This category includes defective vehicles, dangerous drugs with undisclosed side effects, defective medical devices, hazardous children’s products, and unsafe machinery. Product liability claims can be brought against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers under Georgia’s product liability laws.
These cases often involve complex technical evidence and testimony from engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals. Product liability claims may benefit multiple families if the same defective product caused multiple deaths.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Fatal premises liability incidents include slip and fall accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries, drowning in inadequately secured pools, fatal injuries from falling objects or structural collapses, fires caused by faulty wiring or lack of smoke detectors, and violent crimes that occur due to inadequate security. Property owners who knew or should have known about dangerous conditions and failed to warn visitors or correct the hazards can be held liable for wrongful death.
The specific duty a property owner owes depends on whether the deceased person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser at the time of the incident. Most wrongful death claims involve invitees, who are owed the highest duty of care.
The Georgia Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
Understanding the deadline for filing your wrongful death claim is critical because missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently.
Two-Year Filing Deadline
Georgia law provides a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date your loved one died, not the date of the incident that caused the death. If your loved one survived for days, weeks, or months after the initial incident before dying, the clock starts on the date of death.
This deadline applies regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or whether the at-fault party was convicted of a crime. The civil and criminal justice systems operate independently, and the two-year deadline for civil claims cannot be extended simply because a criminal case is ongoing.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Certain limited exceptions can extend or toll the statute of limitations. If the deceased person was a minor at the time of death, special rules under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90 may apply that extend the deadline. If the person or entity responsible for the death fraudulently concealed their role, the deadline may be tolled until the concealment is discovered.
In cases where the wrongful death resulted from medical malpractice, Georgia’s statute of repose under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71 imposes an absolute five-year deadline from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when the death occurred. This creates complex timing issues in medical malpractice cases where death occurs years after the initial negligent treatment.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If you file your wrongful death lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss based on the expired deadline. The court will grant this motion except in extremely rare circumstances, and your case will be dismissed with prejudice, meaning you cannot refile it. Once dismissed, you lose all rights to compensation through the court system.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys are well aware of these deadlines. If you wait too long to hire an attorney, you may find yourself with few options and little leverage to negotiate a fair settlement. Starting the legal process early protects your rights and gives your attorney time to build the strongest possible case.
Types of Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Cases
Georgia law allows families to recover both economic and non-economic damages through a wrongful death claim. Understanding what compensation you can seek helps you make informed decisions about your case.
Full Value of the Life of the Deceased
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, the primary measure of damages in a Georgia wrongful death case is “the full value of the life of the deceased.” This unique standard includes both the economic value of the deceased person’s life and the intangible value of their life to the family. Economic value includes the income and financial support the deceased would have provided to their family over their expected lifetime, including salary, benefits, pensions, and other forms of financial contribution.
Intangible value encompasses the companionship, care, guidance, protection, and emotional support the deceased would have provided. This includes the value of their presence at family events, their role as a parent or spouse, and the love and affection they would have shared with family members. Georgia law does not cap this intangible value, allowing juries to award substantial amounts based on the unique circumstances of each case.
Medical and Funeral Expenses
In addition to the full value of life damages, the estate can recover specific economic losses through a survival action under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-5. Medical expenses incurred for treatment between the injury and death are recoverable if the estate paid these costs or remains liable for them. This includes emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other medical care provided.
Funeral and burial expenses are also recoverable. These costs can be substantial and place significant financial strain on families already dealing with the loss of a loved one. The estate can recover reasonable expenses for funeral services, burial plots, caskets, headstones, and related costs.
Lost Income and Benefits
The wrongful death claim includes compensation for all income the deceased person would have earned throughout their expected working life. This calculation considers the person’s age, occupation, education, skills, health before the fatal incident, and career trajectory. Expert economists often testify about these projections, considering factors like promotions, raises, and the time value of money.
Benefits are also included in this calculation. If the deceased person had health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, or other employment benefits that provided value to the family, the loss of these benefits is compensable. Self-employed individuals and business owners present special valuation challenges that require careful economic analysis.
Pain and Suffering Before Death
If your loved one survived for any period of time after the incident that caused their death and experienced pain and suffering during that time, the estate can recover compensation for this suffering through a survival action. This includes physical pain from injuries, emotional distress from knowing they were dying, fear and anxiety during the period between injury and death, and loss of enjoyment of life during their final days or weeks.
Survival actions are separate from wrongful death claims but are often filed together. The damages recovered through a survival action become part of the estate and are distributed according to the deceased person’s will or Georgia’s intestacy laws if no will exists.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Willful Misconduct
In cases where the defendant’s actions showed willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or conscious indifference to consequences, O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1 allows the jury to award punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future rather than to compensate the family.
Punitive damages are rare and require clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct went beyond ordinary negligence. Examples include drunk driving accidents, intentional acts that caused death, cases where a company knowingly sold a dangerous product without warnings, and situations where a defendant attempted to cover up their responsibility.
The Wrongful Death Claim Process in Cadwell
Understanding the steps involved in a wrongful death claim helps you know what to expect as your case moves forward.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
The process begins with a consultation with a wrongful death attorney. During this meeting, you will explain what happened, provide any documentation you have, and ask questions about the legal process. The attorney will evaluate whether you have a viable wrongful death claim, explain Georgia’s wrongful death laws as they apply to your situation, and discuss potential compensation you might recover.
Most wrongful death attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless the attorney recovers compensation for you. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to families regardless of their financial situation.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once you retain an attorney, they immediately begin investigating your loved one’s death. This investigation includes obtaining police reports, medical records, autopsy reports, and death certificates. The attorney will interview witnesses who saw the incident or have relevant information, photograph or inspect the accident scene if applicable, and review any video footage from surveillance cameras or dashcams.
In complex cases, attorneys work with expert witnesses including accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, economists, and industry-specific experts. These professionals provide testimony that helps establish liability and calculate damages. The strength of this investigation directly impacts the settlement value of your claim and your likelihood of success at trial if the case does not settle.
Filing the Wrongful Death Complaint
If settlement negotiations do not produce a fair offer, your attorney will file a wrongful death complaint in the appropriate Georgia court. The complaint is a legal document that identifies the defendant, describes how the defendant’s actions caused your loved one’s death, explains why the defendant is legally liable, and specifies the compensation you are seeking.
After filing, the defendant must be served with the complaint and has 30 days to file an answer. The case then enters the discovery phase, during which both sides exchange information, take depositions, and build their cases. This phase can last several months or longer depending on the complexity of the case.
Settlement Negotiations
Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company or attorney to reach a fair settlement. These negotiations often involve multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers. Your attorney will advise you on whether settlement offers are reasonable based on the strength of your case, the likely outcome at trial, and the full extent of your damages.
You have the final decision on whether to accept a settlement offer. Your attorney cannot force you to settle, nor can the defendant or insurance company force you to accept an amount you believe is insufficient. If the defendant refuses to make a reasonable offer, your attorney will recommend proceeding to trial.
Trial and Verdict
If your case goes to trial, both sides present evidence and arguments to a jury. Your attorney will call witnesses including expert witnesses, present documents and physical evidence, cross-examine the defendant’s witnesses, and make opening and closing arguments explaining why you deserve compensation. The defendant’s attorney will argue that their client is not liable or that the damages should be less than you claim.
After hearing all evidence, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict. If the jury finds in your favor, they will award specific dollar amounts for each category of damages. The defendant can appeal the verdict, which may delay final payment, but your attorney will enforce the judgment to ensure you receive the compensation awarded.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps Your Family
Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney provides crucial advantages during one of the most difficult times in your life.
Legal Expertise and Case Strategy
Wrongful death cases involve complex legal issues that most people are not equipped to handle alone. An attorney understands Georgia’s wrongful death statutes and how courts interpret these laws, knows the procedural rules for filing and litigating wrongful death claims, can identify all potentially liable parties including those who may not be immediately obvious, and develops a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your specific case.
Attorneys also understand how insurance companies evaluate and defend wrongful death claims. This knowledge allows them to anticipate the defense’s arguments and build a case that overcomes these defenses before they are even raised.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Evidence can disappear quickly after a fatal incident. Security footage may be recorded over, witnesses’ memories fade, and physical evidence deteriorates. An attorney acts immediately to preserve critical evidence by sending spoliation letters requiring potential defendants to preserve evidence, obtaining court orders to prevent destruction of relevant materials, and documenting the scene and circumstances while information is still fresh.
The quality of evidence collected early in the case often determines the outcome. Attorneys have resources to conduct thorough investigations that uncover facts you might not discover on your own, giving your case the strongest possible foundation.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize the amount the company pays, and they use various tactics to achieve this goal. An experienced wrongful death attorney knows these tactics and protects you from making statements or signing documents that could harm your case, handles all communications with insurance companies so you do not have to, evaluates settlement offers to determine whether they are fair based on the true value of your claim, and negotiates aggressively to maximize your recovery.
Many families who try to handle wrongful death claims without an attorney accept settlement offers that are far less than the full value of their claims. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot recover additional compensation later even if you discover the settlement was inadequate.
Litigation and Trial Experience
If your case goes to trial, you need an attorney who is comfortable in the courtroom and knows how to present a compelling case to a jury. Trial experience matters because it affects how effectively your attorney presents evidence, examines and cross-examines witnesses, makes legal objections and arguments, and delivers persuasive opening and closing statements that resonate with jurors.
Insurance companies are more likely to make fair settlement offers when they know your attorney is prepared and willing to take the case to trial. Attorneys who rarely or never try cases have less leverage in settlement negotiations.
Compassionate Support During Difficult Times
Beyond legal expertise, a good wrongful death attorney provides compassionate support to your family. They understand that you are grieving and may be overwhelmed by the legal process. Your attorney should handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing, keep you informed about your case without overwhelming you with details, answer your questions patiently and thoroughly, and respect your emotional needs while pursuing justice on your behalf.
The attorney-client relationship in wrongful death cases requires sensitivity, clear communication, and genuine care for your family’s wellbeing beyond just the financial outcome of the case.
Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Attorney in Cadwell
Not all personal injury attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to handle wrongful death cases effectively. Choosing the right attorney significantly impacts the outcome of your case.
Experience with Georgia Wrongful Death Law
Wrongful death law is a specialized area that differs from other personal injury claims. Look for an attorney who regularly handles wrongful death cases, has successfully recovered compensation for families in circumstances similar to yours, understands the specific requirements of Georgia wrongful death statutes, and has relationships with expert witnesses who can strengthen your case. General practice attorneys who handle many different types of cases may not have the focused expertise necessary to maximize your recovery in a wrongful death claim.
Ask potential attorneys directly about their experience with cases like yours. Request examples of past results, though remember that past results do not guarantee future outcomes. An attorney’s track record provides insight into their capabilities and commitment to wrongful death litigation.
Resources to Handle Complex Cases
Wrongful death cases require significant resources to investigate, prosecute, and take to trial if necessary. Ensure the attorney or law firm has financial resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct thorough investigations, and advance litigation costs without requiring you to pay these expenses upfront. A support team including paralegals, investigators, and other legal professionals to handle the details of your case is also important.
Smaller firms or solo practitioners may lack the resources to take on large corporations or insurance companies with virtually unlimited legal budgets. Ask about the firm’s resources and how they plan to fund your case through trial if settlement is not reached.
Clear Communication and Accessibility
Your attorney should be accessible and communicative throughout your case. You deserve to work with an attorney who returns phone calls and emails within a reasonable time, explains legal concepts in plain language you can understand, keeps you updated on case developments without requiring you to constantly follow up, and listens to your concerns and answers your questions thoroughly.
Communication problems are among the most common complaints clients have about their attorneys. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how the attorney communicates. If they are difficult to reach or dismissive of your questions before you hire them, these problems will likely worsen once they have your case.
Reputation and Client Reviews
An attorney’s reputation among past clients, other attorneys, and the legal community provides valuable information. Research potential attorneys by reading online reviews from past clients, checking the attorney’s standing with the State Bar of Georgia, asking for references from past clients, and learning whether the attorney has received recognition from legal organizations or publications.
Be cautious of attorneys who make unrealistic promises about the outcome of your case or guarantee specific amounts of compensation. No ethical attorney can guarantee results because every case depends on specific facts and circumstances that cannot be fully controlled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Cadwell
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Cadwell?
Most wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. The attorney receives a percentage of the compensation recovered for you, typically between 33% and 40% depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. If the attorney does not recover compensation, you owe no attorney fees, though you may be responsible for certain litigation costs depending on your agreement.
This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to all families regardless of financial situation. The attorney has a strong incentive to maximize your recovery because their fee is directly tied to the amount recovered. Always review and understand the fee agreement before signing, and ask questions about any terms that are unclear.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. You can still recover compensation if your loved one was less than 50% at fault for the incident that caused their death. However, your recovery will be reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault.
For example, if the total value of your claim is $1 million and your loved one was found 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $800,000. If your loved one was 50% or more at fault, Georgia law bars recovery completely. The defendant will likely argue your loved one shares fault to reduce their liability, making it essential to have an attorney who can effectively counter these arguments and minimize any comparative fault assignment.
How long does a wrongful death case take to resolve?
The timeline for wrongful death cases varies significantly based on several factors. Simple cases with clear liability and willing insurance companies may settle within 6 to 12 months. Complex cases involving disputed liability, multiple defendants, or contested damages often take 1 to 3 years or longer, especially if the case goes to trial.
Cases involving medical malpractice or product liability typically take longer because they require extensive expert testimony and technical evidence. If the defendant appeals a trial verdict, additional years may pass before you receive final payment. While no one wants their case to drag on unnecessarily, rushing to settle often results in accepting less than full value for your claim. An experienced attorney will move your case forward efficiently while ensuring no stone is left unturned in building the strongest possible claim.
What if the person responsible for my loved one’s death has no insurance?
If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for recovery. Check whether your loved one had uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on their own auto insurance policy, which can provide compensation when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Identify whether other parties share liability who do have insurance or assets that can satisfy a judgment, such as an employer, property owner, or product manufacturer.
In some cases, the at-fault party’s personal assets can be reached through a judgment, though collecting from an uninsured individual can be difficult. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and advise you on the most practical approach to maximizing recovery given the specific circumstances of your case.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was killed by a drunk driver who is facing criminal charges?
Yes, you can file a civil wrongful death claim even though criminal charges are pending or have been resolved. Criminal cases and civil wrongful death cases are completely separate legal proceedings. The criminal case is brought by the state to punish the wrongdoer and protect public safety, while your civil case seeks financial compensation for your family’s losses.
You do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing your wrongful death lawsuit, though you must still file within the two-year statute of limitations under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case because it establishes the defendant’s conduct caused the death, but you can win your civil case even if the defendant is acquitted of criminal charges because the burden of proof is lower in civil court. If the drunk driver’s willful misconduct is proven, you may also be eligible for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
What happens to wrongful death compensation once it is recovered?
Georgia law determines how wrongful death compensation is distributed among family members. If a surviving spouse and children exist, they share the recovery, with the spouse receiving at least one-third. If no spouse exists, children share equally. If no spouse or children exist, parents receive the recovery.
The distribution of funds may be affected by debts and liens against the estate, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and attorney fees. The executor or administrator of the estate handles the distribution according to the court’s instructions and Georgia law. If disputes arise among family members about how compensation should be distributed, the probate court can resolve these disputes. Your attorney can explain how distribution works in your specific family situation and help ensure the process is handled fairly.
Contact a Cadwell Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions in Cadwell, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. has the knowledge, resources, and dedication to handle your case with the care and professionalism it requires. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time for your family, and we are here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Our attorneys will investigate your loved one’s death thoroughly, identify all liable parties, calculate the full value of your claim, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary to secure justice. Time is critical because evidence disappears and the two-year statute of limitations under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 is strictly enforced. Call us today at (404) 446-0271 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.