Atlanta Infant Wrongful Death Lawyer

How We Investigate Infant Wrongful Death Cases in Georgia

Handling an infant wrongful death claim demands careful, detailed work and a deep sense of respect for the family’s loss. At Georgia Wrongful Death Attorneys, we carry out an extensive investigation designed to uncover every factor that contributed to your child’s death. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned and to hold all negligent parties fully accountable.

Key Steps in Our Investigation:

• Collecting Critical Evidence: We secure medical records, hospital reports, accident scene evidence, product defect documentation, and any surveillance footage available.
• Working With Experts: We collaborate with pediatric medical experts, forensic specialists, product engineers, and accident reconstructionists to strengthen your case with professional insights.
• Interviewing Witnesses: Eyewitness accounts from medical staff, caregivers, or other bystanders can be vital. We handle these interviews with compassion and thoroughness.
• Analyzing Safety and Compliance Records: If a defective product, unsafe environment, or negligent healthcare practice is suspected, we dive deep into relevant safety reports and compliance histories.
• Preserving Vital Information: Time-sensitive evidence is preserved immediately to prevent loss, destruction, or alteration.

We handle every investigation with sensitivity, protecting your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing the truth. You deserve answers and our Atlanta infant wrongful death lawyers are here to find them for you.

Compensation Available for Families After Infant Wrongful Death

Although no financial award can undo the devastation of losing a child, seeking compensation can ease financial burdens, recognize the depth of your loss, and help ensure that those responsible are held to account. In Georgia, families may be entitled to recover multiple categories of damages in an infant wrongful death claim.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For:

• Medical Expenses: Costs related to attempts to save your child’s life, including hospital care, surgeries, and emergency services.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Coverage for the necessary expenses associated with laying your child to rest.
• Lost Future Income: A calculation of the earnings your child would likely have contributed over a lifetime.

   

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the unimaginable emotional and psychological suffering caused by your loss.
• Loss of Companionship: Recognition of the joy, love, and emotional support your child would have provided.
• Punitive Damages (when applicable): In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

We approach every case with compassion, but also with fierce advocacy to maximize the financial recovery you and your family are entitled to. We understand that taking legal action is a deeply personal decision, and we are here to support you with honesty, dignity, and respect at every step. Get intouch with our infant wrongful death attorneys today for free case evaluation. 

What to Do if You Suspect Infant Wrongful Death in Georgia

If you believe your loved one’s death was the result of negligence, abuse, or other preventable causes, it’s essential to take immediate action. The legal process can be complex, and every step you take can help strengthen your case. Here’s a guide on what to do if you suspect wrongful death in Georgia:

1. Request an Independent Autopsy

• Why it’s important: An autopsy can help determine the exact cause of death and may provide crucial evidence of negligence, abuse, or mistreatment.
• Action: Even if the nursing home or medical provider does not agree, request an independent autopsy through your attorney. This can provide an unbiased medical opinion on the cause of death and help establish a legal link to negligence.

2. Gather All Relevant Documents and Evidence

• Medical Records: Request a complete copy of your loved one’s medical history, including charts, prescription logs, and nursing notes. This will help identify any lapses in care or evidence of neglect.
• Incident Reports: If your loved one was involved in an accident or incident at the nursing home, obtain the facility’s internal incident reports, which could contain critical information about what happened.
• Photographs or Video Evidence: If possible, take photos of any injuries, wounds, or conditions that seem to indicate neglect or abuse. Video surveillance footage from the nursing home can also be invaluable, especially if it shows staff misconduct.

3. Report the Death to Authorities

• File a Complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH): In Georgia, the DCH regulates nursing homes and investigates complaints related to patient care. You can file a formal complaint with the DCH’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division.
• Notify Local Law Enforcement: If you suspect that the death involved physical abuse, assault, or criminal conduct, report it to your local police department. Criminal investigations may be required before a civil lawsuit can proceed.

4. Avoid Speaking to the Nursing Home’s Insurance Company

• Insurance representatives may try to settle quickly or even deny responsibility, offering a low settlement amount in exchange for your agreement not to pursue legal action.
• How to handle this: Do not give statements or sign anything without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, and anything you say could be used to undermine your case.

5. Consult an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

• Why an attorney is crucial: A skilled wrongful death lawyer will understand the specific laws and regulations governing nursing home negligence in Georgia and can help guide you through the legal process.
• What they’ll do: Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, collect evidence, consult with medical and legal experts, and represent you throughout the litigation process. They will also ensure that your family’s claim is filed within Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases (under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).

6. Document Your Emotional and Financial Losses

• Why it matters: In a wrongful death case, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Emotional distress, loss of companionship, and mental anguish are key elements of your claim.
• How to document it: Keep a journal of your emotional struggles, family hardships, and financial losses (including funeral expenses, lost wages, and medical bills). These can help substantiate your claim for compensation.