Athens GA Wrongful Death Attorney
Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers in Athens, GA
What Are Wrongful Death Claims?
Wrongful death claims arise when an individual’s death is caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another party. In Georgia, strict laws govern who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Married Decedent: The spouse files the claim and selects the wrongful death lawyer, but any proceeds must be shared with surviving children.
- Unmarried Decedent with Children: The other parent may file the claim on behalf of the child.
- No Children: The decedent’s parents control the wrongful death claim.
- None of These Situations Apply: A court-appointed statutory wrongful death representative must initiate the legal action.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Athens, GA
Wrongful death cases arise from a variety of tragic circumstances, often caused by negligence or reckless behavior. In Athens, GA, some common causes of wrongful death include motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and unsafe premises. Understanding these causes can provide families with insight into pursuing wrongful death claims.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Athens sees its share of fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents each year. These often result from negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, or failing to obey traffic laws. When multiple vehicles are involved, or when large trucks are a factor, the risk of fatal injuries significantly increases.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare professionals have a duty to provide appropriate care to their patients. However, medical errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or improper treatment can lead to fatalities. Families of victims in such cases can file wrongful death claims to hold healthcare providers accountable.
Workplace Accidents
Industrial and construction work carries inherent risks, but fatalities often occur due to employer negligence, lack of proper safety measures, or defective equipment. These cases often lead to wrongful death lawsuits, especially when safety violations are evident.
Premises Liability
Unsafe or poorly maintained properties can also be the setting for tragic accidents, such as falls, fires, or drowning. When property owners fail to address hazards, they may be held responsible for wrongful deaths that occur on their premises.
Key Contributing Factors to Wrongful Death
- Negligent driving, including speeding and distracted driving.
- Defective products leading to injuries and fatalities.
- Medical negligence, including errors during surgery or treatment.
- Unsafe work environments, particularly in construction or industrial settings.
- Inadequate property maintenance, resulting in accidents like falls or fires.
By identifying the cause of a wrongful death, families in Athens can better understand their legal options and pursue justice. Consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that evidence is preserved, claims are filed on time, and responsible parties are held accountable.
10 Reasons To Choose Simon Bridgers Spires for Your Wrongful Death Case
Award-Winning Attorneys
Our firm is consistently recognized with top legal honors.
Highly Rated by Clients
We’re proud to have 150+ 5-star Google reviews.
Extensive Legal Experience
Decades of results—nearly 30 years in personal injury law and 60+ years of combined experience.
Local Courtroom Knowledge
Deep familiarity with Athens-Clarke County courts, procedures, judges, and local tendencies.
You Pay Us Nothing Unless You Win
Quality representation with zero upfront costs.
Proven Results
A history of success in injury, premises liability, and wrongful death claims.
Inside Knowledge of Insurance
Our lead attorney, Chris Simon, spent 9+ years defending insurance companies.
Relentless Advocacy & Negotiation
We pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Client-Centered Communication
Personalized attention, clear updates, and responsive support.
Access to Vital Resources
Top experts, investigators, and cutting-edge technology for your case.
Acting Promptly to Protect Your Claim
Time is critical in wrongful death cases. While grieving, families must also navigate the complexities of preserving evidence, which can quickly disappear. Acting promptly ensures your wrongful death lawyer can gather the necessary proof to build a strong case.
Examples of Evidence That Can Disappear:
- Tire skid and yaw marks
- 911 witness call records, often erased within weeks
- Vehicle computer data
- Eyewitness accounts, which may be influenced by insurance adjusters
In Athens, wrongful death attorneys often enlist accident reconstruction experts to investigate the scene and gather photographic evidence. This immediate action prevents tampering and strengthens your wrongful death claim.
Georgia Filing Deadlines for Wrongful Death Claims
Georgia’s statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing your claim:
- Wrongful death: generally 2 years from the date of death (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Personal injury (survival claims): generally 2 years from the date of the incident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Property damage: generally 4 years from the date of the incident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32).
- Minor children: in some circumstances, the statute of limitations may be extended until the child reaches the age of majority.
Deadlines can be shorter in certain situations—such as claims involving government entities or municipal employees—so it’s important to speak with an Athens GA wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after an incident.
When Multiple Claims Are Involved
If multiple individuals are injured or killed in the same incident, swift action becomes even more critical. A high-profile case involving a University of Georgia student highlights the importance of prompt action. By quickly issuing demands to insurance companies, our team at Simon Bridgers and Spires secured coverage for the family before competing claims could diminish the available funds. Delays in pursuing wrongful death claims could lead to a loss of compensation for the grieving family.
Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer
Selecting the right wrongful death lawyer in Athens is essential to achieving justice for your loved one. Avoid choosing attorneys based solely on advertisements. Instead:
- Interview Multiple Attorneys: Meet with at least two or three wrongful death attorneys in person to assess their approach.
- Ask About Experience: Ensure they have successfully litigated wrongful death cases.
- Review Current Cases: Understand the phase of their active wrongful death claims.
- Request References: Speak with former clients to learn about their experiences.
Wrongful Death Case Results by Simon Bridgers Spires
Our firm has successfully handled wrongful death cases throughout Athens and Georgia, securing significant settlements and verdicts that reflect our commitment to families during their most difficult moments. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates our dedication and effectiveness.
$9,000,000 Verdict
Awarded $9,000,000 in the investigation a devastating T-bone collision that claimed the life of a car saleswoman in the prime of her career.
$5,300,000 Verdict
Devastating car accident where a mother of two lost her life in a car-on-car collision in Cobb County involving State Farm.
$1,200,000 Awarded
A car accident wrongful death case: the policy limit was set to only $1,000,000, but we fought for our client to be awarded $200,000 more.
$1.5 Million Verdict
$1,500,000 settlement for the wrongful death of a grandmother who lost her life while making a left turn at an intersection negligently designed by the Department of Transportation, where a guardrail obstructed the visibility of oncoming traffic lights.
$1.2 Million Verdict
$1,200,000 recovery for the wrongful death of a father who was fatally injured in a workplace accident involving a trash truck.
See more wrongful death case results.
Meet Our Attorneys
Christopher Simon
Founding Partner
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers Nationally — National Trial Lawyers
- Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite
- Super Lawyers Blue Ribbon Panel — Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia
- Over 29 years of practice & 50,000+ hours of legal experience
Education: J.D., Mercer University Law School (1997)
• B.A., Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia (1993, Dean’s List)
Bar Admissions: State Bar of Georgia (1997), Georgia Court of Appeals (1998),
Georgia Supreme Court (1998), U.S. District Court — Northern District of Georgia (1999),
U.S. District Court — Middle District of Georgia (2001)
Harrison Wade Spires
Partner
- Trial lawyer focused on serious injury & wrongful death across Georgia
- Litigated in Georgia state and federal courts since 2009
- Former attorney at one of Georgia’s largest defense firms
- Extensive experience deposing defendant drivers & trucking company owners
Education: J.D., Mercer University (2009)
• B.A., University of Georgia (2006)
Bar Admissions: State Bar of Georgia (2009)
Tyler H. Bridgers
Attorney
- Top 40 Under 40 — National Trial Lawyers
- Tried dozens of cases statewide; recovered millions for clients
- Active member, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association & Young Lawyers Division
- Member, Peachtree Advisory Board
Education: J.D., Emory University School of Law (2010)
• B.A., Vanderbilt University (2007, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
Bar Admissions: Georgia (2010)
Over 150 Five-Star Reviews From Our Satisfied Clients
See what our clients are saying about their experience with our dedicated team. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional legal service and achieving favorable outcomes for those we represent.
I would not hesitate to recommend him.
It has been said a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. As a lawyer, when I was involved in an auto crash, I knew not to handle it myself. I have known Chris Simon for years and knew I could trust him to handle my own claim. Chris’ knowledge of the law is exceptional and his rapport w...
John Leslie
What an incredible experience from start to finish.
What an incredible experience from start to finish. I was informed throughout the entire process and felt very heard during a time of distress. Tim Simon and Alex Grace went above and beyond to make my injury settlement as painless as possible and I got the help I needed to get back to my day to day...
Adnan Chowdhury
Absolutely outstanding attorney!
Chris Simon and the team at Simon Bridgers Spires Law Firm exceeded all my expectations! After my auto accident, Chris was incredibly helpful in explaining the entire process and even went the extra mile to offer assistance with recovery options. He was always available to answer my questions and ke...
Greg Mauk
Chris is extremely knowledgeable, confident, and timely.
Chris is extremely knowledgeable, confident, and timely.
My husband did his research after he once was rear-ended, called for a free consult with Christopher Simon, and actually benefited from his advice. He was quite impressed with Chris, that when I was badly hurt from a car accident two years ago...
D.M.
See more client reviews.
Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Georgia
Before consulting a wrongful death lawyer, familiarize yourself with Georgia’s laws surrounding wrongful death claims. This preparation ensures you can actively participate in discussions and make informed decisions. Visit our main firm page for a comprehensive overview.
Notable Case Law Developments
Wrongful Death Involving a School Bus Accident
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently reviewed a tragic wrongful death case involving a young student struck by a car while boarding a school bus. The case, Tift County School District v. Martinez, examined the potential negligence of the school bus driver and the school district.
Case Background: In May 2010, a student was crossing the street to board the school bus when a vehicle failed to stop for the bus signals and struck him. The speed limit on the road was 55 mph, and heavy fog reduced visibility. The student’s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district and bus driver, citing negligence.
Legal Proceedings: The court granted the bus driver summary judgment based on official immunity but left open the question of whether the school district’s insurance waived sovereign immunity. Ultimately, the Court of Appeals determined that sovereign immunity was waived to the extent of the insurance coverage, allowing the wrongful death claim to proceed.
Wrongful Death Case Against a Teacher
In another case, the Georgia Supreme Court addressed a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of a high school student. The incident occurred in 2008 when a teacher left her classroom unsupervised. During her absence, a student was fatally injured. The parents alleged negligent supervision in their wrongful death claim.
Court’s Decision: The courts ruled that the teacher’s actions were discretionary and protected by official immunity. Despite evidence that the teacher violated school policy, the court found no malice in her actions, affirming summary judgment in her favor. This case underscores the complexities of pursuing wrongful death claims involving schools.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. However, certain factors can shorten or pause this deadline, such as criminal investigations or claims involving government entities. Because missing the deadline can permanently bar recovery, it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What compensation is available in a wrongful death case?
Georgia law allows families to pursue the “full value of the life” of their loved one. This can include both economic losses (like lost income and benefits) and intangible losses (like loss of companionship and enjoyment of life). In some cases, separate claims may also recover medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering before death.
Do we have to go to court to win a wrongful death case?
Not always. Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement negotiations with insurance companies. That said, preparing every case as if it will go to trial often leads to stronger settlement offers. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, taking the case to court may be necessary to pursue full compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
Most wrongful death attorneys, including this firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means families pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless compensation is recovered. This structure allows families to pursue justice without added financial strain during an already difficult time.
Contact an Experienced Athens GA Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have questions or need assistance with a wrongful death claim, our skilled Athens wrongful death attorneys are here to help. With over 35 years of experience, we provide personalized guidance to ensure your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your wrongful death claim.
Call us at (404) 259-7635 or fill out our online form below to get started with your free, confidential consultation.