Wrongful Death

In Tennessee, when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of another person or entity, or by the use of a defective product, the surviving family members may bring a claim of “wrongful death.” The representatives of a deceased’s estate may also bring wrongful death claims. Thorough such a claim, those who were harmed by the person’s death can seek compensation for a variety of losses, including

• medical and funeral costs
• loss of the wages or benefits (such as retirement benefits) that the deceased would have earned over the course of his/her lifetime
• loss of consortium (from a spouse)
• loss of companionship, protection, nurturing, advice, and other similar benefits.

Wrongful death claims may arise in a wide variety of contexts, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, and slip-and-fall incidents.

If you are a relative of a person who died, and you believe that your loved one’s death was caused, at least in part, by someone else’s wrongful conduct, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney right away. In Tennessee, in almost all cases, wrongful death claims must be brought within one year of the date when the death occurred. In addition, the sooner an investigation begins, the more likely it is to uncover useful evidence about the causes of your loved one’s death.

For most bereaved family members, the first year after a death in the family is one of shock and adjustment. The economic ramifications of the loss may not become clear right away, and may be eclipsed by the family’s focus on other aspects of their loss. However, by retaining an attorney you can trust, an attorney with experience in Tennessee wrongful death cases, you can protect your rights to the financial compensation that might help in the transition to a new phase in the family’s life.

Maryville Personal Injury Attorney Mark C. Hartsoe has been representing clients in wrongful death cases for more than 27 years, in Blount County and throughout Tennessee. He is dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation for his clients, while providing high-quality, personalized legal services in each case that he handles. The Hartsoe Law Firm has offices in Blount County as well as in Knoxville, Tennessee.

If you would like to discuss a potential wrongful death claim with Mr. Hartsoe, please contact us today by calling 865-804-1011, or filling out and submitting our online “Contact Us” form.