Your Chattanooga Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is both heartbreaking and overwhelming. In these challenging times, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights and options. While no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, it can provide critical financial support to help you move forward.

At The McMahan Law Firm, Jay, Brent, and our dedicated team of wrongful death lawyers in Chattanooga are committed to guiding you compassionately through the legal process. We strive to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free case review and let us help you navigate this difficult journey.

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Getting Help Is Simple

What you’ve been through is simply immeasurable. That’s why we want to take this burden off your shoulders so you can focus your time on what’s most important. It only takes one phone call to get started and we will take care of everything from there.

You Deserve Justice and Compensation

The pain of losing a loved one is indescribable, and losing a loved one because of someone else’s careless actions is unfair and cruel. You deserve justice and compensation for your loss, and we’re dedicated to helping you seek everything you’re entitled to.

No Costly Upfront Fees

The last thing you should have to worry about when grieving the loss of your loved one is a costly, upfront fee for an attorney. That’s why you won’t owe us a single penny unless we successfully collect compensation for your loss.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. This can include a variety of circumstances, such as car accidents, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, criminal acts, and more.

Did You Lose a Loved One Due to Someone Else’s Carelessness?

We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.

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Tennessee’s wrongful death law includes many minute details and complexities. These are 3 of the most fundamental pieces of legal information you should know if you’ve suffered the wrongful death of a loved one:

Tennessee’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations (deadline) to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee is 1 year from the date of the death.

There are a few exceptions to this 1 year deadline:

  • If the victim dies from their injuries at a later date, the statute of limitations can be extended 120 days or up to 1 year from the date of the victim’s death.
  • If the individual responsible for the wrongful death is facing criminal charges, the statute of limitations for filing a claim may be prolonged to 2 years. 

Going to Trial

While most cases do not go to trial due to the added time and expenses for all parties involved, The McMahan Law Firm is fully equipped to fight for you in court if necessary. We do whatever it takes to bring you the settlement you are owed for your loss.

Who Has the Right to Sue for a Wrongful Death?

In Tennessee, a spouse, child, next of kin, or personal representative can file a wrongful death claim (Tennessee Code Annotated section 20-5-106). The question of who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim changes from state to state and depends on the facts unique to each case, so be sure to consult with a lawyer to find out what circumstances apply to your situation.

Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case

Proving liability in a Chattanooga wrongful death case involves establishing that the party responsible for your loved one’s loss was negligent. Three factors must be shown to demonstrate negligence:

  1. Your attorney will show that the responsible party owed a “duty of care” to your loved one. In other words, it must be proven that the individual(s) responsible for the death had a duty to act in a way that did not cause harm to others.
  2. Next, it will need to be proven that this duty of care was violated or breached. The responsible party acted negligent or reckless, putting others at risk of danger.
  3. Finally, your attorney will demonstrate the connection between the other party’s negligent or irresponsible actions and your loved one’s death. 

Proving negligence is one of the most important aspects of any wrongful death case, but it can be difficult to make a sound argument with all of the available details if you don’t have a lawyer on your side. Don’t try to fight the complexities of a legal battle alone!

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Damages & Potential Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Compensation in a Tennessee wrongful death case is meant to cover both financial expenses and non-economic losses. For the most part, the damages available to survivors with a successful claim include:

  • Medical expenses associated with treating the deceased before their passing
  • Lost wages or benefits that the deceased’s dependents or spouse would be losing because of the death
  • Emotional distress and physical suffering caused by losing a loved one to someone else’s reckless or irresponsible behavior
  • Funeral and burial expenses to lessen the financial burden of providing a dignified burial and resting place for the deceased

Because every case is unique and the legal facts of your case will determine the exact compensation you’re due, the best way to find out the full value of your claim is to have a risk-free case review with one of our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers. This comes at no cost to you, and you are not required to sign any contracts just to get legal advice on your claim.

Our Results Speak For Themselves!

Motorcycle Accident

$1,250,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$1,000,000.00

Brain Injury

$950,000.00

Truck Accident

$850,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$800,000.00

Truck Accident

$500,000.00

Motorcycle Accident

$500,000.00

Car Accident

$230,000.00

Workers’ Comp

$225,000.00

Truck Accident

$200,000.00

See More Results

The McMahan Law Firm explains how to get started with the legal process of filing a wrongful death claim.

We review the facts and legal circumstances of your specific case to determine whether you have a valid claim and what it could be worth.

If you choose to work with an attorney from our office, we will conduct our own investigation into the wrongful death. This will help us identify all parties involved, and we will be able to gather evidence in preparation for filing your claim.

After collecting the evidence, our legal team crafts a comprehensive demand letter laying out the details of the incident, the extent of damages suffered, and the liability of the responsible party.

Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely agree to pay out the full value of your claim upfront. You never have to fight with the insurance companies when you work with us, though. We handle the negotiations to be sure you are not settling for less.

In rare cases, we may take your case to court to recover your full compensation. Your lawyer will handle all preparations for court if it comes to this.

Lastly, you will be offered a settlement meant to address all of the expenses related to your loved one’s accident. With a Chattanooga wrongful death attorney by your side, you’ll have an honest advocate who will help you understand whether it is in your best interest to accept or decline the settlement. At the end of the day, the choice is entirely yours.

Choose Board Certified – Not Billboard

Just because it’s on a billboard doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Lawyers who shell out all that money for billboard ads are all talk and no substance. You and your family deserve the legal aid only a board-certified attorney can give you. Attorneys Jay, Brent, and Herbert at The McMahan Law Firm are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We have the knowledge and experience you can trust to help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.

How a Chattanooga Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help

  • Explaining Your Legal Options

In the midst of grief, legal terms and requirements can be confusing. We simplify things, explaining your options clearly. We want you to understand your rights and what’s happening in your case.

  • Investigations and Negotiations

Our team investigates thoroughly and negotiates skillfully for a good outcome. We build a strong case and talk with the other parties to get the best results.

  • Meeting Deadlines

Time matters in legal claims. We keep things moving, making sure we meet all deadlines involved in your case. 

  • Keeping in Regular Communication

We pride ourselves on the high standards of communication we provide to our clients. We update you regularly and answer any questions you have so you know that you’re not alone during this process.

  • Emotional Support and Guidance

We’re not just here for legal help. We are also here to support you emotionally, helping you through these tough times. Throughout the entire process, we guide you and connect you with resources for support.

Did You Lose a Loved One in an Accident?

Jay and Brent are here to help you through this difficult time and seek the justice and compensation you deserve on your behalf.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

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Our Chattanooga Wrongful Death Attorneys

Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyer Jay Kennamer

Attorney James Kennamer

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Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyer Brent Burks

Attorney Brent Burks

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Attorney Lew Belvin - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Lew Belvin

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Attorney Chris Gentry - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Chris Gentry

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Attorney William Joe Hollis, Jr. - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney William Joe Hollis, Jr.

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Attorney Herbert Thornbury - McMahan Law Firm

Attorney Herbert Thornbury

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Attorney Katie Reed

Attorney Katie Reed

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Gerard M Siciliano, Personal Injury Lawyer from The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga

Attorney Gerard M. Siciliano

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Attorney Richard S. Taliaferro of The McMahan Law Firm in Chattanooga

Attorney Richard S. Taliaferro

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