Experienced Wrongful death attorneys in Memphis
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, and when it happens due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the pain and grief can be overwhelming. If you are grappling with the loss of a family member or friend due to a wrongful death in Memphis, seek legal assistance and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand the emotional toll such a loss can take on you and your family. Our team of seasoned and compassionate Memphis wrongful death lawyers is here to guide you while you navigate through this difficult time and strive to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Together, we can fight for your rights and bring some sense of closure to this devastating experience.
FREE CASE REVIEWWhy Choose Our Firm
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable pain, and navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death case can feel overwhelming. Choose a firm with extensive experience in handling wrongful death cases to ensure effective representation and embody the values and qualities that align with your needs and expectations. Here are the reasons why you should choose Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys as your Memphis wrongful death attorneys:
We Focus on Holding Corporations and Powerful Entities Accountable
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our core mission is to hold corporations and powerful entities accountable for the harm they cause to individuals. Our Memphis personal injury lawyers believe in fighting for justice and seeking meaningful outcomes for our clients. When you choose our firm, you can trust that we will relentlessly advocate for your rights and work towards achieving impactful change in your life.
Commitment to upholding the 7th Amendment
We are deeply committed to upholding the 7th Amendment, which grants individuals the right to a jury trial. This commitment shows our dedication to ensuring we hear every client’s voice and they have a fair chance to seek justice. Suppose a fair settlement is unattainable in your case. In that case, our team of skilled trial lawyers understands the intricacies of the legal system and will skillfully manage the courtroom to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Integrity and Transparency
Integrity is at the heart of everything we do at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. We prioritize trust and ethical principles in all our client relationships. When you choose our firm, you can expect a commitment to transparency and honesty in every action we take. We believe in building solid and open lines of communication with our clients, keeping you informed about the progress of your case, and providing honest assessments of potential outcomes.
Our Passion for Justice
Seeking justice and supporting our clients is at the core of our firm’s values. We have a deep drive to fight for what is right and to bring accountability to those who have caused harm. When you choose Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys as your wrongful death lawyer, you can be confident that we will go the extra mile to deliver results and help find the closure and compensation you deserve.
Respect for Clients’ Individual Needs
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand that every client has unique needs and circumstances. We approach each case respectfully, taking the time to listen and understand your story. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized attention to every client, ensuring we hear your voice and address your concerns throughout the legal process.
Our Memphis office is conveniently located north of U.S. 72 and east of I-240 at:
6000 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 673-2607
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action brought by surviving family members or beneficiaries against a person, company, or entity whose negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct caused the death of their loved one. Wrongful death claims are rooted in the need to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and provide compensation to the surviving family members for their losses.
In Memphis, wrongful death claims can arise from various situations, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a common cause of wrongful death claims in Memphis. Negligent or reckless driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, can lead to fatal injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide a reasonable standard of care, resulting in the death of a patient. Mistakes in diagnosis, surgery, medication, or monitoring can have devastating consequences.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, or transportation, can result in fatal injuries. Falls, electrocutions, or injuries caused by machinery are examples of workplace accidents that may give rise to wrongful death claims.
Defective Products
If a defective product causes the death of a consumer, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable for wrongful death. Examples include faulty vehicles, unsafe machinery, or dangerous consumer goods.
Premises Liability Cases
Property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors. If a hazardous condition on someone’s property leads to a fatal accident, the owner may be held responsible for wrongful death.
Intentional Acts
Wrongful deaths can also be the result of intentional acts such as assaults, homicides, or other wrongful actions. The responsible person may face criminal charges and civil liability in such cases.
When facing the tragedy of a wrongful death, consulting a Memphis wrongful death attorney at our firm is in your best interest. Your attorney can assess the merits of your claim, gather evidence, and handle the legal process on your behalf. They will work tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your compensation claim.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims
Surviving family members may be entitled to various compensation forms in a wrongful death claim. These may include:
Medical Expenses
Compensation for medical expenses includes costs related to the deceased person’s injury or illness before their death, such as hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitative care.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
Families can be reimbursed for the funeral and burial services costs, helping to alleviate the financial strain of saying goodbye to their loved ones.
Loss of Income
Wrongful death claims may also seek compensation for the loss of income the deceased may have provided to their family. This includes income, benefits, and potential future earnings.
Loss of Companionship
The emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one cannot be understated. Loss of companionship compensation addresses the profound loss of love, guidance, support, and consortium experienced by surviving family members.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering takes into account the physical and emotional pain experienced by the deceased before their death. While no amount of money can fully compensate for such losses, it acknowledges and provides some measure of justice for the unnecessary suffering endured.
In addition, the amount of compensation awarded in a wrongful death claim depends on various factors, including:
- The circumstances of the death
- The age, earning potential, and impact on surviving family members
- Available insurance coverage of the at-fault party
- Legal precedents and state statutory limits on damages for non-economic losses
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a wrongful death claim is a legal action that seeks compensation for the death of a loved one caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Tennessee law governs who is eligible to file such a claim. The individuals who can typically file a wrongful death claim include:
The Deceased Person’s Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse of the deceased has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim. As the closest legal relationship, the spouse is often the first to seek justice for their loved one’s untimely death.
The Deceased Person’s Children
If no surviving spouse exists, the deceased person’s children, including adopted children, are next in line to file the claim. This includes both minor and adult children.
The Deceased Person’s Parents
If the deceased was a minor or had no surviving spouse or children, the deceased’s parents have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
The Deceased Person’s Representative
If none of the above individuals are able or willing to file a wrongful death claim, the deceased’s estate’s representative (executor or administrator) may file the claim. Any damages awarded will typically benefit the estate, and The court will distribute the estate according to the deceased’s will or Tennessee’s intestacy laws.
Where Do Fatal Accidents Occur in Memphis?
Fatal accidents can happen anywhere, but specific locations in Memphis are more prone to these unfortunate incidents:
Roadways
High-traffic areas like I-240, Poplar Avenue, and intersections known for collisions can be particularly dangerous. Speeding, reckless driving, and DUI incidents contribute to the prevalence of fatal accidents on Memphis roads.
Workplaces
Construction sites across Memphis, including ongoing developments in downtown Memphis or near the South Main Arts District, warehouses in industrial areas such as Presidents Island, and factories like those in the Bartlett Industrial Park, often involve heavy machinery or hazardous materials, presenting a higher risk for fatal accidents. Employers in these locations must prioritize safety protocols to minimize the potential for tragedy.
Medical Facilities
Medical facilities in Memphis, such as Regional One Health, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and Baptist Memorial Hospital, are intended to heal. Still, medical errors or negligence can occur, leading to fatal outcomes.
Public Spaces
Public spaces in Memphis, such as Overton Park and Shelby Farms Park, or shopping centers like Oak Court Mall and Wolfchase Galleria, may have hazardous conditions. These can lead to slip and fall accidents, assaults, or other incidents resulting in fatal injuries. Property owners in these locations must maintain safe premises to protect the public from preventable accidents.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Wrongful Death Claim
When pursuing a wrongful death claim, families often encounter challenges when dealing with insurance companies. Some of the common obstacles include:
- Undermining the validity of the claim
- Offering low settlement amounts that do not adequately compensate for the losses
- Disputing liability or the value of damages incurred
To face these challenges successfully, you will significantly benefit from the support of a skilled Memphis wrongful death attorney from our firm. They can assist in collecting and preserving evidence, accurately calculating damages, negotiating with insurers, and preparing to take the case to court if the parties cannot reach a fair settlement. Additionally, having legal representation provides reassurance and support during this emotionally challenging time.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Wrongful Death Claim
If you believe you have a wrongful death claim, be sure to take these steps to strengthen your case:
Consult a Memphis Wrongful Death Attorney: Seeking legal advice early in the process is essential. A skilled attorney can evaluate your claim, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Preserve Evidence: Save accident reports, photos, videos, and medical records related to the incident. This evidence will be vital in supporting your claim.
Report the Incident: Notify law enforcement or relevant agencies to ensure an official record of the incident. This documentation can strengthen your case.
Keep Detailed Records: Document all expenses associated with the death, such as medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and other economic losses. These records will help determine the compensation that you may be entitled to.
Contact Us Today for Experienced Representation
If you need a compassionate and experienced Memphis wrongful death lawyer, look no further than Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is committed to representing injured victims and their families. We prioritize trust, ethical principles, and transparency in our client relationships. With a proven track record of securing significant results in wrongful death cases, we have the skills, passion, and respect to advocate for meaningful outcomes and justice.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we offer personalized attention to each case, investing the necessary resources and time. Our commitment to justice runs deep, and we will go the extra mile to ensure accountability for wrongdoers and strive to obtain compensation and justice for you and your family.
Contact us today at (901) 673-2607 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our compassionate Memphis wrongful death lawyers. We are here to provide reliable support, evaluate your potential claim, and guide you through the legal process. Let us be your trusted partner during this challenging time.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys – Memphis Office
Address: 6000 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38119
Phone: (901) 673-2607