Chattanooga Wrongful Death Attorneys
Fighting for Justice in Tennessee Wrongful Death Cases
Nothing is as devastating as losing a loved one. When that loss was caused by the wrongful actions of another person or party, it can be particularly traumatic. You must endure a life and future without the love and support of your family member who never should have died in the first place. If you were financially dependent on your loved one, you may find yourself struggling twice as hard to adjust to an uncertain future.
At Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC, we understand that nothing can bring back your loved one. However, we can help provide a measure of closure—and justice—to this painful situation by helping you bring a wrongful death claim. Our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers can work hard to help you obtain the compensation you are owed for your losses and damages. We can build an effective case to support your claim and, through strong negotiation and litigation skills, help you seek a favorable outcome.
Contact our Chattanooga wrongful death attorneys at (423) 799-3030 to schedule a free initial consultation today.
What Is a “Wrongful Death” in Tennessee?
Tennessee law refers to a wrongful death as one that is caused by injuries derived from a wrongful or negligent act or omission. Had the deceased person not died, he or she would have had the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent, reckless, or malicious party who caused their injuries. Because he or she is gone, the right to pursue damages falls to specific family members or to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Tennessee?
A wrongful death claim is a lawsuit filed in civil court. It differs from a criminal case in that it does not result in criminal penalties but instead seeks financial damages for the losses suffered by the surviving family members and/or the estate. Wrongful death claims must be filed within one year of the deceased person’s death. If you do not file your claim within this statute of limitations, you will lose your right to pursue any compensation.
Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC Is Here for You
You likely have many questions and concerns about the legal aspects of filing a wrongful death claim. Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC is here to address those, as well as to provide the support you need in navigating this complex legal process. We provide sensitive and caring legal representation for family members and loved ones.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, the surviving spouse has the first right to file such a claim. If no surviving spouse exists, the following may file:
- Children or next of kin (close living relatives)
- The deceased’s personal estate representative for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or next of kin
- The deceased’s parents, if the deceased was a dependent at the time of death
- An estate administrator
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Damages that may be available in a Tennessee wrongful death claim include:
- Expenses for the funeral and burial
- The loss of earning capacity of the deceased from the time of injury until his or her death
- The loss of enjoyment of life for the deceased during the above time period
- The mental anguish suffered by the deceased due to the injuries
- Loss of wages or benefits that the deceased would have accrued if he or she had not died
- The physical and emotional suffering of the surviving family members
- The expenses incurred by the family members related to the death
- Loss of companionship and love suffered by surviving family members
When a wrongful death occurs as a result of recklessness or deliberate misconduct, punitive damages may be sought as well. These are damages meant to punish the at-fault party and to discourage any future type of similar wrongdoing.
Suffered from a wrongful death? Call us at (423) 799-3030 for a free consultation with one of our Chattanooga wrongful death lawyers.
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See What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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"Very professional"Bill Speek was very professional and he did a great job working my case. He actually knocked it out the park, he is Chattanooga’s Lincoln Lawyer!- Demarcus A.
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"Magician, a negotiator, and a life changer"Bill, you are not just an attorney. You are are magician, a negotiator, and a life changer. I referred a friend of mine that has, or better yet, HAD (thanks to you) a very delicate situation and you made it right in less than 2 days!! Now, STAFF, I know that you guys don't get recognized enough. I know that yall are the one's that do the calls, the set ups, and catch the crapstorm if it doesn't go well. Everyone there gives a feeling of humbled confidence, never arrogant. THANK YOU!- Frank J.
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"Best attorney in Chattanooga"By far Mr Speek is the best attorney in Chattanooga. I highly recommend his expertise to anyone . Mr Speek is a very prestigious gentleman and really cares about his clients. Anytime I had a question his amazing staff was very prompt in getting an answer. Very sweet , polite and knowledgeable girls that work in the office as well. Walking in to hire a lawyer for me was very humiliating and uncomfortable. As soon as I walked in the office I felt very welcome and at ease. Mr Speek is very loyal to his clients and you can tell that he sincerely cares. Also a very known respected attorney . I can’t thank Mr Speek enough for all his help . I would highly recommend Mr Speek to anyone seeking an attorney.- Laura P.
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