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Families are horrified when a loved one goes into the hospital for surgery or illness but never comes out and instead dies in the hospital. Matters are made even worse if you suspect the hospital was negligent or careless and caused the death. If your family is asking itself, “Can you sue a hospital for wrongful death?” – the answer is “yes.” And a wrongful death attorney can help.
A wrongful death case is a lawsuit brought by the surviving spouse or family of a person who died as the result of negligence. A family member suing for medical malpractice can name individual doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, aides or other healthcare professionals employed by the hospital. The hospital itself can also be named as a defendant.
If you believe your loved one died in a hospital because of the hospital’s negligence, contact an Atlanta wrongful death attorney today. Our attorneys at The Stoddard Firm have decades of experience successfully representing bereaved families in their time of need. Courts can award financial compensation for medical and burial costs, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of care and companionship. In particularly onerous cases, courts can also award punitive damages to prevent such negligence from destroying other families in the future.
To find out more about your legal options, contact the caring attorneys at The Stoddard Firm at 470-467-2200. We offer free consultations. We are compassionate toward families but can be very tough on hospitals and medical professionals when their negligence caused someone’s death.
Absolutely. You don’t have to prove that a single doctor committed one egregious error, because it could have been a series of mistakes by several people at the hospital that ultimately led to the death of your loved one. You can sue a hospital for wrongful death based on many kinds of misconduct that caused the early death of a patient. When hospitals are named in lawsuits, it’s usually because there was some sort of medical malpractice. This means the medical treatment provided by one or more healthcare providers deviated from the established professional standards of care. Medical malpractice cases can arise due to the following:
Whatever the cause of medical malpractice, it doesn’t make it any less painful for surviving family members, who are often tormented by questions about whether their loved one suffered or was frightened in their final moments.
First, hire a skilled and experienced wrongful death attorney. Both the medical field and the legal system are highly complicated, so you don’t want to go it alone. You want a lawyer who can sue a hospital for wrongful death with confidence and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome. The attorneys at The Stoddard Firm are an excellent choice, because they care about families and want them to receive the justice they deserve.
Next, gather all the correspondence, notes, messages and audio files of phone calls from the hospital and medical personnel that you have and give them to your attorney. These can be valuable pieces of information when proving negligence.
In addition, a skilled attorney can conduct interviews, gather evidence, research medical records, do background checks and examine previous hospital lawsuits when building a powerful case on your behalf. The Stoddard Firm also has the resources to hire expert witnesses if needed. To learn more, call us at 470-467-2200.
When seeking monetary damages, you want to make sure funds are available to cover the jury award or settlement. Often, hospitals are named in wrongful death lawsuits because they have larger medical malpractice insurance policies than individual doctors do. A single doctor may not have a large enough insurance policy to cover the jury award or the settlement award you seek. Naming a hospital is a tactical decision to ensure that you receive the entirety of your court-sanctioned compensation, particularly if it is a large award.
We always remind clients that insurance exists for a reason. Families don’t sue because they want revenge, but rather because they want to make sure children and spouses are taken care of in the future. It’s about caring and providing for loved ones, it’s not about wanting to hurt doctors or healthcare professionals. Remember, it’s insurance companies that pay the damages, not individual doctors or nurses.
Our attorneys work on contingency, which means that we don’t get paid until you get paid. Attorneys’ fees are paid by the defendant as part of a settlement agreement or jury award. If for some reason your claim is not successful, then you owe us nothing.
We know your family is hurting and it feels like the pain will never end. These are difficult times, and some days you wonder if you’ll be able to endure another day. Let us help. Wrongful death attorneys at The Stoddard Firm can lift the legal burden from your shoulders so that you can grieve and comfort each other. We have decades of experience in successfully bringing wrongful death claims against hospitals to seek financial compensation for families. Our years of training and insight will strengthen your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Our compassionate and caring lawyers are just a phone call away, and we can begin the legal process of seeking financial protection for your family in the future. We can answer your questions and explain your legal options. For a free initial consultation about a hospital wrongful death claim, call us at 470-467-2200. We will stand beside you every step of the way.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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