The loss of a loved one is an unimaginable hardship. When that loss results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the pain can be even more profound. While no legal action can undo the tragedy, a Memphis wrongful death lawyer from Cory Watson Attorneys can help families seek justice and accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Our experienced lawyers have helped families through some of the most difficult times of their lives. We know this isn’t just about money—it’s about making sure your loved one’s death does not go unanswered. Whether the loss happened on a busy interstate like I-40, in a neighborhood in Midtown, or in a popular area like Beale Street, our compassionate attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and gain the closure you need to heal.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, let us handle every step. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today to learn more about how we can guide you through this challenging time with compassion and dedication.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
For over 40 years, Cory Watson Attorneys has stood beside grieving families in their pursuit of justice. Our firm has recovered over $4 billion in compensation for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to achieving meaningful results for those we represent. With offices in Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham, we combine the resources of a national firm with the personal attention and care of a local practice.
Our wrongful death attorneys understand Tennessee’s complex legal system and have extensive experience handling sensitive cases with the dignity and respect they deserve. We recognize that each wrongful death case represents not just a legal matter but a family’s profound loss and their search for answers and accountability.
When you choose Cory Watson Attorneys, you’re selecting a firm that:
- Has a proven track record of successful wrongful death settlements and verdicts
- Provides compassionate, personalized attention to every client
- Takes cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation in your case
- Has the resources to thoroughly investigate your case and take on powerful defendants
- Will treat your family with dignity and respect throughout the legal process
Most importantly, we understand that this isn’t just a case—it’s your family’s future, your loved one’s legacy, and your path to finding answers and justice during one of life’s most difficult moments.
What Is a Wrongful Death?
Under Tennessee law, a wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to the “wrongful act, omission, or killing by another.” In simpler terms, wrongful death happens when someone dies because of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions.
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks to hold a responsible party accountable and provide compensation to the deceased’s family members. These cases commonly arise from fatal accidents or incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Medical malpractice or healthcare negligence
- Workplace accidents and occupational exposure
- Defective products or dangerous medications
- Premises liability incidents
- Construction accidents
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal acts
While these situations vary widely, they all share one common thread: a preventable loss that leaves families searching for answers and justice. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we’re committed to uncovering the truth about your loved one’s death and fighting to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Memphis, call 877-562-0000
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help Your Case?
Some wrongful death cases are straightforward, as the liable party is quickly evident. But other cases are more complicated, and it can be a challenge to figure out how the incident unfolded.
Wrongful death attorneys will meticulously investigate various sources to determine what transpired during the event that caused your loved one’s death. Furthermore, they can help by:
- Filing all the necessary paperwork required to start your wrongful death claim within the deadline.
- Accessing experts such as medical doctors, private investigators, and an accident reconstructionist if required to build your case.
- Using investigators to collect evidence such as photographs, video surveillance footage, medical reports, the police report, and more.
- Strategically presenting the evidence to clearly demonstrate negligence on the defendant’s part and depict the full extent of the sustained damages.
- Interviewing witnesses and collecting statements from them
- Communicating and negotiating with the liable party’s insurance provider and/or lawyer on your behalf
- Representing you in court if your case fails to reach a favorable settlement
- Providing you with legal guidance during a vulnerable time where you are grieving and may not want to navigate the legal system alone
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You Can Recover These Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The immediate family members of the deceased may be eligible to recover three types of damages in wrongful death claims depending on the facts surrounding the wrongful death case: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic damages: This type of damage covers monetary losses suffered by the decedent and the survivors. The compensation may help pay medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, property damage, and more. Economic damages cover:
- Medical costs associated with the incident that caused the deceased’s death.
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of earning capacity between the deceased’s injury and death.
- Loss of the deceased’s earning potential.
- Loss of the pecuniary value of the deceased’s life. This may include lost insurance and retirement benefits.
Non-economic damages: This refers to non-tangible damages that the victim’s survivors had to suffer because of the loved one’s sudden death. Assigning value to these damages can be tough, but wrongful death attorneys can use their experience on similar cases to identify a fair compensation amount. Non-economic damages cover:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Physical and mental suffering experienced by the victim before their death
- Loss of guidance, love, and protection from the deceased
Punitive damages: This type of compensation can be pursued if the person’s death resulted from someone else’s gross negligence, such as drunk driving. Tennessee law states that to be awarded punitive damages, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant acted “maliciously, intentionally, fraudulently or recklessly.” Punitive damages are only awarded in scarce circumstances, as per TNCode § 29-39-104.
A wrongful death attorney will be able to investigate all the different aspects and nuances of your case. They will establish an accurate compensation estimate that reflects the full extent of damages sustained by the deceased and the survivors.
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You Have Limited Time to Pursue Wrongful Death Compensation
TN Code § 28-3-104 states that surviving members have one year from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible. You may risk having the case dismissed by the court if you wait to initiate a lawsuit after the mentioned timeframe.
Furthermore, since some types of evidence are time-sensitive, it is recommended to consider seeking legal action as soon as possible. That way, the attorney has enough time to tap into their Rolodex of experts and gather sufficient evidence to build a solid case.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Memphis, Tennessee?
Under TN Code § 20-5-107, only specific individuals are legally eligible to file a lawsuit. This generally includes members of the victim’s family, such as:
- The spouse of the deceased
- If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s child or next of kin
- The deceased’s parent
- The deceased’s personal representative
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Moving Forward with Cory Watson
Financial compensation can help alleviate the burdens of funeral expenses, lost wages, and unpaid medical bills. A wrongful death lawsuit can help ensure that those responsible for your loved one’s death are held accountable for their negligence.
If you have lost a loved one, we sympathize with your situation, and you can lean on us for the support you need. Our team of lawyers understands the sensitive nature of Memphis wrongful death lawsuits and will handle your case with the compassion it deserves.
Contact Our Memphis Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we know the pain of losing a loved one never fully goes away, but we also know that seeking justice can bring a measure of peace. Let us handle the complexities of your case so that you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.
If you’re ready to explore your legal options, contact our Memphis wrongful death lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll fight to secure the justice your family deserves and the support you need to move forward.
Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today at (901) 479-0227 or through our online form for a free consultation. As a leading national injury law firm, we serve clients throughout Tennessee and the United States.
Memphis Office Location
254 Court Avenue, Suite 511Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 479-0227
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form