Losing a loved one is one of life’s most devastating experiences, and the pain is often worsened when their death could have been prevented. If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your loved one’s passing, you deserve answers, justice, and accountability. A Nashville wrongful death lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys is here to stand by your side during this difficult time.
For over 40 years, Cory Watson has provided compassionate and skilled legal representation to families who have suffered unimaginable losses. While no legal action can bring your loved one back, we can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can support and guide you in your pursuit of justice.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for Your Nashville Wrongful Death Case
The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys understand the profound grief and turmoil that follows the unexpected loss of a loved one. Our team is committed to treating your family with the empathy and respect you need while doing everything possible to hold the responsible party accountable.
Here’s why families in Nashville and across Tennessee choose Cory Watson Attorneys for wrongful death cases:
- Decades of Experience – With over 40 years of experience handling wrongful death claims, we know how to navigate even the most complex cases. Our attorneys have recovered more than $4 billion in compensation for our clients.
- Local Strength with National Reach – Our firm has deep roots in Tennessee, with offices in Nashville, Memphis, and Birmingham. While we provide personal attention to each case, our national experience allows us to take on powerful defendants and deliver results.
- Compassionate Advocacy – Losing a loved one isn’t just a legal matter—it’s an emotional one. We handle each case with dignity and compassion, understanding that your loved one’s legacy and your family’s future are at stake.
- Proven Track Record – Our attorneys are leaders in mass torts, class actions, and personal injury litigation. Whether your loved one’s passing resulted from a car accident, dangerous product, or medical malpractice, our experience positions us to get results in your case.
- No Upfront Costs – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we secure compensation for you.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we focus on relieving your burdens so you can concentrate on healing. While we handle the legal complexities, you can find time to grieve and honor your loved one’s memory.
What is a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Tennessee law allows surviving family members to file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation and accountability for their loss.
Wrongful death claims aim to provide financial support to the deceased’s family while also holding responsible parties accountable. Handling a wrongful death claim while grieving is overwhelming. A Nashville wrongful death attorney from Cory Watson Attorneys can provide the guidance and support you need to move forward with your case.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Many wrongful deaths result from preventable accidents or incidents. Some of the most common causes of wrongful death lawsuits include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents/premises liability incidents
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Criminal acts
Every wrongful death carries a different story of heartbreak and loss. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we are dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the families we represent.
Do I Have a Wrongful Death Case in Nashville?
Wrongful death claims are built on the foundation of negligence—the idea that someone’s careless actions (or failure to act) led to the victim's passing. If you’re wondering whether you have a valid wrongful death case, understanding the legal concept of negligence is key.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you and your lawyer must prove the following four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care – The first step is establishing that the defendant owed a legal responsibility or "duty of care" to the deceased. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, while doctors have a duty to provide competent medical care.
- Breach of Duty – The next step is to demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently or recklessly. Examples include running a red light, prescribing incorrect medication, or failing to fix hazardous conditions on a property.
- Causation – A wrongful death claim must show that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the victim’s death. This can involve evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, or expert opinions.
- Damages – Finally, the claim must establish that the victim’s death resulted in measurable damages to their survivors, such as medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
The elements of negligence aren’t always easy to establish, particularly during a time of grief. That’s why having an experienced, empathetic attorney by your side can make all the difference.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Nashville?
Under Tennessee law, specific individuals have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim following the loss of a loved one. This ensures that the victim’s family and estate have an opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable.
Typically, those who can file a wrongful death case in Nashville include:
- The deceased’s spouse
- Children of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- The deceased’s personal representative
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case in Nashville?
A wrongful death lawsuit focuses on seeking justice by recovering financial compensation for immediate family members. Three types of damages may be available to families in a wrongful death case in Nashville:
- Economic Damages – These cover tangible financial expenses incurred due to the victim’s death, such as:
- Medical expenses from emergency treatments at facilities like Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Funeral and burial costs, whether services are held in Bellevue, Antioch, or downtown Nashville
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- The financial value of lost benefits, including retirement and insurance plans
- Non-Economic Damages – These address the emotional and intangible losses your family has endured, including:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the victim prior to passing
- Punitive Damages – If the death resulted from egregious misconduct (such as drunk driving on I-40 or Briley Parkway), the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future wrongdoing.
Our Nashville wrongful death lawyers can analyze the full scope of your loss and fight to recover maximum compensation on behalf of your family.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Nashville, TN?
Tennessee sets strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims. Families generally have one year from the date of their loved one’s death to initiate a claim. Missing this deadline could result in your case being dismissed.
This time limit makes it crucial to act promptly after your loss. While dealing with grief is challenging, seeking prompt legal representation ensures key evidence is preserved and your family’s rights are protected.
Additionally, some cases may involve exceptions to the statute of limitations that could extend or shorten the filing deadline. Don’t risk forfeiting your right to justice. Contact our legal team as soon as possible to protect your family’s claim.
Nashville Wrongful Death Lawsuit FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about wrongful death claims in Nashville, Tennessee.
How long does a wrongful death case typically take to resolve?
The timeline for a wrongful death case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is resolved through settlement or goes to trial. While some cases may settle in a matter of months, others can take a year or longer, especially if liability is disputed.
What is the difference between wrongful death and murder?
Wrongful death and murder are distinct legal concepts that address a tragic loss of life. Murder is a criminal offense where someone intentionally causes another person's death and is prosecuted by the state, often leading to imprisonment or other penalties. Wrongful death, on the other hand, is a civil lawsuit brought by the deceased's family to seek financial compensation for their loss due to negligence or misconduct. Family members of wrongful death victims can still pursue justice through a wrongful death claim, even if criminal charges are not filed.
What if the person responsible for my loved one’s death doesn’t have insurance?
If the responsible party lacks insurance or adequate coverage, there may still be options to recover compensation. For example, if the incident involved a car accident, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance could provide coverage.
Will my wrongful death case go to trial?
Not all wrongful death cases go to trial; many are resolved through negotiations with the liable party’s insurance provider. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys are fully prepared to represent your family in court.
Can I bring a wrongful death case if I’m out of state but my loved one’s death happened in Nashville?
Yes, you can pursue a wrongful death claim even if you live outside Tennessee, as long as the accident or negligent act causing the death occurred within the state. Cory Watson Attorneys has extensive experience representing clients from across the country and will handle all legal matters on your behalf.
What does it cost to hire Cory Watson Attorneys for a wrongful death case?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows grieving families to focus on healing without worrying about financial strain.
How Can a Nashville Wrongful Death Attorney Help with My Case?
Losing someone you love is devastating, but filing a wrongful death claim doesn’t have to add to your stress. A knowledgeable Nashville wrongful death lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
Here’s how our attorneys at Cory Watson can help:
- Case Investigation – We’ll examine all evidence related to your loved one’s passing, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements gathered from locations such as West End Avenue or Centennial Park.
- Expert Consultation – We collaborate with trusted experts like accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to build a strong case.
- Filing Paperwork – Managing legal procedures can be overwhelming, but we’ll handle all filings to ensure they meet court requirements and deadlines.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, but we’ll negotiate aggressively to secure fair compensation for your family.
- Court Representation – If negotiations fail, we’ll represent you in court, using our 40+ years of experience to fight for justice.
- Guidance and Support – We treat your family with care and respect, providing legal and emotional support through every step of the process.
No matter the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death, our team at Cory Watson Attorneys is committed to helping you uncover the truth and obtain the justice your family deserves.
Contact the Trusted Nashville Wrongful Death Lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys Today
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult challenges you’ll face in life. Whether their passing resulted from negligent driving, a defective product, or medical malpractice, you deserve a legal team that will fight for your family’s rights with care and compassion.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we are more than just lawyers—we are tireless advocates for families in their time of need. With over $4 billion recovered and decades of experience fighting for justice, we are confident in our ability to help you rebuild and find closure.
If you’ve lost a loved one in Nashville, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today at (615) 813-2149 or through our online form for a free and confidential consultation. We’ll handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one.
Nashville Office Location
1033 Demonbreun St., Ste. 300Nashville, Tn 37203