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Savannah, GA Wrongful Death Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Savannah, GA Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a life-altering event. No amount of compensation can replace your family member, but pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim can help secure your future and hold the responsible party accountable.

At Butler Prather LLP, we understand how devastating these tragedies are, and we are here to help you through this difficult time. If your family member died because of someone else's negligent, reckless, or intentional act, an experienced wrongful death attorney can be an essential ally in seeking compensation and accountability.

Why Choose Us Over Other Wrongful Death Attorneys in Savannah?

We represent families in Savannah and throughout Georgia who are dealing with the aftermath of a heartbreaking loss. Our approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and a fierce determination to see justice served.

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • Over 35 years of experience representing grieving families throughout Georgia and the U.S.
  • More than $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements
  • Ten verdicts over $100 million and more than 30 states served nationwide
  • Recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
  • Known for holding major corporations accountable in high-profile wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

Justice for Your Family Starts Here

Call (706) 322-1990 today to find out how we can help you move forward.

Why You Should Talk to a Savannah Wrongful Death Lawyer Right Away

Waiting too long to consult an experienced wrongful death attorney can harm your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget details, and deadlines can pass without warning. A wrongful death claim is a serious legal matter that benefits from early intervention.

Getting legal counsel right away allows your Savannah personal injury lawyer to:

  • Secure and preserve critical evidence
  • Investigate the cause of death and identify all liable parties
  • Help you avoid missteps in communication with insurance companies
  • Begin valuing your claim properly from day one

Do You Have a Legitimate Wrongful Death Case?

Under Georgia law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person dies due to the legal fault of another party. This can include negligence, recklessness, medical malpractice, or intentional acts.

To determine if your case qualifies as wrongful death, we look at several key elements:

  • Duty of care: Did the at-fault party have a legal responsibility to act safely or prevent harm?
  • Breach of that duty: Did they fail to uphold that responsibility?
  • Causation: Did their actions directly lead to your loved one’s death?
  • Damages: Did your family suffer measurable losses, such as emotional, financial, or practical?

If your situation fits these criteria, you likely have a valid wrongful death claim. We can help confirm this during a free consultation.

What’s the Legal Process for a Wrongful Death Claim?

Wrongful death cases in Georgia follow a structured legal path. While every case is unique, the general process includes:

  1. Initial Consultation – We meet with you to understand the circumstances of your loved one’s passing and assess the potential for a claim.
  2. Investigation – Our team investigates the case, reviews records, gathers evidence, and may consult with expert witnesses to build a strong claim.
  3. Filing the Claim – A wrongful death lawsuit is filed in civil court against the party or parties responsible.
  4. Discovery Phase – Both sides exchange information, take depositions, and uncover evidence during a formal discovery process.
  5. Negotiation or Mediation – Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement discussions or mediation, depending on the willingness of the parties.
  6. Trial (if necessary) – If a fair resolution can’t be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial and present it before a jury.

Our Savannah GA wrongful death attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That level of diligence not only improves the outcome in court—it also strengthens our position in pre-trial negotiations.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. However, this timeframe can be shorter or longer in certain circumstances:

  • If a criminal case is filed relating to the death, the statute of limitations may be paused until that case concludes.
  • In rare cases involving government liability, specific notice and deadline requirements may apply.

Types of Damages Available

A wrongful death claim in Georgia can include two types of damages: those that compensate the family for the loss of the deceased’s life and those that compensate the estate for expenses related to the death.

Full Value of the Life of the Deceased

This includes both tangible and intangible losses such as:

  • Lost income and future earnings
  • Loss of services and benefits
  • Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
  • Emotional pain suffered by survivors

Estate-Related Damages

These damages may be claimed by the estate and distributed according to the will or Georgia’s intestate laws:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses related to the fatal incident
  • Conscious pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death

Who Is Eligible to Receive Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Georgia law, the right to file a wrongful death claim is typically granted to:

  1. Spouse – The surviving spouse has the first right to file and may also represent the interests of any minor children.
  2. Children – If there is no surviving spouse, the adult or minor children may bring the claim.
  3. Parents – If the deceased had no spouse or children, their parents can file.
  4. Estate Representative – If none of the above parties exist, the executor or personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file on behalf of next of kin.

Our team will help clarify who is eligible in your specific situation and guide you through the legal steps.

You’re Not Alone. Let’s Talk.

Call (706) 322-1990 today to find out how Butler Prather LLP can help your family.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

A wrongful death may occur in many different ways, including:

Case Results

Auto Products / Wrongful Death

Kim Hill and Adam Hill, surviving children and Co-Administrators of the Estates of Melvin Hill and Voncile Hill, deceased v. Ford Motor Company, The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack (Inc.), Curtis Clinton Thompson, Jr., Willie Braswell, and Donald Taylor; State Court of Gwinnett County, Georgia. On August 19, 2022, a jury in Lawrenceville, Georgia, returned a verdict against Ford Motor Company in a case arising out of a fatal rollover wreck that killed Melvin and Voncile Hill. The case was filed on December 22, 2014, by Kim Hill and Adam Hill, the surviving sons of Melvin and Voncile Hill, who were tragically killed on April 3, 2014. The jury returned a verdict for the wrongful death of Melvin and Voncile Hill and for their pain and suffering in the amount of $24,030,500 and also awarded $1.7 billion in punitive damages. The jury apportioned 70% of the fault to Ford and 30% of the damages against Pep Boys, a tire distributor that mistakenly installed the wrong size, or "load range," tires of the Hills' truck in 2010. That mistake caused the right front tire to blow out, causing the wreck. Undisputed evidence at the trial showed the wreck was survivable, and the crushing of the roof caused the injuries that led to the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Hill. Pep Boys settled in 2018. This is the largest verdict by far in Georgia history. The case has been litigated for several years and was originally tried in 2018 until Ford’s violation of a multitude of court orders forbidding Ford from injecting into the trial arguments the Court had excluded caused the Gwinnett County State Court to grant a mistrial. The Court subsequently sanctioned Ford. The case was tried in a second trial for three weeks in August 2022. Plaintiff was represented by James E. Butler, Jr. and Daniel E. Philyaw of Butler Prather LLP, assisted by Butler Prather paralegal Sarah Andrews and another paralegal, and by Gerald Davidson of Mahaffey Pickens Tucker LLP, along with Mike Terry and Laurie Taylor of Bondurant Mixson & Elmore.

Products Liability / Auto

In the case of Walden v. Chrysler Group, LLC and Bryan L. Harrell, 4 ½-year-old Remington Cole Walden tragically died when the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee he was riding in exploded following a rear-end collision with a pickup truck driven by Bryan Harrell. The Grand Cherokee's defective gas tank, which was positioned behind the rear axle and vulnerable to crushing, was known by Chrysler to be dangerous, yet the company failed to act on this knowledge. After a nine-day trial, the jury found Chrysler 99% at fault and Harrell 1% at fault, awarding $120 million for the full value of Remington's life and $30 million for his pain and suffering. This case marked the largest product liability verdict and compensatory damages award in Georgia's history.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

We couldn't have made this happen without this wonderful man and his associates - Lindsay (5-Star AVVO Review)

We filed a wrongful death case from a car wreck where my son passed away. We went all the way to trial and got a verdict of $150 million. We couldn't have made this happen without this wonderful man and his associates.

We recommend him highly - Anonymous (5-Star FindLaw Review)

Mr. Butler represented my wife and me in a very professional (and successful) manner. Even after the successful settlement, his firm stayed with us to ensure that we were properly advised on the best use of our assets. His experience, professionalism, and honesty were much appreciated. We recommend him highly.

Speak With a Trusted Savannah GA Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident or another type of serious accident and you think someone else is responsible, contact Butler Prather LLP today.

Call (706) 322-1990 to schedule a no-cost review of your legal options, and find out how we can help your family.

Wrongful Death FAQs

What qualifies as a wrongful death case in Georgia?

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. This can involve car crashes, defective products, unsafe premises, or workplace accidents. If the death would not have occurred but for someone else's actions or failure to act, it may qualify as wrongful death under Georgia law.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia law prioritizes the following parties to bring a wrongful death claim:

  1. The surviving spouse (and on behalf of any minor children)
  2. The deceased’s children if there is no spouse
  3. The parents of the deceased if there is no spouse or children
  4. A personal representative of the estate if no relatives exist

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?

Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, exceptions can apply, especially if there’s a pending criminal case or delays in probating the estate. Speaking with a Georgia wrongful death lawyer right away helps ensure deadlines are met.

How is “full value of life” determined in Georgia?

Full value of life includes both economic and intangible components. This means not only lost wages and benefits the person would have earned, but also the value of time spent with family, relationships, and enjoyment of life. These are unique to each individual and must be calculated carefully.

What’s the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?

A wrongful death claim compensates family members for the loss of their loved one. A survival action is brought by the deceased’s estate and covers damages the person would have claimed if they had survived, like pain and suffering before death and certain expenses.

Will my wrongful death case go to trial?

Not necessarily. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations or mediation. However, at Butler Prather LLP, we prepare every case for trial from day one. If the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case before a jury.

How long does a wrongful death lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether fault is disputed, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months; others may take a year or more. Our legal team will keep you informed at every step.

Do I need to pay upfront to hire a wrongful death lawyer?

No. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free consultations so you can understand your legal options before committing to anything.

Other Locations We Serve in Georgia

Meet Our Savannah GA Wrongful Death Attorneys

James E. Butler Jr.

For more than four decades, James E. Butler Jr. has stood at the forefront of high-stakes civil litigation, fighting for individuals and families harmed by negligence and corporate misconduct. As a founding partner of Butler Prather LLP, Mr. Butler has tried cases in courtrooms across the country and helped secure some of the most significant verdicts in U.S. history.

Mr. Butler’s is perhaps best known for serving as lead trial counsel in several groundbreaking product liability cases, which includes the landmark verdict against General Motors that resulted in $150 million in punitive damages. His work has held some of the largest corporations in the world accountable, helping to drive meaningful change in public safety and consumer protection.

Ramsey B. Prather

Ramsey B. Prather is a partner at Butler Prather LLP, where he represents individuals and families in serious personal injury, wrongful death, and complex civil litigation matters. Known for his strategic mindset and thorough preparation, Mr. Prather has earned a reputation for achieving meaningful results for clients facing life-changing circumstances.

Mr. Prather brings a disciplined, trial-focused approach to every case. He has played a central role in securing multimillion-dollar recoveries in high-stakes product liability, trucking, and catastrophic injury cases. His courtroom skill and attention to detail have made him a trusted advocate in complex litigation throughout Georgia and beyond.

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Savannah Office:
213 West York Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Additional Information

Savannah Personal Injury

I was in a complex premises liability case involving a multinational corporations. Mr. Butler & his associates were always three steps ahead of these defendants. When they say they are "exceptional trial lawyers," this is not just a slogan but it is a way of life.”
- Zack Hendon