Atlanta Fire-Related Accident Lawyer
There are clear fire safety regulations that every building owner must follow, whether the property is for residential, commercial, or mixed-use. If you lost a loved one as a result of a fatal fire accident, it’s essential to contact an attorney right away to see if you have the option to file a lawsuit. At Williams Oinonen LLC, we understand the difficulty of going through something so traumatic, and we will do everything in our power to help you through this difficult time. Contact an Atlanta fire-related accident attorney today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.
A Lawyer at Williams Oinonen LLC Will Help You
When you lose a loved one in a fire, you’ll certainly be grieving and trying to emotionally process this difficult time. Understandably, hiring an attorney might not be your first thought. However, it’s possible that someone can be held legally accountable for your loss. Without speaking to a lawyer, it’s difficult to determine if this is the case, and if it is, who can be held accountable. A lawyer can help you recover damages to compensate you for your loss. While that won’t bring back your loved one, if you are entitled to compensation for someone else’s illegal actions, it’s something you should take advantage of.
Examples of Fire-Related Deaths That Could Lead to a Lawsuit
There are many different ways a person can lose their life in a fatal fire accident, and there are countless possible reasons that fires occur. However, it’s a good idea to understand some of the most common scenarios where you might have a lawsuit if you lose a loved one in a fire so you can take the appropriate steps.
- Improper fire exits or evacuation plans
- Equipment failure or malfunction
- Defective products, safety devices or lack of smoke alarms
- Workplace hazards
- Intentional harm
- Explosions
- Code violations
- Electrical fires
While this list is not exhaustive, it provides you with some common examples in which someone may be liable for a fire-related death. If you are living in a building that is not up to standard at the fault of your landlord, and there is a serious fire accident as a result, you may be able to file for an Atlanta landlord-tenant dispute claim.
Statute of Limitations in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a lawsuit. If the death resulted from a crime or the decedent’s estate has not been probated, the statute of limitations is extended. If you miss this deadline, you likely won’t be able to recover any damages whatsoever, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Who Can File a Lawsuit?
In a wrongful death case in Atlanta, the following people may be able to file a lawsuit and collect damages:
- The decedent’s spouse
- If there is no spouse, the decedent’s children
- If there is no spouse and also no children, the decedent’s parents
- If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, the administrator or executor of the decedent’s estate
In some states, other people are permitted to file a wrongful death suit, for example, non-related individuals who rely on the decedent for financial support. In Georgia, this is not applicable, and the above-listed individuals are the only ones permitted to file a wrongful death claim.
An Atlanta Fire-Related Accident Attorney Can Help You
While we understand nothing can bring your loved one back, we will do everything possible to make sure the appropriate party is held accountable. At Williams Oinonen LLC, we consider every single client the most important one we have. We are selective with the cases we choose, meaning you can always expect our full attention. You will have the opportunity to communicate with our Atlanta fire-related accident attorneys, not only a receptionist or a paralegal. We are always just a phone call away. Contact an attorney today for a consultation by filling out our online form or calling (404) 654-0288.