Losing someone you care about because of another person’s negligence is devastating and often results in losses with long-lasting consequences. If your family has experienced this kind of tragedy, a Knoxville wrongful death lawyer at Dennis Injury Law could help.

Our personal injury attorneys understand the emotions and financial pressures families deal with after a fatal accident, and we are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable. We offer compassionate guidance alongside strong legal representation, allowing you to focus on your family while we handle the legal complexities.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Knoxville, legal actions involving a preventable loss of life are strictly regulated by state law, and our attorney could help determine your legal standing to pursue a claim. Parties who can initiate a lawsuit include the following.

Surviving Spouse

The surviving spouse has the primary right to pursue a legal claim and may seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional support, and financial contributions.

Children of the Deceased

Minor and adult children may also file a claim, with courts typically distributing damages equitably. This compensation often accounts for the absence of parental support and guidance.

Parents of the Deceased

If the deceased was unmarried and had no children, parents may have the right to file a claim, seeking damages for loss of their child’s support and companionship.

Personal Representatives or Executors

State law allows a personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate to file a fatal injury claim on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries. This representative oversees the claim, from gathering evidence to distributing the recovered damages to the entitled parties.

Extended Family and Dependents

In limited cases, extended family members or dependents may have standing to pursue a claim if no primary beneficiaries exist. Courts evaluate these claims carefully to ensure that only those directly impacted by the loss can pursue compensation.

How We Prove Negligence in a Fatal Accident Case

To prove negligence, you must establish that the defendant’s careless actions directly caused your loved one’s death. Our Knoxville lawyer uses the following types of evidence to support a fatal accident claim.

Medical Records and Autopsy Reports

Medical documentation establishes the cause of death and links it to the defendant’s actions. Common records include:

  • Hospital charts
  • Physician notes
  • Test results
  • Prescriptions
  • Imaging scans
  • Treatment logs

These records reveal diagnoses, treatment timelines, and whether proper medical protocols were followed, helping prove that negligence directly caused the fatal outcome.

Eyewitness Testimony

Interviews with witnesses who observed the incident help reconstruct what happened. Their accounts can establish how the defendant behaved, whether they ignored safety protocols, and the sequence of events leading to the fatal injury.

Expert Witness Analysis

Specialists such as medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or industry experts can review evidence and provide professional opinions. These experts explain technical matters to judges and juries, demonstrating how the defendant’s actions fell below accepted standards of care.

Physical Evidence and Documentation

Tangible proof, including photographs and video footage, defective products, or damaged property, can demonstrate dangerous conditions or faulty equipment that caused the fatal injury. This evidence helps substantiate the claim of negligence.

Contact a Knoxville Attorney Today for Help With Fatal Injury Claims

We understand that compensation cannot replace your loved one, but it could provide financial security and the sense of justice your family deserves. Representation from our firm could reduce the burden on you while we pursue your claim with the focus and care it requires.

If you need a Knoxville wrongful death lawyer you can trust, Dennis Injury Law is here to protect your legal rights and seek the accountability your family needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.