This document provides information about wrongful death lawsuits in Tennessee. It defines wrongful death as any loss of life resulting from an injury. Surviving family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit seeking both economic damages like lost future wages and non-economic damages for loss of companionship or emotional distress. Plaintiffs have two years to file a wrongful death suit from the date of death. Hiring an experienced wrongful death attorney is recommended to navigate the complex legal process.

1. Wrongful
Death:
Understanding
Your Options
in Tennessee

2. What is
Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death may refer to any
loss of life that resulted from an
injury. Victims of accidental death
- be it at work, on the road, or on
someone else's premises - often
leave their families in need of
financial and emotional support.
A wrongful death lawsuit can
help surviving family members
get justice along with needed
compensation.

3. T I P S O N B R A I N S T O R M I N G I D E A S
Spouses
Legal spouses can file a
wrongful death lawsuit
when their husband or
wife is killed in an
accident.
Children who have lost a
parent may be entitled
to compensation
through a wrongful
death lawsuit.
Parents of children
killed in an accident
may have cause to
file a wrongful death
lawsuit.
Children Parents
Who Can File a
Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

4. According to Tennessee Code §20-5-106, a
surviving spouse will have the initial right
to file a wrongful death claim. In cases
without a surviving spouse, the right to file
suit follows this order:
1. Surviving children or next of kin
2. A personal representative of the
decedent's estate
3. Surviving parents of the decedent
4. Administrator of the decedent's estate

5. W h a t E c o n o m i c D a m a g e s C a n I S e e k
t h r o u g h a W r o n g f u l D e a t h C l a i m ?
Future Wages
Projected future wages
may be included in a
wrongful death
settlement.
Projected retirement
contributions may be
included in wrongful
death lawsuits.
Money for future house
payments, educational
expenses, and all other
projected financial
contributions may be
included in a wrongful
death claim.
Retirement
Financial
Contributions

6. W h a t N o n e c o n o m i c D a m a g e s C a n I
S e e k t h r o u g h a W r o n g f u l D e a t h C l a i m ?
Loss of
Community
Loss of
Companionship
Emotional
Duress

7. How Long Do I
Have to File a
Wrongful Death
Lawsuit?
You have two years from the date of
your loved one's death to file suit.
However, it is never a good idea to
wait. The sooner you take legal
action, the sooner you can work
towards receiving the compensation
your family needs to carry on.

8. While it is not required, it is best to hire
an attorney before filing a wrongful death
claim. These claims can be
incredibly complex and insurance
adjusters and attorneys for the defense
know you are vulnerable. Having an
attorney on your side helps protect you
against predatory tactics that may be
employed by the defense while
simultaneously helping you navigate the
complexities of Tennessee wrongful death
statutes.

9. Why Choose Us?
A board-certified trial specialist
and former Hearing Committee
Member on the Board of
Professional Responsibility for the
Tennessee Supreme Court, Herbert
Thornbury brings experience and
commitment to each case he
takes. A proven wrongful death
attorney, Mr. Thornbury has
secured many significant
settlements for families dealing
with the loss of a loved one.

10. Call
(423) 752-0544
For a Free Consultation
Do You Need Help?