On April 19, a man was killed in a forklift accident at the Hyundai MOBIS plant in West Point.
According to Troup County Chief Deputy Coroner Amy Sheppard, Keith Wheeler was driving a stand-up forklift when the accident happened. It’s speculated that the worker backed into one of the shelves and got pinned.
TCSO Public Information Officer Sgt. Stewart Smith said that it may have been an industrial accident and the incident is currently being investigated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Wrongful Death Claim
If your family member was killed due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Although nothing can bring back your loved one, pursuing a claim can help you recoup some of the financial losses that resulted from the death, such as medical expenses and funeral costs. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in a wrongful death claim.
- Waiting too long to file a claim. It is understandable that you need time to grieve the loss of a loved one. However, if you want to pursue compensation for the death, you have to file a claim in a timely manner. In Georgia, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death.
- Arguing with family members. Tensions can be high after a loved one’s wrongful death. This can cause family members to argue with one another. Unfortunately, fighting with one another will just make things tougher and increase the risk of mistakes. Instead, try to remain calm and listen to one another.
- Not considering all responsible parties. A common mistake the legal professionals at Norris Injury Law see people make is not considering all liable parties. To maximize your compensation, it is critical to hold all liable parties responsible. For example, if your family member was killed in a truck accident, the truck driver and trucking company may be held liable.
- Failing to hire a lawyer. Wrongful death claims can be complex and stressful. That is why it may be in your best interest to hire an Athens, GA wrongful death lawyer. A lawyer will know the true value of your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. He or she will handle negotiations with the insurance company and will not let them take advantage of you.
- Speaking to the media. If the media covers your family member’s wrongful death, they may ask to speak to you. While this might seem harmless, it may actually do a lot of damage to your case. Remember that any statement you make about your case can be used against you. It is best to keep quiet about your wrongful death claim.
If you would like to pursue a wrongful death claim, you may want to schedule a consultation with a qualified wrongful death lawyer to talk about your case in detail.