Georgia’s Leading Wrongful Death Defense Attorneys
Protecting Your Rights and Reputation in High-Stakes Wrongful Death Litigation
Wrongful death lawsuits are emotionally charged, legally complex, and financially significant. When a tragic loss occurs and litigation follows, the defendants often face immense pressure, public scrutiny, and potential liability for millions of dollars in damages. At Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP, we understand the critical importance of swift, strategic, and sensitive legal representation in these cases.
Our firm defends clients across Georgia against wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace incidents, product liability, and more. Whether you are an individual, business, healthcare provider, or insurer, we are prepared to build a robust defense, minimize exposure, and navigate the legal complexities with the utmost professionalism and diligence.
With over 50 years of experience, we offer tailored defense strategies to ensure our clients are treated fairly—and that they are not held responsible for damages beyond what the law supports.

Common Wrongful Death Defense Scenarios
Automobile accidents
Determining fault in multi-vehicle crashes or pedestrian fatalities.
Medical malpractice
Defending healthcare providers from misdiagnosis or surgical error allegations.
Premises liability
Defending property owners in cases involving alleged inadequate security or dangerous conditions.
Product liability
Protecting manufacturers or retailers from claims involving defective tools, vehicles, or machinery.
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Why Experienced Defense Matters
Defending a wrongful death claim is not just about reviewing medical records or arguing liability—it’s about understanding the human story, the legal nuances, and the full scope of financial exposure. These cases often involve high emotional stakes and the potential for significant jury awards, making it critical to have experienced counsel on your side.
At Thomas Kennedy, we bring our deep litigation experience to bear in every wrongful death case. Our attorneys work quickly to:
Analyze the cause of death and assess liability
Investigate whether the deceased may have contributed to the incident
Determine if the claim meets statutory requirements
Evaluate the validity and extent of claimed damages
Engage medical, forensic, and economic experts
Challenge unsupported or exaggerated claims of pain, suffering, or loss of income
Our goal is to reduce or eliminate liability by presenting clear, evidence-backed defenses and ensuring our clients are protected at every turn. We are known for resolving claims efficiently through negotiation, and for providing aggressive representation at trial when necessary.
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GOODBased on 18 reviewsMarcus Hawkins2025-05-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great lawyer firm. I used them for my slip and fall case, along with my vehicle accident case. Both cases were very successfulJonathan Okomo2025-05-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing group of attorneys, helped me understand everything, every step of the way. Im very pleased with the resultssade sullivan2025-04-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an incredible experience with TKST Law. Maryama and her team were absolutely amazing, professional, supportive, and truly dedicated. Mohammad did an outstanding job during my negotiations and helped me get even more than I expected. I’m beyond grateful for their hard work and highly recommend them!Jennifer Lynn Duncan2025-01-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm sharing this review on behalf of a friend who is too distraught to post it themself. I have documentation of proof of all of this in case the company wants to refute any of it... I am extremely disappointed with the service I received from Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, LLP. After working with them for two months, I still have no solutions or progress toward settling my case. From the beginning, I was only connected with a paralegal (Maryama Swindell) who seemed unable to move my case forward. While she was vacationing in Spain, I was suffering over the holidays - losing my job & home from a fatal accident. Despite repeated attempts to get in touch with an actual attorney who could assist me, I was consistently met with excuses or delays. I felt like my case wasn’t taken seriously, and there was a lack of communication and transparency throughout the entire process. I trusted this firm to provide the legal expertise and support I needed because they were referred to me, but instead, it felt like my time was wasted. If you are looking for a firm that will actively work on your case and keep you informed, I would NOT recommend Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, LLP. Unfortunately, my experience left me feeling frustrated and without the legal resolution I was seeking and I had to fire them to find another law firm.Bill Bigsby2024-07-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Horrible law firm. I personal would never use them for any representation. Staff is rude and unprofessional.J.Gilman2023-04-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I served as a juror on a case that Woody tried and he did a great job. From the beginning, he basically ran the courtroom, was very engaging, personable, and all the jurors liked him. Kristal was also impressive and it was a pleasure to watch them work.Paula Coleman2021-10-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent legal services!!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wrongful Death Defense
What is considered a wrongful death under Georgia law?
Who can be held liable in a wrongful death claim?
Liability can fall on individuals, businesses, medical professionals, manufacturers, employers, or even government entities. Our defense team carefully evaluates the facts to determine the actual level of responsibility—or lack thereof—for our clients.
How long do plaintiffs have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. However, exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. We use these timelines to our client’s advantage when preparing procedural defenses.
Can a wrongful death defendant be sued even if the decedent was partially at fault?
Yes, but Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule. If the deceased is found to be 50% or more at fault, the family cannot recover damages. If less than 50%, damages may be reduced proportionally. This is often a key defense strategy we pursue.
What damages are recoverable in wrongful death lawsuits?
Plaintiffs can seek compensation for the full value of the decedent’s life, including lost earnings, emotional loss, and funeral expenses. Our defense focuses on challenging these valuations using forensic accounting, life expectancy data, and legal precedent.
What’s the difference between a wrongful death claim and a survival action?
A wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members, while a survival action is brought by the decedent’s estate to recover for pain and suffering or medical costs before death. We defend against both, often simultaneously.
How do you defend a wrongful death claim?
We examine every detail of the incident, challenge the plaintiff’s narrative, assess potential contributory negligence, and leverage expert testimony. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate liability through evidence-based strategies and rigorous legal analysis.
Why should I hire Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP to defend my case?
With over five decades of litigation experience in Georgia, our firm offers unmatched expertise, a strategic defense approach, and proven results in high-stakes wrongful death claims. We are committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and financial future.