Wrongful Death Litigation in Tennessee
February 13, 2026
When a loved one dies due to another’s negligence or wrongful act, Tennessee law provides surviving family members a pathway to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. This legal action holds responsible parties accountable and helps secure financial stability for those left behind. At Hagar & Phillips Law Firm in Lebanon, Tennessee, we guide families through Tennessee’s specific wrongful death statutes with compassion.
Tennessee’s Definition of Wrongful Death
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 20-5-106, a wrongful death claim arises when someone dies from the wrongful act, fault, or omission of another—circumstances where the deceased could have filed a personal injury lawsuit if they had survived. This includes fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, defective products, and certain criminal acts. The claim benefits designated surviving family members and the deceased’s estate.
Who Can File Under Tennessee Law?
Tennessee establishes a clear hierarchy for who may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The surviving spouse has priority. If there is no spouse, the right passes to the deceased’s children, then to surviving parents, and finally to the estate’s personal representative. Disputes over standing, such as between a spouse and adult children, can complicate matters, making early legal consultation essential to establish proper authority and avoid procedural missteps.
Recoverable Damages in Tennessee Wrongful Death Cases
Tennessee law allows recovery for damages the deceased could have claimed if alive, such as medical bills from the fatal injury, conscious pain and suffering, and lost wages up to the time of death. Families can also seek compensation for their own losses, including the deceased’s future earning capacity, loss of consortium, companionship, and the pecuniary value of the deceased’s life. Funeral expenses are recoverable, and punitive damages may apply in cases of particularly egregious conduct, though subject to strict limitations.
Tennessee’s Strict One-Year Deadline
Tennessee imposes one of the nation’s shortest statutes of limitations for wrongful death claims: one year from the date of death in most cases. Certain medical malpractice deaths or situations where the cause was not immediately discoverable may have different rules, but extensions are rare and unpredictable. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim permanently, regardless of its merits. Prompt action preserves evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness statements while protecting your legal rights.
How Hagar & Phillips Protects Tennessee Families
Navigating Tennessee’s wrongful death laws demands precise compliance with state statutes and case law. Our team at Hagar & Phillips Law Firm helps by determining proper standing, investigating liability, documenting economic and emotional losses, negotiating with insurers, and litigating when settlements fall short. We handle the complex legal burden so grieving families can focus on healing.
If negligence or wrongdoing caused the death of your loved one in Middle Tennessee, don’t navigate Tennessee’s wrongful death laws alone. Contact Hagar & Phillips in Lebanon today at 615-784-4588 for a confidential consultation to understand your rights and protect your family’s future.
