Tennessee Wrongful Death & Survival Claims

Tennessee preserves the decedent’s injury claim

Section 20-5-106 provides that the decedent’s injury action does not abate and identifies the statutory persons who succeed to the right. Confirm the proper plaintiff and any estate appointment before settlement or filing.

The wrongful-death right follows the statutory succession

Wrongful-death recovery is statutory. Family relationships, surviving spouse status, children, next of kin and estate administration can affect who controls or benefits from the claim.

Damages combine decedent and beneficiary loss

Section 20-5-113 allows recovery of specified damages suffered by the decedent and damages resulting to statutory beneficiaries from the death. Preserve medical, funeral, earnings, household, relationship and dependency evidence.

Limitation and estate authority require immediate attention

Tennessee’s ordinary personal-injury limitation is short, and wrongful-death timing can depend on the underlying injury claim and statutory rules. Coordinate limitations, probate authority, insurance and any government-claim procedure immediately.

PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION

VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.