Wrongful Death Lawyer in Nashville
Fighting for Families Across Tennessee & Beyond
Losing a loved one is always painful, no matter the circumstances. But the pain of loss can be magnified by injustice when someone is killed through the negligence or fault of another. Fortunately, the law protects families of wrongful death victims by giving them the right to pursue a claim in civil court.
At Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge, we understand no amount of compensation can atone for the loss of a loved one. However, holding at-fault parties accountable can provide compensation to ensure your financial stability during a difficult time, and perhaps offer the sense of justice you deserve.
If you’re ready to explore your rights and following the preventable death of your loved one, our award-winning winning Nashville wrongful death attorneys are here to help.
Why Choose Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge
- We’ve been fighting for victims and families since 1977.
- Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience.
- We have won record results and millions in compensation for clients.
- We offer FREE & confidential case evaluations.
KCB is backed by a team of award-winning attorneys nationally recognized among The Best Lawyers in America®, Mid-South Super Lawyers, and other leading legal rating services. Partner Randall Kinnard, a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, and Partner Daniel Clayton are also both Certified Civil Trial Specialists (NBLSC) and Board-Certified Medical Malpractice Specialists (ABPLA).
How Does Tennessee’s Wrongful Death Law Work?
Per Tennessee Code 20-5-106, a wrongful death is any death which is caused by “injuries received from another” or by “the wrongful act, omission, or killing by another.”
Wrongful death actions in Tennessee allow immediate family members of the deceased to bring two types of claims in civil court:
- Wrongful death actions, which are civil claims for the decedent’s injuries and damages brought by an immediate relative to whom the claim has been passed after the decedent’s death; and
- Survival actions, which are civil claims brought by surviving immediate family members for their own injuries caused by the decedent’s deaths.
Tennessee classifies wrongful death actions as special personal injury cases where the injured individual has died and is unable to bring their own claim. Instead the right to file a claim is passed to qualifying surviving relatives (or a personal representative of the estate) for damages the decedent would have otherwise been entitled to had they survived (a wrongful death action). Surviving family members are also entitled to compensation for their own damages (a survival action).
As wrongful death laws can be complex, our team can explain how these claims work based on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Your right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against an allegedly responsible party will depend on the facts involved. Generally, there must be evidence to support claims that another’s negligence or wrongful act more likely than not caused your loved one’s death. Besides meeting the essential elements of proving a claim, you must also be eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Per Tennessee law, only certain family members or the estate’s personal representative can bring these claims. Usually, that means a decedent’s surviving spouse. However, if there is no surviving spouse, the claim can be brought by the following parties, in order:
- Surviving children / next of kin
- Personal representative of the estate
- Surviving parent (if decedent was dependent on their parents at the time of death)
- Administrator of the estate (if the decedent was a dependent at the time of death)
What Damages Can Wrongful Death Claims Provide?
Tennessee law enables surviving relatives to recover two types of damages: (1) the damages a decedent would have been able to recover had they survived their injury, and (2) the losses suffered by surviving family members as a result of the death.
Recovered damages in wrongful death claims can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- A decedent’s pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages during the time between their injury and their death
- Lost financial support a decedent would have provided
- Emotional and psychological injuries suffered by family members
- Loss of companionship, love, and society
Time Limits for Wrongful Death Claims in Tennessee
Beyond determining whether or not there are grounds to proceed with a wrongful death suit, claims should proceed in a timely fashion. According to Tennessee state law, wrongful death actions must be filed within one year of the accident in question. However, there may be cases where victims have more time to bring claims, such as in cases where the cause of death is not discovered until a later time. Whatever statute of limitations applies, failing to act within the statutory window can mean families no longer have the right to recover damages.
It goes without saying that pursuing legal action probably isn't the first thing on your mind after losing a loved one in a tragic accident. However, Tennessee law only opens a very specific and strict window of time for action.
Helping Families Through Difficult Times
"The day I walked through your door I was touched by God's grace. You may not have realized you were being used, but you were. You gave me back a sense of hope and a vision of goodness, something I'd lost with the death of my husband. I am deeply grateful to have found you. I think often of the kindness you extended to me and my family." -C.O., former client of Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney from Our Firm?
Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge is comprised of some of the top lawyers in the nation, recognized for our record-breaking verdicts, millions of dollars secured for our clients, and compassionate approach. We are the seasoned trial attorneys you need in this tragic time.
Your grief deserves to be acknowledged by the ones responsible. Call our Nashville wrongful death lawyers today at (615) 933-2893.

Verdicts & Settlements
Unmatched Dedication Has Led to Record-Setting Victories-
Personal Injury - Erin Andrews Lawsuit Against Hotel $55 Million
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Medical Malpractice - 62 Year Old Woman $22.2 Million
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Medical Malpractice - Largest Verdict in Weakley County History $15.2 Million
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Medical Malpractice - Davidson County $6.5 Million
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Wrongful Death of 22 Month Old $5 Million
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Medical Malpractice - 24 Year Old College Student $4 Million
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Wrongful Death - Tractor-Trailer Wreck $3.25 Million
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Wrongful Death - 16 Year Old Boy $3 Million
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Auto Accident - Rutherford County $3 Million
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Wrongful Death & Personal Injury - Auto Accident $2.9 Million

Client Testimonials
Helping the Injured Obtain Justice
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We are very grateful.
“What Mr. Clayton achieved on account of conquering numerous hurdles was beyond remarkable and we are very grateful.”
- E.I. -
In the hardest two years of my life, you provided the utmost trust, comfort, and support.
“Thank you Randy, Jennifer, and Cynthia so much for not only helping me get through what has been the hardest time of my life, but for always providing grace, trust, and a sense of comfort for what ...”
- T.H. -
They showed compassion and grit in a professional manner like no other law firm.
“I would like to thank the law firm of Kinnard, Clayton & Beveridge for helping me and my family in our time of need. If any of our friends in Clarksville need help in a legal way, this is the firm to call in Nashville.”
- P.L. & L.W. -
Great staff.
“I had the pleasure of working with a few different KCB lawyers after a personal injury. The process in its entirety took a couple years - which is longer than I anticipated, but also news to me, as it ...”
- J. -
100% Best Lawyers Around
“You have all been so kind and loving to our family! We appreciate all the hard work and dedication you all put in for our case.”
- J.S.
Awards & Accolades
Highly Respected in the Legal Community-
Randall Kinnard is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious invite-only group comprised of the top 100 plaintiffs’ trial lawyers in the United States.
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The firm has received the prestigious “Best Law Firms” rating in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation.
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Randall Kinnard (since 1993), Daniel Clayton (since 2010), Mark Beveridge (since 2011) and Mary Ellen Morris (since 2017) have all been recognized for their legal skill and achievements.
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Randall L. Kinnard, Daniel L. Clayton and Mark S. Beveridge have been named as 2020 “Best of the Bar” by Nashville Business Journal.
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Our attorneys have been voted by their peers to the "Top 40 under 40" Trial Lawyers list, as awarded by The National Trial Lawyers organization.
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Randall Kinnard and Daniel Clayton have been voted to the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers organization.
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Mr. Kinnard, Mr. Clayton, and Mr. Beveridge have been voted to TN Super Lawyers®. This organization recognizes the top 5% of attorneys in their practice area.
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Our firm’s trial attorneys have been recognized among the state’s leading legal minds, and named by Business TN Magazine to its coveted “150 Best Lawyers in Tennessee” list.
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Randall Kinnard, Daniel Clayton, Mark Beveridge, and Mary Ellen Morris have received the highest rating for legal excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
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Attorney Randall Kinnard was named the 2019 Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Nashville, TN.
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Attorney Mark Beveridge has been named a Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" in Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs.
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Attorney Mark Beveridge has been named a "Lawyer of the Year" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers in Personal Injury Litigation.
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Attorney Mark Beveridge was named as "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in the area of Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs in Nashville, TN.
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Attorney Daniel Clayton was named a 2016 U.S. News - Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” in Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Nashville, TN
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Attorney Daniel Clayton was named a "Lawyer of the Year" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers in the area of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs in Nashville, TN
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Attorney Daniel Clayton was named a "Lawyer of the Year" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers in the area of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs in Nashville, TN
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Randall L. Kinnard is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invite-only honorary society comprised of less than .5% of all U.S. lawyers.
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Randall L. Kinnard is a member of the invitation-only International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is limited to 500 trial lawyers in the United States.
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The firm is a member of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms – a society of top-rated, independent, boutique law firms committed to professional excellence.
