Georgia Wrongful Death Laws | 770GoodLaw Explains Your Rights

Georgia Wrongful Death Laws | 770GoodLaw Explains Your Legal Rights

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is heartbreaking, and understanding Georgia’s wrongful death laws is crucial when seeking justice. The state has specific wrongful death statutes that govern who can file a claim, what compensation is available, and how long families have to take legal action.

At 770GoodLaw, we help families navigate Georgia’s wrongful death statutes, ensuring they receive maximum compensation for their loss. If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing, our legal team is here to fight for you.

Understanding Georgia’s Wrongful Death Statutes

Georgia’s wrongful death laws are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2, which provides the legal framework for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. These statutes define who can file a claim, what damages can be recovered, and the time limits for taking legal action.

A wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligent or intentional act. This could include:

• Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes
• Medical malpractice and surgical errors
• Workplace accidents and hazardous conditions
• Defective products and product liability claims
• Nursing home neglect and elder abuse
• Unsafe property conditions (slip and falls, negligent security, etc.)
• Criminal acts, including homicide and assault

If your loved one’s death was caused by any of these factors, 770GoodLaw can help you pursue legal action and hold the responsible party accountable.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?

Georgia law restricts who can file a wrongful death lawsuit to specific family members. The priority order is:

1. The Surviving Spouse – The spouse has the first right to file a claim. If the deceased had minor children, the spouse must share the compensation, but will receive at least one-third of the total settlement.
2. The Children of the Deceased – If no surviving spouse exists, the deceased’s children can file the claim, including both biological and legally adopted children.
3. The Parents of the Deceased – If the deceased had no spouse or children, the parents have the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
4. The Estate Representative – If no spouse, children, or parents survive the deceased, a personal representative of the estate may file the claim. Any recovered damages are distributed to the deceased’s heirs according to Georgia’s inheritance laws.

If you are unsure about your eligibility to file a wrongful death lawsuit, contact 770GoodLaw for a free consultation.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under Georgia’s wrongful death statutes, families can recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s treatment before passing
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Loss of financial support

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death
• Loss of companionship and emotional distress for surviving family members
• Loss of parental guidance for children

In cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or reckless misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter future wrongdoing.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia law has a Statute of Limitations for wrongful death claims, requiring lawsuits to be filed within two years from the date of death. If you fail to take action within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, certain factors may extend or pause this deadline:

• If a criminal investigation related to the death is ongoing, the statute may be paused.
• If the deceased’s estate has not been settled, the filing deadline may be extended.

To ensure you do not miss the deadline, speak with a wrongful death attorney at 770GoodLaw as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Why Choose 770GoodLaw for Your Wrongful Death Case?

At 770GoodLaw, we are dedicated to helping families who have suffered a wrongful death loss by providing:

• Aggressive Legal Representation – We fight for maximum compensation against negligent parties and insurance companies.
• Thorough Case Investigations – We gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to strengthen your case.
• Trial-Ready Representation – If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to court.
• No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, call 770GoodLaw today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.