Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyers: Seeking Justice

Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyers: Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. The emotional toll, financial hardship, and legal complexities that follow can be overwhelming. At 770GoodLaw, we understand the pain of losing a family member unexpectedly and are committed to helping families seek justice and compensation through wrongful death claims in Georgia.

A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to hold negligent parties accountable and recover damages for the financial and emotional impact of their loss. Understanding who can file a wrongful death lawsuit, what compensation is available, and how the legal process works is crucial for protecting your rights.

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil legal action filed by the surviving family members or the estate of a deceased individual when their death was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Unlike a criminal case, which seeks to penalize the responsible party, a wrongful death claim aims to secure financial compensation for the deceased’s family.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death claims arise in a variety of situations, including:

• Car accidents caused by reckless, drunk, or distracted drivers
• Truck accidents resulting from driver fatigue, speeding, or company negligence
• Motorcycle crashes where other drivers fail to yield or act carelessly
• Medical malpractice, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes
• Workplace accidents, especially in dangerous industries like construction
• Defective products that cause fatal injuries due to design flaws or manufacturing defects
• Premises liability accidents, such as fatal slip and falls on unsafe properties
• Criminal acts, including assault, homicide, or intentional harm

To succeed in a wrongful death case, the plaintiff must prove that another party’s actions directly led to the death and resulted in damages for the surviving family.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia law prioritizes who has the legal right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The order of eligibility is as follows:

1. The Surviving Spouse

The surviving spouse has the first legal right to file a wrongful death claim. If the deceased had minor children, the spouse must also represent their interests in the lawsuit. However, Georgia law states that the spouse will receive no less than one-third of the total settlement, no matter how many children are involved.

2. The Deceased’s Children

If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s children (including adult children) can file the lawsuit. If the children are minors, a legal guardian may need to manage the claim on their behalf.

3. The Deceased’s Parents

If the deceased had no spouse or children, either parent has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This applies regardless of whether the deceased was a minor or an adult.

4. The Personal Representative of the Estate

If none of the above parties are available, a representative of the deceased’s estate may file the wrongful death lawsuit. In this case, any awarded compensation is held by the estate and distributed to the deceased’s heirs according to Georgia’s inheritance laws.

Understanding who can file a claim is essential to ensuring the right party seeks justice for their loved one.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for both financial and emotional losses suffered by the deceased’s surviving family. These damages generally fall into two categories:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final treatment
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost wages and financial contributions the deceased would have provided
• Loss of future benefits, such as pensions or retirement funds

Non-Economic Damages (Personal & Emotional Losses)

• Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, care, and emotional support
• Emotional distress and trauma

Estate Claims

• Pain and suffering the deceased endured before passing
• Medical bills covered by the estate before death

Georgia law does not typically allow punitive damages in wrongful death cases unless the at-fault party’s actions were intentional or extremely reckless.

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

In Georgia, families have a limited amount of time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. However, certain circumstances may extend or shorten this deadline:

• If the wrongful death is connected to a criminal case, the deadline may be paused until the case is resolved.
• If the deceased’s estate is not settled, the statute of limitations may be extended to five years.
• If the wrongful death involves a government entity, special notice requirements and deadlines may apply.

Failing to file within the statute of limitations can bar the family from seeking compensation, making it crucial to act quickly.

Why Choose 770GoodLaw for Your Wrongful Death Claim?

Navigating a wrongful death lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. At 770GoodLaw, our compassionate and skilled attorneys will:

✔ Investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death and gather evidence
✔ Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation
✔ Handle all legal filings and court procedures to reduce your burden
✔ Represent your family at trial if a fair settlement is not offered

We understand that wrongful death cases are not just about financial compensation—they are about seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable.

Contact 770GoodLaw Today

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal options. At 770GoodLaw, we provide free consultations to help families understand their rights and explore their best legal path forward.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation
💻 Visit our website to learn more about wrongful death claims in Georgia

Let our experienced team fight for justice and fair compensation on behalf of your family.