GEORGIA WRONGFUL DEATH

GEORGIA WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. When that loss is due to someone else’s negligence, the pain can be compounded by anger and confusion. Our Georgia wrongful death attorneys at 770GoodLaw are dedicated to helping families navigate the complex legal process, holding those responsible accountable, and securing the financial compensation you deserve.

WHAT IS WRONGFUL DEATH?

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Common causes of wrongful death include car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, workplace accidents, and criminal acts. While no amount of compensation can replace the loss of a loved one, pursuing a wrongful death claim can help provide financial security for surviving family members and hold negligent parties accountable.

HOW ARE WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS FILED IN GEORGIA?

Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-4-2(a), surviving family members of a descendant might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against an at-fault person, business, or entity. These claims are to hold the negligent party or parties accountable, as well as to provide compensation for the surviving family member’s losses.

However, only certain family members can bring a claim based on the untimely death of a loved one. For example, if a decedent has a surviving spouse, then they are often only the person who can file a claim. If the decedent and the surviving spouse have children, however, then the surviving spouse usually acts as a representative for those children.

Furthermore, when a decedent has no surviving spouse, then the ability to file a claim passes to the children of the decedent. If the decedent has no surviving spouse or children, however, then the right to take legal action falls to the administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate named in their will—according to O.C.G.A §51-4-5. Due to the nuances of this system in Georgia, anyone looking to file a claim may benefit from the counsel of a well-versed wrongful death attorney.

RECOVERABLE DAMAGES IN UNTIMELY DEATH CLAIMS

Damages in wrongful death cases are based on the “full value of life” of the decedent, which includes both tangible and intangible elements. Tangible—or economic—damages may include compensation for medical bills accrued as a result of the accident and before death, as well as funeral and burial expenses. Additionally, a wrongful death suit also can include a claim for loss of current and future earnings.

Intangible damages, on the other hand, are often more difficult to calculate. These might include:

Any damages awarded in an untimely death suit go toward the surviving spouse or children of the decedent, if any. A meticulous attorney could help to assess the scope of the losses incurred by a decedent’s surviving family to request fair compensation.

CONSULT A GEORGIA WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY FOR HELP

If your loved one has died suddenly or unexpectedly, the idea of pursuing a legal claim may feel daunting or even petty. However, a successful claim might help to alleviate your financial burden and even bring some form of closure during this difficult time.

However, navigating the legal system alone is often complex. By working with a Georgia wrongful death lawyer, however, you could have help through each step. Whenever you feel ready, consider calling a caring attorney to schedule a consultation.