Article Source: Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys GA
Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking. It’s even harder when their death was caused by someone else’s actions. Whether it was a car accident, medical mistake, or unsafe workplace, families are left with pain, questions, and confusion.
A wrongful death claim can help bring justice and support during this hard time. In Georgia, families have certain legal rights when a loved one dies because of someone else’s carelessness.
These rights are important, but many people don’t know what they are. This blog will explain, in simple words, what families can do, what they may receive, and how the law helps protect them.
1. Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Not everyone is allowed to file a wrongful death claim. In Georgia, the law gives this right to close family members. Here’s the order:
- First, the spouse of the person who died has the right to file.
- If there’s no spouse, the children can file.
- If there are no spouse or children, the parents of the person can bring the claim.
- If none of these people are living, the person handling the estate (called the executor) can file.
Only one claim can be made, even if many family members are hurting.
2. What Can Families Be Paid For?
The law in Georgia allows families to receive money (called “damages”) for two main things:
a. The Full Value of the Life of the Person
This means how much their life was worth — not in money, but in terms of time, love, work, and experiences. It includes:
- How much money the person would have earned if they lived
- The joy of living, spending time with family, and personal experiences
b. Expenses Related to the Death
This includes things like:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills from the accident or injury
- Pain and suffering the person felt before they passed
These payments are meant to help families recover and move forward.
3. How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Georgia, families usually have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. This is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose the chance to take legal action, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer early.
4. Why a Lawyer Can Help
Wrongful death cases can be very complicated. There are many legal rules, and insurance companies may try to pay less than what’s fair. A good lawyer will understand Georgia laws and make sure your family’s rights are protected. They can handle the paperwork, talk to the other side, and fight for the best result.
5. You Deserve Justice and Support
No amount of money can replace your loved one. But Georgia’s wrongful death laws are here to help families find justice. The goal is to make sure that the person or company responsible is held accountable, and that the family left behind is cared for.
Key Takeaways
- In Georgia, spouses, children, parents, or estate representatives can file a wrongful death claim.
- Families can receive money for lost income, emotional value of life, medical bills, and funeral costs.
- You usually have 2 years from the date of death to file a claim.
- A lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for fair results.
- These laws are meant to bring justice and help families move forward.
If you’ve lost someone because of another person’s mistake, you are not alone. Georgia law gives families the right to speak up and seek justice. A wrongful death claim is one way to do that. It’s not just about money — it’s about honoring your loved one and making sure their life is remembered and valued.
