The short answer: Georgia law sets a priority order for wrongful death claims. The surviving spouse comes first, and a married spouse files on behalf of themselves and any children. No spouse? The children can file. No spouse or children? The parents can file. If none of those family members survive, the personal representative of the estate files for the benefit of the next of kin.
Losing someone you love to another person’s carelessness is a pain no family should have to carry. On top of your grief, you are suddenly facing questions you never thought you would ask, including who in your family can even take legal action. We know how overwhelming that feels, and we are here to help you make sense of it.
Here’s what our Marietta wrongful death lawyer covers below:
– What a wrongful death claim is in Georgia
– Who can file, and in what order
– How a wrongful death claim differs from a survival action
– The deadline to file
– Common accidents that lead to these claims
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
A wrongful death claim is a civil case that allows surviving family members to recover compensation when someone dies because of another party’s negligent act, crime, or defective product. Under Georgia law, eligible family members may recover for the homicide of a spouse or parent the full value of the life of the decedent, as shown by the evidence.
That value can include economic losses, such as lost income and benefits, as well as intangible losses, such as the companionship and shared experiences your loved one can no longer provide. Because these cases turn on proving fault and valuing a life, they are rarely simple. If you lost a family member in or around Marietta, contact The Persons Firm for a free consultation. We are here to help.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Georgia law sets out a clear priority order, primarily in O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2. The right belongs to the closest surviving family first:
– Surviving spouse: The spouse has the first right to file. When there are also children, the recovery is shared among the surviving spouse and the children, and the surviving spouse shall receive no less than one-third of such recovery as such spouse’s share.
– Children: If there is no surviving spouse, a child or children, whether minor or adult, can file.
– Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or child, a parent has a right of action to recover for the homicide of a child.
– Personal representative: When there is no person entitled to bring an action for the wrongful death of a decedent, the administrator or executor of the decedent may bring an action for and may recover and hold the amount recovered for the benefit of the next of kin.
This order matters. Only the person at the top of the list can bring the claim, and a case filed by the wrong family member can be challenged. If you are not sure where you fit, our team can walk you through it.
How Is a Wrongful Death Claim Different From a Survival Action?
A wrongful death claim and a survival action are two separate cases, and many Georgia families have both. A survivor’s statutory claim for a decedent’s wrongful death and an estate’s claim for that decedent’s pain and suffering are distinct causes of action. The wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for the full value of their loved one’s life. A survival action, brought under Georgia’s survival statute (O.C.G.A. § 9-2-41), allows the decedent’s personal representative to recover separate damages for what your loved one personally endured before death, including pre-death pain and suffering.
Pursuing both, where both apply, can make a meaningful difference in the total compensation available to your family. Our attorneys can identify every claim that belongs to you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the person’s death. Some situations pause that clock. If the deceased person’s estate has not gone through probate, for instance, the statute of limitations is tolled for up to five years, and a related criminal case involving the same events can delay the start of the period.
There is another reason not to wait. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence model with a 50% bar, so the plaintiff is not entitled to receive any damages if the plaintiff is 50% or more at fault for the injury or damages claimed. Building your case early helps protect against those arguments. Don’t risk your family’s rights. Call Persons Firm at (770) 758-1664 for a free consultation.
What Types of Accidents Lead to Wrongful Death Claims?
A wrongful death claim can arise any time someone dies because of another party’s carelessness. The causes we see most often include:
– Car accidents and truck accidents
– Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
– Medical negligence
– Workplace incidents
– Unsafe property conditions
However, if your loved one died and another party’s actions played a role, you may have the right to seek accountability and compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia
Can more than one family member file a claim?
Usually, one claim is brought on behalf of all eligible survivors rather than separate lawsuits. A surviving spouse, for instance, shares the recovery with the children. The estate’s personal representative steps in only when no closer family member is entitled to file.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney?
Your initial consultation with The Persons Firm is free. Wrongful death cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are deducted from any compensation recovered rather than paid out of pocket upfront.
What compensation can a wrongful death claim recover?
Georgia allows recovery for the full value of the life of the person who died, which can include lost income and benefits, as well as lost care and companionship. A separate survival action can recover for your loved one’s pre-death pain and suffering.
What if my loved one was partly at fault?
Your family may still recover as long as your loved one was less than 50% at fault, though the compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. One more reason to have an attorney review the facts.
We Are Here to Help
No amount of money can replace the person you lost. Still, holding the responsible party accountable can ease the financial strain and bring a measure of closure. You do not have to sort out Georgia’s wrongful death rules alone during one of the hardest times of your life.
The Persons Firm proudly serves families in Marietta and the surrounding areas from our office at 531 Roselane Street Northwest 200, Marietta, GA 30060. We are here to help. Contact us at (770) 758-1664 today for a free consultation.