Losing a loved one unexpectedly because of the negligence of another can be emotionally devastating, all the more so knowing the person suffered a needless death that could have easily been prevented had someone merely acted with reasonable care. You need justice for your loved one, and you need financial help to make up for the loss of income or household help and to get you through an incredibly difficult time. While you focus on dealing with this sudden loss to your family, the attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill will focus on holding the responsible party accountable and making sure your needs are met. Call our experienced wrongful death attorneys today.
Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act
When a person is killed because of another’s criminal, intentional, or negligent action, the family of the deceased will have a wrongful death claim. If they can prove the other party’s responsibility for causing the death, they can recover compensation for the “full value of the life of the deceased.” Georgia law does not define what constitutes the “full value” of a life, but certainly the income and benefits the person would have earned during their lifetime and their economic and other contributions to the household can all be considered, as well as the loss of love, companionship, and consortium suffered by the survivors. Either the parties can settle on an appropriate amount, or it will be up to a jury to decide.
Georgia law authorizes the following individuals to pursue a wrongful death action:
- The surviving spouse. If there are children, they may sue as well, but the spouse will receive at least one-third of any recovery.
- Children of the deceased.
- Parents of the deceased.
- The estate’s personal representative.
Regardless of whether a spouse, child or parent is bringing a wrongful death action, the estate’s representative can bring a separate action to recover financial losses incurred by the estate, such as medical expenses and funeral and burial costs, along with a measure of compensation for the pain and suffering endured by the deceased. Any funds recovered by the estate would be distributed to the estate’s heirs and beneficiaries according to the will, estate plan or Georgia probate law.
Comprehensive Wrongful Death Attorneys
Our full-service personal injury law firm helps the families of wrongful death victims recover meaningful compensation no matter the type of fatal accident. With over 90 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers have taken on every type of case and achieved significant victories for our clients. Wrongful death cases can be extremely challenging, so our attorneys rely on their years of experience to prepare and present a strong case proving the defendant’s liability and the full value of the life of the decedent, whether negotiating with the insurance company in a conference room or litigating the case to a jury in the courtroom. Our comprehensive Macon wrongful death law practice includes fatal accidents and injuries in all of the following settings, among others:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
- Premises Liability
- Medical Malpractice
- Product Liability
- Dog Bites
- Intentional Criminal Actions
Contact Buzzell, Welsh & Hill Today
We understand how hard it is to lose a beloved family member in a car or truck accident or some other incident caused by another’s negligence, and we know that no amount of money can make up for the harm done. We also know that surviving family members need substantial help after the loss of a wage earner or the significant disruption in their life this unexpected death has caused, and we know that justice requires holding the responsible party accountable for the damage they have inflicted not only on the deceased but also on a surviving spouse, children, or parents. That’s why we work to recover a settlement or jury verdict that provides meaningful assistance to family members who lost their loved ones. The attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill are always here for you in your time of need and will work tirelessly in the service of justice for the deceased and compensation for your grieving family. Call our experienced wrongful death lawyers today.
