Who Can File
Georgia's wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to seek compensation when a death is caused by another's negligence or wrongful act — from car crashes to medical malpractice to unsafe premises.
Priority of Claimants
The law establishes a priority of who may file: generally the surviving spouse (who also represents the children), then the children, then the parents, and finally the estate's representative.
The Full Value of a Life
Georgia uniquely allows recovery for the 'full value of the life of the decedent' — both economic losses like lost income and the intangible value of the life itself, measured from the deceased person's perspective.
The Estate's Separate Claim
Separately, the estate can pursue medical bills, funeral expenses, and the conscious pain and suffering the person experienced before death. These are difficult cases emotionally and legally, and experienced counsel matters.
Get a Free Georgia Case Review
If this sounds like your situation, you don't have to navigate it alone. Call Injury Claim Team at 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential review. We'll connect you with an experienced Georgia attorney — no fee unless you win.
This article is general information about Georgia law, not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice about your case, speak with a licensed Georgia attorney.