Losing someone you love is heartbreaking. When that loss happens because another person failed to act safely or responsibly, the pain becomes even harder to carry. Families are suddenly faced with grief, unanswered questions, and unexpected financial burdens. While no legal action can erase that suffering, a wrongful death claim can provide accountability and help protect a family’s future.
At Reid Law Group, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. Our goal is to offer clarity, guidance, and compassionate representation when families need it most.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action filed when a person dies because of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior. It is separate from any criminal charges the responsible party may face. A criminal case focuses on punishment; a wrongful death claim focuses on compensation and justice for the family.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Defective or unsafe products
No matter the cause, the central question is the same: Did someone’s failure to act responsibly take a life?
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Georgia law outlines exactly who may file this type of claim, in a specific order of priority:
- The surviving spouse
- If no spouse exists, the surviving children
- If there is no spouse or children, the parents of the deceased
- If none of the above can file, the estate’s representative may file on behalf of the next of kin
The purpose of the claim is to protect and honor the value of the life lost, not just compensate financial losses. Georgia is one of the few states that allows families to recover for both economic impact and the intangible joys and contributions that person brought to the world.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Wrongful death damages fall into several categories. Together, they attempt to reflect the full loss experienced by the family.
Economic Damages
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Lost benefits such as retirement contributions
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
- Funeral and burial costs
Non-Economic Damages
Georgia law allows recovery for the “full value of the life of the decedent,” which includes:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of care, guidance, and support
- The intangible value of a life lived
Estate Claims
In some cases, the estate may bring a separate claim for:
- Pain and suffering the individual experienced before passing
- Additional medical expenses
- Other financial losses tied directly to the incident
These categories ensure that both the emotional and financial impacts of the loss are recognized.
Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case
To hold someone legally responsible for a wrongful death, four elements must be clearly shown:
- Duty of Care – The defendant had a legal responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty – They failed to meet that responsibility.
- Causation – Their actions directly caused the death.
- Damages – The family suffered measurable losses as a result.
These cases often require extensive investigation and expert support, especially when the cause of death isn’t immediately obvious or when the at-fault party disputes responsibility.
How Wrongful Death Claims Differ From Other Personal Injury Cases
While wrongful death falls under the personal injury umbrella, these cases are unique in several ways:
- The injured person cannot speak for themselves, so the family or estate brings the claim on their behalf.
- Damages are broader, often involving future earnings, emotional loss, and the overall value of the life lost.
- The statute of limitations is generally two years in Georgia, but the timeline can be shorter or longer depending on criminal cases, probate issues, or government entities involved.
Because of these differences, wrongful death cases require a precise and strategic approach.
The Legal Process: What Families Can Expect
Wrongful death cases move through several key stages:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: This includes accident reports, medical records, expert evaluations, witness statements, and financial documents needed to calculate lifetime value.
- Filing the Claim: The attorney files the wrongful death action in civil court against the responsible party or their insurance company.
- Negotiation: Many cases resolve through settlement. A strong presentation supported by evidence, experts, and legal strategy often leads to a fair resolution without trial.
- Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement, the case may go before a jury. Reid Law Group prepares every case as if it will go to trial to ensure families receive full and fair compensation.
- Compassionate Support: Throughout the process, the legal team keeps the family informed, supported, and respected. These cases require sensitivity as well as advocacy.
Why Having the Right Attorney Matters
Wrongful death claims are some of the most complex and emotionally heavy cases in personal injury law. Families deserve an attorney who can handle both the legal challenges and the personal impact with care and strength.
Working with the right legal team means:
- Experienced guidance through complicated legal timelines
- Access to experts—from economists to medical professionals to accident reconstructionists
- Thorough evaluation of the full financial and emotional impact of the loss
- Protection from insurance companies trying to minimize payment
- A strong advocate who ensures accountability
Reid Law Group carries that responsibility with dedication and compassion. Families should be able to grieve without also carrying the weight of legal stress.
Losing a loved one to negligence leaves a permanent mark. While nothing can undo that pain, a wrongful death claim provides a path to justice, accountability, and financial security for the family left behind.
If you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s careless actions, Reid Law Group is here to help. Our team is committed to standing with you, guiding you, and fighting for the answers and compensation your family deserves.
