Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney
When someone dies due to another person or organization’s negligence or recklessness, the emotional and financial impact on surviving family members can be devastating. In Georgia, the law allows certain loved ones to bring a wrongful death claim—a legal action meant to hold the responsible party accountable and provide compensation for what was taken away.
At Jackson Injury Law, our experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney team is here to guide families through this difficult process with compassion, clarity, and strength.
What is a wrongful death case?
Wrongful death claims are legal actions brought by the survivors of a person who was killed by a person or organization’s negligent or reckless actions. In Georgia, there are two common types of wrongful death claims survivors can make.
A traditional wrongful death claim can be made in Georgia to recover for “the full value of the life of the decedent.” Oddly, the law requires a jury to consider the “value of the life” from the perspective of the person who died, rather than the perspective of the person making the legal claim. The value of a life considers things like friendship, raising children, having fun, emotionally supporting loved ones, enjoying achievements, feeling proud of children, and experiencing life events such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays. The legal value of life also includes tangible items like making money and contributing to a household.
The other major type of claim in a death case is an “estate claim” or a “survivorship action.” These are filed by a representative of the deceased person’s estate. Estate claims include the cost of medical bills incurred from the injury that eventually caused death. The estate claim also includes compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased person endured from the time they were initially injured until the time they died – whether they died in a matter of seconds or over the course of months or years.
Often, when a traditional wrongful death claim is available, an estate claim is legally viable as well. The person(s) bringing the action does not have to choose between one or the other.
Who can make a wrongful death claim?
Georgia law allows the administrator of a deceased person’s estate to bring a claim to recover the cost of pre-death medical bills and the value of conscious pain and suffering endured by someone before their death. If someone dies without a will or doesn’t have a legal estate, an attorney can help set up the estate required to make such a claim.
Traditional wrongful death actions made to recover “the full value of the life of the decedent” can be made by the surviving spouse of the person who died. If there is no surviving spouse, the children of the deceased person can bring a wrongful death claim. If the child of the deceased is a minor (and therefore legally unable to make the claim), their surviving parent or guardian can bring the claim on their behalf. When someone dies without a spouse or a child, their parents can make the wrongful death claim.
Why You Need an Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney
Wrongful death cases are emotionally charged and legally complex. Insurance companies often try to limit payouts or deny liability altogether. At Jackson Injury Law, our experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney team:
- Investigates every detail of the incident
- Determines all sources of compensation
- Coordinates both traditional and estate claims
- Stands up to insurance companies and negligent parties
- Fights for justice and maximum compensation on your behalf
You don’t have to face this process alone. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.
Speak With a Trusted Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s actions, you deserve answers—and justice. Contact Jackson Injury Law to speak with an experienced Atlanta wrongful death attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation your family deserves.