Posted on Friday, August 7th, 2020 at 8:30 am
While the passing of a loved one is never easy, losing a family member to an unforeseen accident can feel particularly tragic. In many cases, the loved ones of the deceased struggle with financial burdens after a fatal accident, especially if that person was one of the primary breadwinners of the family. At the law office of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our knowledgeable wrongful death attorneys are prepared to zealously advocate for your needs after the loss of a loved one. Call or contact our office today to learn more about your legal options with a free case evaluation.
The Full Value of Life of the Decedent
The first element of compensation in a wrongful death claim is for the full value of life of the decedent. Damages are meant to compensate for the value of life from the perspective of the deceased. The intangible value of life includes payment for the loss of spending time with family and friends, daily activities, extracurriculars, volunteering, and life milestones that will never occur such as marriage, celebrating anniversaries, or raising children.
The tangible value of life is also incorporated into this element of a wrongful death claim. This refers to the economic loss that comes from the death of the victim, which can include lost future earnings and benefits, loss of inheritance, and the loss of economic activities in the home such as chores, yard work, and caring for elderly relatives.
The Estate Claim
The estate claim is the other element of wrongful death compensation in Georgia. The family of the deceased is allowed to collect damages for the out-of-pocket expenses that the victim’s estate is entitled to recover as a result of the accident. This includes all medical bills related to the accident, funeral and burial expenses, lost property, and for the pain and suffering of the victim before their passing. In cases where an injury victim survives for days or weeks before succumbing to their injuries the pain and suffering element can be significant. In regards to the medical bills of the estate claim, this includes all transportation costs, hospitalization, medications, treatment, surgeries, and any other medical costs incurred to try and save the victim’s life after the accident.
These two elements combined create the total compensation of a wrongful death claim in Georgia. To learn more about what your wrongful death case may be worth after the death of a family member, contact an experienced Georgia wrongful death attorney today.
Contact Us for Help
While monetary damages can never fully replace the loss of a loved one, compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help alleviate the financial burdens that often arise after this type of tragic accident. To learn more about filing a wrongful death claim in the Atlanta area, call the office or contact us at the law office of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. to schedule a free case consultation.