2 important rules for wrongful death claims in Georgia
No one wants to file a wrongful death claim. Such lawsuits are typically the result of a tragic personal situation in which you lose someone that you love far sooner than you should have. They exist out of necessity as a way for families to ask for justice from the courts and financial support for their recent loss.
When the negligence or misconduct of an individual or possibly a business directly affects your family, you may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. A successful wrongful death lawsuit can compensate those affected by a recent tragedy for the financial consequences of their loss.
Claims may include lost future earnings, medical and funeral expenses and even the Lost support provided by the deceased individual. Wrongful death claims are beneficial for grieving families, but there are two crucial limitations you need to understand if you want to file a claim.
Only family members can file wrongful death lawsuits
If you have had a long-term romantic partnership with someone, your relationship does not necessarily allow you to file a wrongful death claim. Even if you share a home and children, your unmarried status may prevent you from pursuing a wrongful death claim.
However, you could potentially file a claim on behalf of your shared children. Spouses, children, parents and other immediate family members are typically the ones with the legal authority to pursue a wrongful death claim under Georgia law.
You only have a brief window of time to file
Depending on the length of your relationship with the deceased, it could be many years before you fully process your loss and move on from your grief. You will not have the luxury of fully grieving before you pursue a wrongful death claim in Georgia.
State law imposes a statute of limitations. Just two years after the date of your loved one’s death, you will lose the right to file a claim to hold an individual or business responsible for your recent loss.
It is often very difficult for those grieving an unexpected fatality to also manage a complicated financial claim. Getting the right help will significantly improve your chances of a successful wrongful death claim after your family’s recent tragedy.