How Georgia Law Defines “Full Value of Life” in Wrongful Death Cases

TL;DR:
Under Georgia law, the “full value of life” in wrongful death cases includes both economic and non-economic damages. This concept refers to the total worth of the deceased’s life, considering both their financial contributions and the emotional loss suffered by survivors. Our experienced wrongful death lawyer can help you determine the “full value of life” for your loved one and file your claims appropriately. 

Key Highlights:

• “Full value of life” encompasses both economic damages (lost wages, medical expenses) and non-economic damages (loss of companionship, emotional pain).
• Economic damages are easier to quantify, while non-economic damages reflect emotional and relational losses.
• Factors such as the decedent’s age, health, financial contributions, and relationship with survivors influence the calculation of damages.
• Proving these damages requires strong evidence, including expert testimonies and witness accounts.

In Georgia, the loss of a loved one due to wrongful death can leave families grappling with emotional grief and financial hardship. When a death occurs as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, Georgia law allows surviving family members to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. One critical concept in these cases is the “full value of life,” a term that refers to the economic and non-economic loss suffered by the deceased’s survivors. 

This definition, however, goes beyond simple financial loss to encompass the intangible aspects of the deceased person’s life, including their relationship with family members and their contributions to society.

Georgia law, specifically under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1, outlines that the value of a deceased person’s life is to be assessed based on factors like their age, health, earning capacity, and the emotional impact of their loss on surviving family members. Understanding how this value is determined is key to securing fair compensation in wrongful death lawsuits. Whether you are seeking compensation for the loss of a spouse, parent, or child, Georgia’s approach to defining “full value of life” aims to reflect the profound, lasting effects of a tragic loss, both in terms of financial support and emotional damage.

In this article, we will explore how Georgia law defines “full value of life” in wrongful death cases and the various factors considered when determining compensation.

What is the “Full Value of Life” in Georgia Wrongful Death Cases?

Under Georgia’s Wrongful Death Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1), the “full value of life” refers to the total worth of a person’s life from the perspective of the surviving family members. This includes both tangible and intangible losses that are suffered by the survivors after the death of the loved one.

The term “full value of life” is not restricted to just the financial contributions of the deceased, such as wages, income, or benefits. Instead, it extends to the emotional and relational impact of the loss, including the companionship, love, and support that the decedent provided to their family. Georgia law recognizes that the value of a person’s life is not only reflected in their economic contributions but also in their role in the lives of their family members.

The Two Types of Damages: Economic and Non-Economic

In Georgia, the full value of life is comprised of two main types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Understanding these categories can help survivors better grasp what they may be entitled to after filing a wrongful death claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial loss that survivors experience due to the death of their loved one. These damages aim to compensate the family for the financial contributions the decedent would have made had they lived. Economic damages are typically easier to quantify and may include:

1. Lost Wages and Future Earnings: This category represents the money the deceased would have earned had they not died, including salary, bonuses, benefits, and retirement funds. If the decedent was young, the future lost wages could be significant.
2. Medical Expenses: In some wrongful death cases, families may also be entitled to compensation for medical bills incurred before the death, such as hospital stays, surgeries, or emergency care.
3. Funeral and Burial Costs: These are the expenses incurred by the family in burying their loved one.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify, but they are equally important in determining the full value of life. These damages compensate the survivors for the emotional and psychological toll the death takes on their lives. Non-economic damages can include:

1. Loss of Companionship and Affection: This damage accounts for the emotional distress caused by the loss of the decedent’s love, companionship, and affection. Survivors may experience a profound sense of loneliness and grief as a result of losing their loved one.
2. Loss of Care, Support, and Guidance: If the decedent was a caretaker, parent, or someone who provided financial or emotional support to their family, survivors may claim compensation for the loss of that support.
3. Mental Pain and Suffering: This includes the emotional anguish and grief suffered by the survivors after the death. It reflects the pain of losing someone important in their lives.

Factors that Influence the Calculation of the “Full Value of Life”

While the “full value of life” encompasses both economic and non-economic damages, the amount of compensation awarded depends on several factors. In Georgia, courts consider these elements when determining the amount of damages to award:

1. Age of the Deceased

The age of the decedent is a key factor in calculating the full value of life. A young person may have a longer work-life expectancy, which increases the amount of future earnings lost. Similarly, younger individuals may have provided more years of companionship, support, and affection to their family, making their death more impactful emotionally.

2. Health and Life Expectancy of the Deceased

If the deceased was in good health and had a long life expectancy, this can increase the damages awarded to survivors. Conversely, if the deceased had underlying health conditions, the value of their life might be perceived as less in terms of future earnings and contributions.

3. Financial Contributions

The financial contributions of the deceased, such as their income, household contributions, and any other monetary support provided to the family, directly affect the economic damages portion of the claim.

4. Relationship with Survivors

The relationship between the deceased and the survivors plays a crucial role in the award of non-economic damages. For example, the loss of a spouse may carry more weight than the loss of a distant relative. Parents, children, spouses, and siblings are all entitled to compensation based on the severity of their emotional loss.

5. The Impact on the Family’s Lifestyle

If the deceased was the primary earner or the individual who supported the family, the impact on the family’s lifestyle will be significant. This can increase the compensation awarded to the survivors to help them adjust to their new circumstances.

Who Can Recover the “Full Value of Life”?

In Georgia, only specific family members are eligible to recover damages for the full value of life under the state’s wrongful death law. These individuals include:

1. Spouse: A surviving spouse can recover both economic and non-economic damages after the wrongful death of their partner.
2. Children: Biological children of the deceased may be entitled to recover damages. This includes both minor and adult children.
3. Parents: If there is no surviving spouse or children, parents of the decedent can recover the full value of life.

Georgia law also allows for cases in which extended family members, such as siblings, may be able to recover damages, but this is only in specific circumstances.

How Is “Full Value of Life” Proven in Court?

Proving the full value of life in a wrongful death case requires strong evidence. Since non-economic damages, like loss of companionship and pain and suffering, are subjective, plaintiffs need to present convincing proof to substantiate their claims. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you prove your case in court. 

Some of the types of evidence used to prove the full value of life include:

1. Expert Testimony: Economic experts can provide calculations for lost wages and future earnings, while psychological experts may testify about the emotional impact of the loss on survivors.
2. Witness Testimony: Family and friends can provide testimonies about the decedent’s role in the family and their emotional and financial contributions.
3. Documents: Employment records, medical bills, and other documents can help prove the financial loss suffered by the survivors.

Challenges in Proving the “Full Value of Life”

While the definition of the full value of life may seem straightforward, there are often significant challenges in proving the damages in a wrongful death case. Some of these challenges include:

• Difficulty in Quantifying Non-Economic Damages: Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages like loss of companionship or emotional pain are highly subjective and can be difficult to prove.
• Opposition from Defendants: Defendants, particularly large companies or government agencies, may challenge the claims or offer a low settlement.
• Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or dispute the validity of certain claims.

How a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

If you are considering pursuing a wrongful death claim in Georgia, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney. A wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Our Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You

At Atlanta wrongful death accident lawyer, we understand the emotional and financial toll that the loss of a loved one can have on your family. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you recover the full value of life in wrongful death cases. Contact us for a free evaluation to discuss your case today.

Conclusion

Understanding how Georgia law defines the “full value of life” in wrongful death cases is essential for anyone seeking justice after the loss of a loved one. By understanding both the economic and non-economic aspects of these claims, as well as the factors that influence compensation, survivors can better navigate the legal process. Remember, if you are facing the loss of a loved one due to negligence, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us for a free evaluation to see how we can help you fight for the full value of life your family deserves.