Yes, certain family members can sue for wrongful death after the death of a loved one. However, keep in mind that not everyone in the family can file a claim. There are only a few people who can bring forward a wrongful death suit.
If those family members are legally eligible to do so, they can make a claim on behalf of the deceased for many personal injury damages. The sooner you get started building a case and gathering evidence, the faster you can get justice and compensation for your loss.
Which Family Members Can Sue for Wrongful Death After a Car Accident?
In Georgia, those who can bring a wrongful death are (in order):
- The deceased’s spouse
- Parents of the deceased
- A representative for the deceased’s estate
The laws for wrongful death cases are different than they used to be. In previous years, there was no way to sue someone for the death of someone else—this left family members without any way to recover damages after their loved one was deceased. But today, wrongful death statutes make it possible for certain family members to sue for damages.
How Can a Spouse File a Claim for Wrongful Death?
The spouse of the deceased loved one is the first person who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased had any children under 18 years old, the spouse could also bring the suit on their behalf. However, the spouse must always receive at least a third of all damages from the claim.
If the deceased person was not married or their spouse is deceased and didn’t have children, their surviving parents may file a wrongful death suit.
Who Else Other than Family Can File a Claim?
Besides a spouse, child, or parent, the last person who can bring the suit represents the deceased’s estate. The probate court appoints this person, and they would bring the lawsuit under their own name.
However, any damages the representative wins from the suit would be held in the estate until they can get passed on to the surviving next-of-kin. Any loved ones who don’t fit into the categories above cannot sue for wrongful death on the deceased’s behalf.
What Wrongful Death Damages Can a Family Member Sue for?
If surviving family members of the deceased are bringing the wrongful death suit, the damages they can claim are meant to account for the full value of the loved one’s life. Those include tangible damages like:
- Medical bills from the last injury or illness caused by the car accident
- Lost wages
- Loss of income opportunity
- Funeral costs
The above damages are easier to calculate because they include dollar amounts. These are known as special damages. A wrongful death suit can also include general damages that account for intangible losses like:
- Physical pain and suffering the deceased may have experienced before they died
- Mental anguish they may have suffered
- Loss of companionship or care
Sometimes, the family member can also sue for punitive damages. The sole purpose of punitive damages is to punish the person at fault for doing very reckless, wanton, or with ill intent. An example of this could be a drunk driving accident. The drunk driver knew drinking and driving was extremely negligent and harmful to others, but they still got behind the wheel. Punitive damages are an attempt to change the behavior or punish for what the driver has done.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-400-4000
What Must Be Proven for a Family Member to Sue for Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death case is similar to a personal injury case in many ways. For example, you must prove negligence in both types of cases. Negligence is based on the facts that:
- All people have a reasonable duty of care not to act in a way that harms other people.
- If someone fails in that duty, they are negligent.
- And if that negligence results in injury or death, the negligent person is legally liable for all damages (in other words, all costs or losses from the injury or death).
As long as you can prove the above, you can recover financial compensation for your loss.
How Long Does the Family Member Have to File for Wrongful Death After the Car Accident?
According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 9-3-33, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date the loved one died. Therefore, it’s essential not to miss this deadline.
That being said, there are some situations where the time “pauses,” such as if there are court proceedings for a criminal case relating to the same events that caused the wrongful death case. In Georgia, the clock can pause for up to five years when family members are suing.
Don’t assume time will toll on the statute of limitations in every case. If you’re unsure about your case, contact a wrongful death lawyer to know the facts.
Don’t Accept the Initial Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies love to pressure families to settle for less, even after a wrongful death. While money won’t replace the loss of a family member, it can help you recover and move forward with your life.
Don’t let an insurance company prevent you from getting the justice and closure you deserve. You shouldn’t accept their initial offers. Instead, file a claim and hold the at-fault driver liable for their negligent actions.
Do You Need Help with a Car Accident Wrongful Death Case?
In 2020, motor vehicles deaths were at the highest they’ve ever been in 13 years. If you’ve suffered a wrongful death of a loved one, schedule a FREE consultation and talk about your case. Call us at 404-400-4000 or complete the online form to get started today.
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