In Georgia, a wrongful death claim can be brought when there is a death caused by behavior that is negligent, reckless, intentional or criminal actions. The actions may be committed by an individual, company, or business. When it comes to a wrongful death claim, there are two types of claims that may be made. The first is for the “full value of the life of the decedent” from the deceased’s eyes. This means that the jury will be considering how much the deceased’s life meant to the deceased personally. The second is an estate claim, which brings into consideration the loved one’s pain and suffering. This may also include punitive damages.
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports on a teen driver’s guilty plea relating to a Woodstock traffic fatality.
Zoe Reardon turns 19 on Tuesday. After pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2017 crash in downtown Woodstock, she learned she will not be spending her birthday behind bars. The crash killed two adult women and a baby.
The judge granted Reardon first offender status. Reardon was instead sentenced to 36 months on probation, ordered to complete 240 hours of community service, and complete safe driver training. She must also pay a $4,000 fine. She will also have her driver’s license suspended for 12 to 36 months.
The accident which killed mother Kaitlin Hunt, 3-month-old Riley Hunt, and family friend Kathy Deming happened after sunset. It also occurred in an area without street lights, crossing area, or other safety measures. All of the deceased were wearing dark clothing. Reardon says that she never saw them.
Witnesses and family members of the deceased directed responses towards Reardon in the courtroom. They say that they feel that Reardon has never shown any remorse or sympathy shown towards them.
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