When a loved one’s life is taken too soon because of another party’s negligence, the loss reverberates far beyond the immediate shock of grief. Families in Georgia are left to cope with emotional devastation, financial strain, and the absence of a spouse, parent, or child. Naturally, one of the questions families often ask is: “How much is the average wrongful death settlement?”
The truth is that there is no meaningful “average” settlement. Every wrongful death case is unique. Just like every lost loved one is unique. The circumstances surrounding the death, the age and earning potential of the deceased, and the extent of the family’s losses all play a role in determining the value of the claim. If your family is grieving, let this article guide you through the common challenges to equip you with what you need to pursue justice.
Why There Is No True “Average” for Wrongful Death Settlements
Wrongful death cases cannot be distilled into an average dollar figure. Unlike property damage claims, which can be valued by receipts and repair costs, wrongful death claims attempt to compensate for something far less tangible. The value of a human life and the losses stemming from an untimely death are difficult to quantify.
Each case has unique and specific facts. This is why asking about an “average” settlement can be misleading. Instead, it is important to understand the factors that can influence case value under Georgia law.
Factors That Impact the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia
Several considerations determine the potential value of a wrongful death case.
These include:
- The earning potential of the deceased – Georgia law allows families to recover for the “full value of the life” of the deceased. This includes the income the person would have reasonably earned if they had lived out a normal lifespan. A person in the prime of their career may leave behind substantial lost earning potential.
- Non-economic value of life – Beyond income, Georgia law recognizes that life includes intangible values. This includes time spent with loved ones, enjoyment of daily activities, and the experiences that give life meaning. These are harder to calculate but no less significant.
- The circumstances of death – The facts of the accident matter. A preventable medical error, a reckless drunk driver, or a company ignoring safety regulations may all lead to a wrongful death. However, the degree of negligence can influence how damages are assessed. In some cases, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter egregious conduct.
- Medical bills and funeral costs – Families are also entitled to recover expenses directly related to the death. This can include hospital bills incurred before death and burial or cremation expenses.
- Relationship to survivors – The law allows certain family members (like a spouse, children, or parents) to bring a wrongful death claim. The nature of these relationships, and the losses they represent, are central to determining damages.
Together, these factors make wrongful death cases highly individualized. The result is that settlements and verdicts vary dramatically from case to case.
No Amount of Money Can Replace a Loved One
Families often struggle with the idea of putting a dollar figure on the life of a spouse, parent, or child. It feels impossible. That’s because it is. No financial recovery can ever replace the presence, love, and companionship of a lost family member.
But wrongful death claims are not about replacing the irreplaceable. They are about accountability. They give families the ability to hold wrongdoers responsible, to prevent similar tragedies in the future, and to secure financial resources that can ease the burdens left behind. Compensation helps pay for the mortgage, the children’s education, and the stability of the family’s future. It provides a measure of justice in a system that cannot restore what was lost.
How a Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a wrongful death claim in Georgia requires compassion and skill.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer can make all the difference by:
- Investigating the death thoroughly to determine the cause.
- Working with expert witnesses to strengthen your claims.
- Valuing the intangible losses your family has experienced.
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies to ensure full recovery.
- Taking the case to trial if needed to ensure accountability.
Your attorney’s role is not only to pursue compensation, but to honor the memory of your loved one by holding the wrongdoers accountable.
Contact Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers Today
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, wrongful death claims provide a sense of justice and accountability to families. If you have lost someone due to negligence in Georgia, the attorneys at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers are here to help. We will fight to establish your damages and pursue the reasonable compensation your family needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us stand with you in your time of need.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346