If you lose a loved one because of negligence, you may hear a phrase in connection with wrongful death claims. “Full value of life” is a unique legal concept that differs significantly from wrongful death damages in other states.
Georgia law allows certain family members to seek damages meant to reflect the value of the deceased person’s life. The state does not just consider the bills and expenses the death causes.
Defining full value
Many states calculate wrongful death compensation based on the financial loss the surviving family suffers. This is usually the monetary value based on economic losses such as funeral expenses and medical bills paid. However, Georgia law takes a different approach.
Under Georgia Code Section 51-4-2, the wrongful death claim belongs to surviving family members. When someone dies due to another party’s negligence, their family can recover the “full value of the life of the deceased.”
Components of value
Two components determine the full value of the life of the deceased:
- The Economic Value: This component represents the tangible financial contributions your loved one would have made had they lived a full life expectancy. It includes projected lifetime earnings, employee benefits and pensions. It also accounts for the value of “services” they provided to the household. For example, childcare, home maintenance and other daily tasks that now require external help or place a burden on survivors.
- The Intangible Value: This is the “human” side of the claim, and it is often the most significant portion of a Georgia wrongful death case. It encompasses the deceased’s relationships with family, their community participation and the simple pleasures of daily life.
It’s important to understand that “full value of the life” does not include pain and suffering damages. Those are considered separate damages that may be available in other types of claims. The wrongful death claim focuses specifically on compensating surviving family members for the full value of your loved one’s life.
How it helps your family
Understanding “full value of life” helps you see why damages may include more than immediate expenses. It also explains why these cases often require careful documentation and, sometimes, professional analysis. There is also a specific hierarchy for who can file a wrongful death claim. Converse with your family and consult a legal professional to assess the best strategies for you.