Losing a family member is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief is compounded by profound injustice. At the Awad Law Firm, we recovered a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death case and $600,000 in a DUI wrongful death case. These cases are deeply personal to me.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death claim can be filed when someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The claim is typically brought by the surviving spouse, or if none, by the children or parents of the deceased. Georgia law recognizes two types of damages: the full value of the life of the deceased including earning capacity, services to the family, and companionship, plus a separate estate claim for medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering before death.
How Our $2 Million Case Unfolded
In our $2 million case, we represented a family that lost a parent, spouse, and cornerstone of their family in an instant. The insurance company acknowledged some liability but drastically undervalued the claim using the most conservative methodology while ignoring the intangible loss. My years as a prosecutor taught me that cases are won through preparation, not emotion. We built a comprehensive picture of the deceased’s life, retained economic experts, and documented future costs. When we presented this evidence, the insurance company understood a jury would see a complete human being, not just a spreadsheet number.
The DUI Wrongful Death: A Different Kind of Fight
Our $600,000 DUI wrongful death case involved a drunk driver who killed an innocent person. In Georgia, DUI wrongful death cases can involve punitive damages, and the $250,000 cap does not apply when the defendant was convicted of the criminal offense. My background as a prosecutor at the Whitfield County DA’s Office and DeKalb County Special Victims Unit gives me a unique perspective. I have prosecuted drunk drivers and know how to use criminal conviction evidence to strengthen the civil wrongful death claim.
Time Limits and What Families Should Know
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims running from the date of death. Do not speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney. Preserve all evidence related to your loved one’s life. Wrongful death cases require legal skill, emotional intelligence, and trial readiness. My background prosecuting over 100 felony cases including murder and training attorneys at Awad Academy gives me the tools to fight these cases while treating every family with compassion.
Call my office at (706) 890-0000 for a free and confidential consultation. We have offices in Atlanta, Marietta, and Dalton. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.
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