When you lose a loved one in a tragic, preventable accident, the legal system in Georgia provides justice through a standard known as the “full value of life.” To ensure your family receives fair compensation, state law evaluates the deceased’s life in two ways: the financial contributions they would have made and the human value of their life experiences. Understanding these components is essential to honor your loved one’s legacy while securing your family’s financial future.
Economic component: The tangible value
Georgia takes a full value of life approach to wrongful death damages where the claim is not limited to out-of-pocket expenses alone. It also includes the measurable financial losses caused by the death, like the deceased’s lost earnings. This is the income that the decedent would have earned over their remaining expected work-life, including raises and benefits.
The economic component also includes the value of household services the deceased provided, such as:
- Childcare
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Repair work
To determine how long these losses would have continued, lawyers and experts may use mortality tables and life-expectancy data. Adjustments can also be made for the deceased’s health, occupation and other personal factors that could affect longevity.
Intangible component: The human value
State laws also acknowledge the personal, nonfinancial value a person had to themselves and others when determining wrongful death damages. This includes the experiences and relationships that gave the deceased’s life meaning.
While there is no exact formula for calculating this part of the claim, lawyers rely heavily on narrative evidence, including:
- Family photos and home videos
- Personal journals and letters
- Testimonies from loved ones to illustrate the deceased’s character and zest for life
In Georgia, the jury must consider all presented evidence and decide on a dollar amount that reflects the full value of a person’s life under the law.
Seeking justice for your loved one
Georgia’s full value of life standard ensures that wrongful death claims provide closure and financial support to your family. Seeking legal guidance can help ensure the jury has a clear, well-supported basis for valuing your loss.