When a loved one dies because another person or company acted carelessly, the law allows surviving family members to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Georgia and South Carolina both recognize wrongful death actions as a way to recover financial losses and hold negligent parties accountable. These claims often arise after car accidents, medical errors, workplace incidents, and unsafe property conditions. Understanding how wrongful death claims work in each state can help families protect their rights during an already overwhelming time.
Understanding Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit brought when a person’s death was caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. These cases are separate from any criminal charges and focus on financial accountability rather than punishment.
Wrongful death claims exist to address the losses suffered by surviving family members, including:
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The loss of a loved one’s income and financial support
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The loss of companionship, guidance, and care
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Funeral and burial expenses
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Medical costs related to the fatal injury
Both Georgia and South Carolina allow families to pursue these claims, but the rules about who can file, what damages are available, and how long you have to act differ between states.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Georgia and South Carolina
Wrongful death cases often arise from everyday situations that turn tragic due to preventable mistakes. Common causes include:
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Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by distracted, drunk, or reckless drivers
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Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving speeding or failure to yield
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Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment
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Workplace accidents, including construction falls and equipment failures
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Premises liability incidents, such as unsafe buildings, poor lighting, or inadequate security
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Defective products that malfunction or lack proper warnings
In each situation, the core issue is whether the death could have been prevented if reasonable care had been taken.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia?
Georgia law sets a strict order of priority for who may file a wrongful death claim.
Eligible Parties in Georgia
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Surviving spouse
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The spouse brings the claim on behalf of themselves and any children
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The spouse must share any recovery with the children
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Surviving children
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If there is no surviving spouse, the children may file
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Parents of the deceased
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If there is no spouse or children
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Estate representative
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If none of the above exist, the estate may bring the claim
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Georgia law focuses heavily on the full value of the life of the deceased, rather than just out-of-pocket expenses.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina handles wrongful death claims differently, requiring them to be filed by the estate.
Eligible Parties in South Carolina
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The personal representative of the estate files the claim
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Compensation is distributed to surviving family members, which may include:
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Spouse
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Children
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Parents
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Other heirs, depending on the situation
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South Carolina also allows a related survival action, which covers damages the deceased could have pursued had they lived.
What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Damages in Georgia Wrongful Death Cases
Georgia focuses on the full value of the life, which includes:
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Economic value
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Lost income and benefits
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Loss of household services
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Non-economic value
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Loss of relationships
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Separate claims may also recover:
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Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
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Funeral and burial costs
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Pain and suffering experienced before death
Damages in South Carolina Wrongful Death Cases
South Carolina allows recovery for:
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Financial support the deceased would have provided
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Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
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Emotional suffering of surviving family members
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Funeral and medical expenses
Survival actions may also cover:
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Conscious pain and suffering before death
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Medical costs incurred prior to passing
How Negligence Is Proven in Wrongful Death Cases
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, families must show that negligence caused the death. This requires proving:
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Duty of care owed by the defendant
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Breach of that duty, such as unsafe conduct or errors
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Causation, linking the breach directly to the death
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Damages, showing measurable losses
Evidence often includes police reports, medical records, expert testimony, surveillance footage, and witness statements. In complex cases, accident reconstruction or medical experts may be necessary.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
Time limits are strict, and missing a deadline can permanently bar recovery.
Georgia Statute of Limitations
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Generally two years from the date of death
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Certain factors may pause or extend the deadline, such as pending criminal cases
South Carolina Statute of Limitations
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Generally three years from the date of death
Early legal action helps preserve evidence and strengthens the case.
What to Expect During the Wrongful Death Claims Process
While every case is unique, most wrongful death claims follow a similar path:
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Investigation of the incident and evidence collection
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Identification of liable parties, which may include individuals, companies, or insurers
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Calculation of damages, considering both financial and personal losses
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Negotiation with insurance companies
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Filing a lawsuit, if a fair settlement is not offered
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Litigation or trial, when necessary
Many cases resolve through settlement, but preparation for trial often improves outcomes.
How an Attorney Helps Families After a Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases place emotional and financial pressure on families. Legal guidance can help by:
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Handling communication with insurers and opposing parties
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Preserving evidence before it disappears
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Working with experts to strengthen claims
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Calculating long-term financial impacts
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Pursuing full compensation through negotiation or court
Legal representation allows families to focus on healing while their case moves forward.
Speak With a Trusted Georgia or South Carolina Attorney Today
If you lost a loved one because of negligence in Georgia or South Carolina, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers provides experienced, compassionate, and results-driven representation for wrongful death claims across both states. Contact the firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how your family’s rights and recovery can be protected.