Losing a loved one because of someone else’s choices is the hardest case you will ever face. My job is to give you clear answers, protect your rights, and pursue justice in a way that helps make your family whole. Here is how wrongful death works in Georgia and Arizona, where I am licensed.
What wrongful death means
A wrongful death case holds the at-fault person or company accountable in civil court. In Georgia, the measure of damages is the full value of your loved one’s life, both economic and non-economic. The estate can also bring a separate survival claim for final medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and any pain and suffering your loved one endured before passing.
Arizona allows the spouse, children, parents, or the personal representative to bring a claim. A jury awards what it finds fair and just for the surviving family. Survival claims for the estate can also be part of the case.
Who can file
Georgia: The surviving spouse files first. If there is no spouse, the children can file. If there are no children, the parents may file. If none of the above are available, the personal representative of the estate may proceed. The estate handles survival claims.
Arizona: The surviving spouse, child, parent or guardian may file, or the personal representative can file on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries.
Deadlines you cannot miss
The general deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit in both Georgia and Arizona is two years from the date of death.
Important Georgia notes
- If the death involves a crime or certain traffic offenses, Georgia often pauses the civil deadline while the criminal case is pending, for up to six years. When the pause ends, the clock resumes.
- Claims against government entities have much shorter notice rules. Cities usually require written notice within six months. Counties and the State typically require notice within twelve months. Miss those notices and you can lose the claim even if the two-year period has not run.
Important Arizona notes
- Claims against a public entity or employee require a formal Notice of Claim within 180 days, and any lawsuit must be filed within one year of the claim’s accrual. These rules are strict.
If any part of your case might involve a city, county, state, or other public entity, call a lawyer immediately. These notice deadlines move fast.
What damages look like
Georgia
- Full value of the life from the family’s perspective, including relationships, experiences, and expected earnings or services, without deducting the decedent’s personal expenses.
- Estate (survival) claims for medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and pre-death pain and suffering.
Arizona
- Fair and just compensation to the survivors for the loss of their loved one, considering the relationship and the circumstances.
- Estate claims for final expenses and pre-death suffering where applicable. Amounts recovered for the survivors are generally not subject to the decedent’s debts.
How to protect your family’s case now
- Preserve evidence. Get incident reports, witness names, photos, and any video. Save vehicles, products, and equipment involved if possible.
- Organize records. Keep medical and funeral bills, insurance letters, employment documents, and any correspondence in one place.
- Be careful with statements. Do not give recorded statements to insurers before you have counsel.
- Call early. We send preservation letters, open an investigation, and make sure no deadline is missed.
How we build these cases
- Thorough investigation. We secure scene evidence, expert opinions, and all relevant records.
- Clear damages story. We document the life your loved one lived and the void left behind, with care and dignity.
- Focused negotiation and trial readiness. We prepare as if the case will be tried, which strengthens your position at every step.
- Purpose and empathy. This is about accountability, truth, and helping your family rebuild, not photo-ops.
Talk with us
If you are facing these decisions in Georgia or Arizona, I am here to help. I will explain your options, outline the timeline, and put a plan in place that honors your loved one and protects your family.
Free consultation: 404-777-7890
This post is for information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique; speak with a lawyer about your specific situation.
