Georgia Work-Related Death

In Georgia, workers have the right to a reasonably safe workplace. If a loved one has recently suffered injuries and/or wrongful death in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to recover damages for your family member’s wrongful death. However, Georgia’s work-related death laws are extremely complicated and require the skills of an experienced wrongful death attorney.

Because of Georgia’s Workmen’s Compensation Act, filing a wrongful death claim against your loved one’s employer for death that occurs within the scope of his or her employment is very difficult. The act typically limits the family member’s recovery to the amount of the deceased’s compensation benefits. Your loved one’s employer may also use the Georgia Workmen’s Compensation Act to claim that your family is eligible only for worker’s compensation for your family member’s injury and/or death.

There are exceptions in which the deceased’s family may recover compensation. If the wrongful death is caused by the malicious act of a third party directed against the deceased, additional damages may be recovered by the deceased’s family. There are exceptions to the general ban on lawsuits against employers for specific employees in the railroad, domestic services, farming, and other industries.

Because of the complicated nature of Georgia work-related death, hiring an attorney who is knowledgeable of such matters is crucial. The wrongful death attorneys at Head, Thomas, Webb and Willis know Georgia’s wrongful death laws inside and out. They will thoroughly investigate your case to determine what damages you may recover from your loved one’s employer.

Georgia statute of limitations on filing a wrongful death claim against the liable party is two years. You should hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you meet the deadline and that your attorney is able to preserve evidence and investigate the work-related accident.

If your case is an exception to the Georgia Workmen’s Compensation Act, you may recover damages for mental anguish, loss of potential earnings, loss of inheritance, loss of companionship, and punitive costs.

To learn more about how the wrongful death attorneys at Head, Thomas, Webb and Willis can help your work-related wrongful death claim, contact us today. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free consultation.