Released on: October 27, 2008, 3:52 am

Press Release Author: Webb & D'Orazio

Industry: Law

Press Release Summary: The sudden death of a loved one brings home some very
unpleasant realities, not the least of which is how to go forward and survive
financially. In cases such as this the first step that goes hand in hand with
grieving is to consult with a competent wrongful death attorney.

Press Release Body: It doesn't matter how the wrongful death came about, consulting
with a lawyer will outline what actions are taken under the wrongful death statute
and provide an idea of the kinds of damages that may be awarded.


Even if the death is due to a faulty product, a murder, the result of an accident on
unsafe property or neglect by health care providers, knowing what one's legal rights
are is critical to making an informed decision.


While each state has its own wrongful death statute, each of them also has their own
unique differences. However, they do have similar basic principles. A wrongful death
claim is normally comprised of four parts: the death was caused by the conduct of a
another, that the person was negligent/liable for the death, that there is a
surviving spouse and other dependents and monetary damages have arisen due to the
death.


Wrongful death juries in Georgia usually award damages on the full value of the life
lost calculated from the perspective of the deceased. Awards typically include
economic damages and intangible factors. Intangible factor are things like enjoyment
of living, and economic damages cover the value of services and projected lifetime
income.


An economist is usually needed to project the full value of life of a deceased. In
the final analysis however, the jury award is often the result of the jurors voting
their conscience. In a wrongful death suit in Georgia there is no statutory formula
or limit on damages awarded.


What does happen though is juries often allocate more value to a life when funds are
to support a surviving spouse and minor children. However, the value of the life
award may be reduced to present value under Georgia's wrongful death law. The
reduction does not affect the intangible aspects of the value of the life in
question.
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To learn more, visit http://www.webbdorazio.com.

Web Site: http://www.webbdorazio.com.

Contact Details: 9280 Bay Plaza Blvd Suite 706
Tampa, FL 33619
1.813.600.3017