Jody D. Peterman, LLC | Attorney at Law

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College student deaths and Georgia’s wrongful death law

On Behalf of | Jan 23, 2023 | Wrongful Death |

Every year in Georgia, there are many cases of wrongful death of students that involve negligence, carelessness or intentional acts. Unfortunately, these losses have been increasing, and families affected by these incidents should know their rights under the state’s wrongful death law.

What is Georgia’s wrongful death law?

In the state of Georgia, a wrongful death claim may be filed when an individual dies because of another person or entity’s negligence. This type of claim is designed to compensate the survivors of the deceased for their losses, such as loss of companionship, financial support, and emotional anguish.

In a wrongful death claim in Georgia, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the death, so the defendant must have breached a duty of care owed to the deceased that resulted in the death.

College students deaths in Georgia

Since 2010, at least 16 college students in Georgia have died because of hazing. College students in Georgia have also died because of alcohol-related incidents, car accidents and suicides. For example, in 2016, a University of Georgia student died after she fell from the sixth-floor balcony of an off-campus apartment complex. And in 2014, a Kennesaw State University student died after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing the street near campus.

The parents of these deceased students may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits against the responsible parties under Georgia law. To prove that someone is liable for wrongful death, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s negligence caused the victim’s death. For example, if a student dies because of hazing, the school or organization responsible for overseeing the hazing activity could be held liable if it can be shown that they were aware of the risks and failed to take proper precautions.

Georgia’s wrongful death law is intended to provide loved ones with a sense of justice and closure after the death of a family member. Families who have lost a college student to negligence may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

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