When a loved one dies due to nursing home neglect or abuse in Georgia, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim against the facility. One of the most common questions we receive at Holbert Law is: “What is the average nursing home wrongful death settlement in Georgia?” While there’s no exact number that fits every case, this guide breaks down how settlements are calculated in Georgia, what the law allows, and real cases showing how much families have recovered.
If you or a family member has lost someone due to nursing home neglect, visit our comprehensive guide on Georgia Nursing Home Wrongful Death Claims.
Understanding Wrongful Death in Georgia Nursing Homes
Under Georgia law, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the full value of the decedent’s life — not just funeral costs or medical bills. This includes financial and non-economic losses such as:
- The deceased’s potential future income,
- Loss of care, protection, and companionship,
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members.
Unlike a survival claim (which addresses pain and suffering before death), a wrongful death claim focuses on the value of life lost to the family and dependents.
How “Full Value of Life” Is Calculated in Georgia
Calculating the “full value of life” is complex and varies by case. Factors typically considered include:
- Age and Life Expectancy
Younger victims often result in higher valuations because they had more years of anticipated life and potential earnings. - Earnings and Future Income
If the person had substantial earnings capacity, future income losses may be compensable. - Pain and Suffering Before Death
This includes physical pain and emotional suffering experienced before passing. - Loss of Companionship and Support
The emotional loss suffered by family members plays a key role. - Medical and Funeral Costs
These economic losses are documented and added to the claim.
Experienced wrongful death attorneys work with economists and life care planners to quantify each of these categories and argue for maximum compensation.
Average Settlement Amounts: What the Data Shows
There’s no set “average” for Georgia nursing home wrongful death settlements — but both settlements and jury verdicts help us understand typical ranges.
Reported Settlements in Georgia
- $1,800,000 Settlement: Family of a resident who fell and hit her head at a nursing home and later died.
- $950,000 Settlement: Wrongful death related to a head injury sustained in a fall at a facility.
- $617,295 Settlement: Nursing home wrongful death claim resolved for this amount.
These examples show settlements ranging from the mid-six figures to seven figures depending on the severity and circumstances.
Notable Georgia Jury Verdicts
While settlements are confidential and vary widely, jury verdicts are public and illustrate how juries value wrongful death:
- $43.5 Million Verdict: A Floyd County jury awarded damages in a nursing home neglect case after severe malnutrition, dehydration, and neglected injuries led to a resident’s death. (later adjusted by the court)
- $15.3 Million Verdict: Life Care Center of Lawrenceville was found liable in a fatal pressure sore and sepsis case — later reduced due to Georgia’s punitive damages cap.
- $9.5 Million Verdict: Death caused by untreated bedsores and infection.
Although punitive damage caps may reduce excessive jury awards, these numbers show wrongful death claims can reach multi-million dollar results when negligence is egregious.
Factors That Influence Wrongful Death Settlements
Every nursing home wrongful death claim is unique, but key factors often influencing settlement values include:
1. Strength of Evidence
Clear documentation that the facility failed to adhere to care standards — such as inadequate staffing records, medical files, or expert testimony — strengthens a wrongful death claim.
2. Severity and Duration of Neglect
Cases involving prolonged neglect, especially where warnings were ignored, tend to result in higher settlements.
3. Facility’s History of Violations
A documented history of safety or care violations, including pressure sores, falls, or medication errors, strengthens your legal position and can increase settlement value.
Check Federal nursing home ratings on Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare for facility inspection history.
4. Legal Representation
Experienced nursing home wrongful death lawyers understand how to evaluate damages, negotiate with insurers, and present compelling evidence at trial if needed.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims
In Georgia, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can bar your claim — so early action is critical.
Conclusion
There’s no one “average” wrongful death settlement in Georgia, but data shows outcomes commonly fall from mid-six figures to millions of dollars, depending on the strength of evidence, severity of neglect, and amount of compensable loss. Consulting with a seasoned Georgia nursing home lawyer early can ensure that:
- Key evidence is preserved
- All potential damages are pursued
- You meet filing deadlines
If you’ve lost a loved one due to nursing home neglect or abuse, contact us today for a free consultation on your wrongful death claim.