How Long Does a Family Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, a family or an appointed representative typically has two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This timeframe is established under the state's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. However, there are specific circumstances that can alter this two-year period. For instance, if the wrongful death claim arises from professional negligence involving a medical professional, the timeline may differ. Additionally, if the deceased individual is a minor child, different rules may apply regarding the filing period. To fully understand the applicable timeline for a wrongful death claim, it is essential to consider terms such as "statute of limitations" and "tolling." These concepts can provide further insight into the specific deadlines and any potential extensions that may be relevant to a particular case.