In the context of wrongful death in Georgia, what does "full value of the decedent's life" consider?

The concept of "full value of the decedent's life" in wrongful death cases in Georgia extends beyond merely economic considerations. This notion encompasses a comprehensive range of factors that account for the decedent's contributions to their family, community, and society as a whole. Specifically, it includes the decedent's health, potential earnings, the value of their services provided to family members and society, and their life expectancy.

The reasoning behind this is that wrongful death claims are designed to compensate survivors for the loss of a loved one not just in terms of financial support but also for the intangible benefits that the decedent provided during their lifetime. This includes the emotional and practical support, care, and companionship that the deceased person offered to family members and others in their social circles. Evaluating the full value of a life in this more holistic manner aims to reflect the true impact of the loss on the survivors and honor the decedent's overall value beyond mere economic contributions.

By focusing on these aspects, the legal framework recognizes that the loss of a loved one affects various dimensions of life and not solely financial assets or earnings. This approach helps ensure that compensation reflects the multifaceted nature of the loss experienced by survivors.