Who may bring a wrongful-death action?

In Georgia, a wrongful death action can be initiated by specific parties who are deemed to have a direct relationship with the decedent. The law specifies that the decedent's spouse, next of kin, or personal representative are those who have the legal standing to file such a claim. This framework is intended to ensure that individuals who are closest to the decedent, and who may have suffered the most from their loss, are the ones who can seek compensation for the damages arising from the wrongful death.

The personal representative, often appointed through the probate court, acts on behalf of the estate and is responsible for pursuing claims for the benefit of all beneficiaries who may be entitled to damages. This includes recovery for both economic and non-economic losses associated with the death, such as lost income, funeral expenses, and the emotional impact of the loss on surviving family members.

Other options mentioned do not possess the legal authority to bring forth a wrongful death claim. Friends of the decedent, for instance, although they may feel the loss acutely, do not have a statutory right to sue. Similarly, an employer or the state government does not have standing in these matters unless they have a specific interest that allows them to join as a party, which is not the case in