When Someone You Love Dies Because of Someone Else's Negligence, You Deserve Justice — and Someone Who Will Fight for It
Losing someone you love is devastating. When that loss was caused by another person's carelessness, recklessness, or deliberate wrongdoing, the grief is compounded by a sense of injustice that doesn't go away on its own. You shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone during the hardest time of your life. The Foster Firm represents families across Georgia who are seeking accountability after a wrongful death — and we handle every step of the legal process so you can focus on your family and your healing.
What Georgia Law Says About Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
Under Georgia's wrongful death statute — O.C.G.A. § 51-4-1 — the right to file a wrongful death claim belongs first to the surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse, the right passes to the deceased's children. If there are no children, the deceased's parents may bring the claim. This order of priority is established by law, and understanding where you stand is one of the first things we'll clarify when you contact us.
It's also important to understand the distinction between two separate legal actions that may arise from the same death. A wrongful death claim is filed by the surviving family members and seeks compensation for the full value of the deceased's life — their relationships, contributions, and future. A separate estate claim may also be filed by the administrator or executor of the estate to recover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages the deceased incurred before death. Both claims can be pursued, and our attorneys will walk your family through which apply to your situation.
Georgia law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. That deadline is firm, and waiting too long can permanently close the door on your case. If you've recently lost someone, the time to speak with an attorney is now.
The Types of Cases That Give Rise to a Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death claims arise when a person's death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. The Foster Firm has represented families in wrongful death cases involving a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Fatal car and truck accidents caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers
- Pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities caused by negligent drivers
- Deaths resulting from dangerous conditions on someone else's property
- Apartment complex deaths linked to inadequate security or unsafe premises
- Deaths caused by police misconduct or excessive use of force
- Slip and fall incidents that resulted in fatal injuries
If your loved one's death was connected to any of these situations — or to any circumstance where another party's negligence played a role — you may have a valid wrongful death claim. We'll review the facts of your case at no charge and tell you exactly where you stand.
$1,000,000
Rideshare Accident Verdict. Client was seriously injured in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury returned a seven-figure verdict.
What "Full Value of the Life" Actually Means in Georgia
Georgia's wrongful death law entitles surviving family members to recover the "full value of the life" of the deceased — a standard that goes far beyond a paycheck. Courts consider both the economic and the intangible dimensions of what was lost.
Economic damages include the income your loved one would have earned over their lifetime, benefits, and financial contributions to the household. But the law also recognizes what cannot be reduced to a number: the love, guidance, companionship, and care that your family has lost. These non-economic damages are real, they are legally recognized, and they matter deeply in how a wrongful death case is valued and pursued.
Some families tell us they don't want money — they want accountability. We understand that. A wrongful death claim serves both purposes. It holds the negligent party legally responsible for what they did, and it compensates your family for what was taken from you. Accountability and compensation are not either/or. Your family deserves both.
Who are the attorneys at The Foster Firm?
The Foster Firm is led by Keith Foster and his wife, [Second Attorney Name] Foster. Both are licensed personal injury attorneys in Georgia with over 20 years of combined practice at the firm. They handle cases personally and take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
Are The Foster Firm attorneys husband and wife?
Yes. Keith and [Second Attorney Name] Foster are a husband-and-wife attorney team who founded the firm together in 2004. This family-oriented structure means clients receive consistent, personal attention from the attorneys handling their case — not a rotating team of associates.
How long has The Foster Firm been in practice?
The Foster Firm was established in 2004 and has been serving personal injury clients in the greater Atlanta area for over 20 years. The firm has since expanded to serve clients in Douglasville and Columbus, Georgia.
Does The Foster Firm actually go to trial?
Yes. Unlike many personal injury firms that settle every case to avoid litigation, The Foster Firm regularly takes cases to trial. This willingness to litigate is a core part of how the firm secures stronger outcomes — insurance companies negotiate differently when they know your attorney will see them in court.
Who does The Foster Firm represent?
The Foster Firm represents injured adults throughout the greater Atlanta metro, including College Park, South Atlanta, and Douglasville, as well as clients in Columbus, Georgia. The firm has deep roots in the African American community in South Atlanta and College Park, and is committed to providing experienced legal representation to clients who have historically been underserved by the legal system.
How The Foster Firm Handles Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases are among the most complex personal injury matters in Georgia. They require a thorough investigation, a clear understanding of Georgia's filing rules, and the ability to build a case that accurately captures the full value of your loved one's life. This is not work you want handed off to a paralegal or rushed toward a quick settlement.
At The Foster Firm, wrongful death cases are handled by attorneys who have been practicing since 2004 and who are prepared to take your case to trial if that is what justice requires. Most personal injury firms in Georgia settle every case they take — avoiding the courtroom because trial preparation is demanding and the outcome is uncertain. We are not that firm. We litigate. We go to trial when the other side won't offer what your family deserves. And the results we've achieved — including million-dollar outcomes for our clients — reflect what it means to have attorneys who are willing to fight all the way.
Our process begins with a free consultation, where we listen to your family's situation and give you an honest assessment of your case. From there, we handle the investigation, gather evidence, work with experts when needed, manage all communications with insurance companies and defense attorneys, and pursue every avenue of recovery available under Georgia law. There are no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win.
We serve families across the Atlanta metro — including College Park, South Atlanta, and Douglasville — as well as clients in Columbus, GA. Wherever you are in Georgia, if you've lost someone to negligence, we're ready to help.
Questions Families Ask About Wrongful Death Claims in Georgia
The insurance company on the other side of your case has attorneys working to minimize what they pay out. Your family deserves the same level of commitment working in your direction — attorneys who know Georgia wrongful death law, who have a record of results, and who will not back down when the other side pushes back.
The Foster Firm has represented Georgia families in wrongful death cases for over 20 years. We are a husband-and-wife attorney team with deep roots in the communities we serve, a track record that includes million-dollar outcomes, and the willingness to take a case to trial when that is what justice demands. If you've lost someone you love and you need to know what your family's options are, call us today. The consultation is free. The commitment is real.
Your Family Deserves an Attorney Who Will Go the Distance
Who has the right to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?
Georgia law gives the surviving spouse first priority to file a wrongful death claim. If there is no surviving spouse, the right passes to the children of the deceased. If there are no children, the deceased's parents may file. An attorney can confirm your family's standing and help you move forward.How long does a family have to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia?
Georgia's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely. If you're unsure how much time you have, contact an attorney as soon as possible.What is the difference between a wrongful death claim and an estate claim?
A wrongful death claim is filed by surviving family members and seeks compensation for the full value of the deceased's life — including non-economic losses like companionship and guidance. An estate claim is filed by the estate's administrator and covers expenses the deceased incurred before death, such as medical bills and funeral costs. Both can be pursued in the same case.What if the person responsible for the death was never charged with a crime?
A wrongful death claim is a civil matter, not a criminal one. The legal standard in a civil case is lower than in a criminal prosecution, which means a family can prevail in a wrongful death claim even if no criminal charges were filed or a criminal case did not result in a conviction.How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death attorney at The Foster Firm?
Nothing upfront. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Your first consultation is free, and we will give you an honest assessment of your case before you make any decisions.
Contact The Foster Firm Today
The insurance company on the other side of your case has attorneys working to minimize what they pay out. Your family deserves the same level of commitment working in your direction — attorneys who know Georgia wrongful death law, who have a record of results, and who will not back down when the other side pushes back.
The Foster Firm has represented Georgia families in wrongful death cases for over 20 years. We are a husband-and-wife attorney team with deep roots in the communities we serve, a track record that includes million-dollar outcomes, and the willingness to take a case to trial when that is what justice demands. If you've lost someone you love and you need to know what your family's options are, call us today. The consultation is free. The commitment is real.