What Factors Increase Wrongful Death Compensation?

While every life has immeasurable value, certain factors can significantly increase wrongful death compensation under Georgia law. Understanding these factors helps families maximize recovery and ensures full justice for preventable deaths.

At Atlanta Auto Law, our wrongful death attorneys strategically present every factor that increases case value, working with experts to document and prove maximum damages. We ensure insurance companies and juries understand the full magnitude of your loss.

Economic Factors That Increase Compensation

High Income and Earning Potential

Higher earners generate larger economic loss calculations:

• Six-figure salaries: Multiply over decades for millions in losses
• Professional careers: Doctors, lawyers, executives command higher values
• Business ownership: Lost business income and growth potential
• Specialized skills: Unique abilities increase earning capacity
• Multiple income streams: Salary plus investments, side businesses

Young Age at Death

Younger victims mean more lost years of productivity:

• Children: 60-70 years of lost life and earnings
• Young adults (20-30): Peak earning years ahead
• Middle-aged (35-50): Established careers with growth potential
• Career trajectory: Promotions and advancement opportunities

Education and Training

• Advanced degrees: MBA, MD, JD, PhD increase lifetime earnings
• Professional certifications: Specialized training adds value
• Continuing education: Shows commitment to advancement
• Academic achievement: High grades indicate potential

Family Factors That Increase Value

Multiple Dependents

More family members affected means higher damages:

• Minor children: Years of lost parental guidance
• Multiple children: Each child’s individual loss
• Special needs dependents: Extra care and support lost
• Elderly parents: If dependent on deceased
• Extended family support: Helping siblings, relatives

Strong Family Relationships

Documented close relationships increase intangible damages:

• Happy marriage: Photos, testimony about love and partnership
• Involved parenting: Coaching, school activities, daily care
• Family traditions: Vacations, celebrations, rituals
• Future plans: Retirement dreams, children’s milestones
• Daily interactions: Text messages showing constant communication

Primary Family Provider

• Sole breadwinner: Family completely dependent
• Health insurance provider: Lost coverage for family
• Retirement benefits: Lost pension, 401k contributions
• Home maintenance: Did repairs, yard work, improvements

Circumstances That Dramatically Increase Value

Egregious Defendant Conduct

Outrageous behavior triggers higher awards and punitive damages:

• Drunk driving: Especially with high BAC or repeat offenses
• Texting while driving: Clear conscious disregard
• Extreme speeding: Racing, 30+ mph over limit
• Road rage: Intentional aggressive driving
• Fleeing scene: Hit-and-run deaths

Commercial Vehicle Factors

Commercial truck accidents often involve:

• Hours of service violations: Fatigued driving
• Falsified logbooks: Covering up violations
• Maintenance failures: Known brake problems ignored
• Overloaded trucks: Exceeding weight limits
• Unqualified drivers: Inadequate training or screening

Corporate Negligence

• Known dangers ignored: Profits over safety
• Pattern of violations: Repeated safety failures
• Destroyed evidence: Spoliation increases awards
• False safety claims: Misleading public about risks
• Executive knowledge: High-level awareness of dangers

Pain and Suffering Factors

Conscious Pain Before Death

Suffering between injury and death increases compensation:

• Extended consciousness: Hours or days of awareness
• Severe injuries: Burns, crushing, internal damage
• Failed rescue attempts: Trapped in vehicle
• Multiple surgeries: Medical intervention attempts
• Awareness of fate: Knowing death was coming

Mental Anguish

• Worry about family: Concern for survivors’ welfare
• Unfinished business: Things left undone
• Young children left behind: Parental anguish
• Witnessed by family: Loved ones present during death

Character and Lifestyle Factors

Community Involvement

Active community members receive higher intangible damages:

• Volunteer work: Helping others regularly
• Church leadership: Active in faith community
• Youth coaching: Mentoring children
• Charitable giving: Supporting causes
• Professional mentorship: Developing others’ careers

Health and Vitality

• Excellent health: Long life expectancy
• Active lifestyle: Running, sports, fitness
• No bad habits: Non-smoker, no substance issues
• Preventive care: Regular medical checkups
• Family longevity: Genetics suggesting long life

Legal Factors That Increase Recovery

Multiple Defendants

More liable parties mean more insurance coverage:

• Driver liability: Personal insurance
• Employer liability: Commercial coverage
• Vehicle owner: Separate insurance
• Bar/restaurant: Dram shop liability
• Government entity: Road design failures

Clear Liability

• No comparative fault: Victim completely innocent
• Multiple witnesses: Clear testimony about fault
• Video evidence: Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Police citations: Defendant ticketed or arrested
• Admission of fault: Defendant accepts responsibility

Strong Legal Representation

• Experienced attorneys: Track record of high verdicts
• Expert witnesses: Economists, reconstructionists
• Thorough investigation: Uncovering all evidence
• Strategic presentation: Compelling jury arguments
• Trial readiness: Willingness to reject low offers

Evidence That Maximizes Value

Economic Documentation

1. Tax returns: Multiple years showing income growth
2. Pay stubs: Recent earnings and benefits
3. Employment contracts: Future salary guarantees
4. Performance reviews: Excellent ratings, promotions
5. Business records: For self-employed individuals

Life Documentation

1. Photos and videos: Family activities, celebrations
2. Social media: Posts showing relationships
3. Text messages: Daily communication with family
4. Cards and letters: Expressions of love
5. Calendar entries: Planned future events

Venue and Timing Factors

Favorable Venues

Some Georgia counties award higher damages:

• Urban counties: Often more plaintiff-friendly
• Higher income areas: Understand economic losses
• Diverse jury pools: Broader perspectives
• History of verdicts: Track record matters

Strategic Timing

• Complete investigation: All evidence gathered
• Criminal conviction: If applicable, helps civil case
• Economic recovery documented: Full damage calculation
• Family stability: Able to participate fully

Presentation Factors

Compelling Storytelling

• Humanize the victim: Not just statistics
• Show daily impact: Empty chair at dinner
• Future milestones lost: Graduations, weddings
• Family testimony: Emotional but controlled
• Visual aids: Day-in-life videos, photo montages

Expert Testimony Quality

• Renowned economists: Credible damage calculations
• Accident reconstructionists: Clear fault demonstration
• Medical experts: Explain suffering
• Life care planners: Document lost support
• Vocational experts: Career trajectory analysis

Insurance Coverage Factors

• Commercial policies: Higher limits than personal
• Umbrella coverage: Additional millions available
• Multiple policies: Stack coverage from various sources
• Bad faith potential: Unreasonable claim handling
• Corporate defendant: Deep pockets for recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

Which single factor increases value most?

Young age combined with high earning potential typically has the greatest impact, potentially adding millions to case value. However, egregious conduct like drunk driving can trigger massive punitive damages.

Do character flaws reduce compensation?

Minor issues rarely affect value significantly. Serious problems like criminal history or substance abuse might reduce intangible damages but don’t eliminate recovery rights.

How much do punitive damages increase recovery?

Punitive damages can double or triple total recovery in cases involving drunk driving, extreme recklessness, or corporate misconduct. Some cases see 5-10x increases.

Maximize Your Wrongful Death Recovery

Understanding factors that increase wrongful death compensation helps families pursue maximum recovery. Every case has unique value-enhancing elements that skilled attorneys can identify and leverage.

Contact Atlanta Auto Law today to discuss factors that could increase your wrongful death compensation. Our experienced team will identify every element that adds value to your case, ensuring you receive the maximum recovery your family deserves.

Related Resources:

• How Much Is a Wrongful Death Case Worth?
• Calculating Lost Future Earnings
• Punitive Damages in Wrongful Death
• Available Damages in Georgia