{"id":5663,"date":"2026-10-29T02:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T02:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.attorneyadanna.com\/resources\/resources-wrongful-death-law-georgia\/how-long-do-wrongful-death-lawsuits-usually-take\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T11:44:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T11:44:10","slug":"how-long-do-wrongful-death-lawsuits-usually-take","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.attorneyadanna.com\/resources\/resources-wrongful-death-law-georgia\/how-long-do-wrongful-death-lawsuits-usually-take\/","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Wrongful Death Lawsuits: How Long They Usually Take"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wrongful Death | Atlanta & Georgia<\/p>

How Long Does a Georgia Wrongful Death Lawsuit Usually Take?<\/h1>

A plain-language guide to the stages of a wrongful death case, the factors that affect timing, and what families can expect while the case moves forward.<\/p>

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Getting started with Ugwonali Law Group<\/h2>\n

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By Adanna Ugwonali \u00b7 Published October 28, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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How long do wrongful death lawsuit<\/a>s usually take? In Georgia, most move through several stages over a period of months to years. The exact length depends on how the death happened, who is responsible, and how each side responds.<\/p>\n

Losing someone is hard enough, and this question often comes up while families are handling funeral plans and paperwork. This page walks through the deadline, the stages, and the factors that shape timing. No single schedule fits every family, but the steps below show what usually drives the length.<\/p>\n

Short Answer: Wrongful Death Lawsuits Usually Take Months to Years<\/h2>\n

Many Georgia wrongful death cases take several months to a few years, and some take longer. A case can settle early through talks with the insurer. A case that must go to trial takes more time for scheduling, and any appeal adds more after the verdict.<\/p>\n

Settlement, trial, and appeal each change the total timeline. A case that resolves once the evidence is gathered can finish sooner than one that is tried. Families often ask for a single number, but the stages below show why one number rarely fits. Knowing these paths helps families understand why any early estimate is only a starting point.<\/p>\n\n

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If your family is trying to understand what comes next after a loss, our team can talk through your situation in a free, confidential first consultation. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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Georgia’s Filing Deadline Sets the Starting Point<\/h2>\n

Georgia’s general deadline for injury claims is two years. The statute says that, except as otherwise provided in this article, actions for injuries to the person must be brought within two years after the right of action accrues. O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-33<\/a><\/p>\n

Because that start point is a legal question, families should review timing early. Waiting can shrink the time left to investigate, gather records, and prepare a filing.<\/p>\n

A related rule can pause the clock. When the victim of an alleged crime brings a tort claim, the limitation period is tolled. Tolling runs from the commission of the crime until the prosecution is final or otherwise terminated, and it cannot exceed six years, except as otherwise provided in Code Section 9-3-33.1<\/a>. O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-99<\/a> O.C.G.A. \u00a7 9-3-99<\/a><\/p>\n

Other exceptions can apply to a particular death, so the deadline is worth discussing with a lawyer early.<\/p>\n

The Stages of a Wrongful Death Case and How Long Each Can Take<\/h2>\n

A wrongful death case usually moves from investigation to filing, then discovery, settlement talks, and, if needed, trial.<\/p>\n