What the Heck Is Loss of Consortium?

The loss of a spouse or parent has significant long-term effects extending far beyond the financial support provided during their lifetime. An unexpected loss can take a serious toll on the emotional health of a family.

Fortunately, in Georgia and other states, the legal code recognizes that the deceased, in their life, provided intangibles that cannot be replaced after their departure. The legal term for this acknowledgement is called Loss of Consortium.

Loss of Consortium refers to the loss of comfort, companionship and - in the case of a deceased spouse - the loss of the intimate physical benefits inherent in the relationship.

In the State of Georgia, Loss of Consortium claims must be filed within four years from the date of accident.  Please note the law is always changing and the statute of limitations for loss of consortium claims may change, therefore, if you have questions you are urged to contact legal counsel immediately. Limitations on claims for Loss of Consortium may well extend beyond the statute of limitations for claims for the injury itself. For this reason, it is important to consult with an injury attorney promptly.

With the help of counsel, you can fully understand the options available to you, and formulate a fully considered strategy. While the loss of a loved one can never be completely reflected in numbers, the security provided by a thoughtfully executed plan can allow the focus to remain on finding closure.

Ty Wilson is an injury lawyer with offices in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. He is dedicated to helping injured people and their families. Call his office today at 888-689-5224 to order his free book, 10 Secrets of Georgia Car Wreck Claims. This book is intended to give you and/or your loved one a solid foundation regarding Georgia auto accident claims, how to hire an attorney, and how to deal with the insurance company prior to speaking with an attorney.