Can a family member recover for the emotional trauma of watching a loved one suffer catastrophic injuries?

Can a family member recover for the emotional trauma of watching a loved one suffer catastrophic injuries?

Georgia law permits a spouse to independently recover loss of consortium damages, which encompass the loss of companionship, society, and affection caused by the catastrophic injury to their partner. While Georgia does not recognize a general bystander emotional distress claim, the spouse’s consortium claim and the estate’s survival action both provide avenues for family members to be compensated for certain types of emotional and relational harm.