Nothing can prepare you for the shock of losing a family member in a sudden accident. The pain is only made worse if you learn that someone else’s recklessness caused the death.
In Florida, the law allows close relatives to seek wrongful death compensation when a family member is killed due to another’s negligence. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide for the financial and emotional losses that the family has suffered as a result of the untimely death.
For some people, the idea of filing a wrongful death lawsuit feels wrong, as though they are trying to profit from the loss somehow. This is a mistaken notion. The truth is that families can face serious economic hardships when a member of the household dies suddenly, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner. Wrongful death compensation can be the most effective way to prevent those survivors from falling into debt.
Did you lose a loved one due to another’s careless actions? Learn about your legal options by discussing your case with a Florida wrongful death lawyer at Brooks Law Group. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Who Can Receive Wrongful Death Compensation in Florida?
Spouses, children, parents, and other relatives who were dependents of the deceased may be beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim.
Claims are filed by the personal representative of the deceased, who is typically named in the person’s will. Usually, it’s a spouse or family member. In cases where there is no will, a personal representative will be named by the court. Though the wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative, the lawsuit is on behalf of all surviving and eligible family members.
Examples of Wrongful Death Accidents
Many types of accidents have the potential to result in wrongful death. Some of the most common kinds of wrongful death accidents in Florida include:
- Auto accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Defective products
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
Sometimes, it is unclear whether an accident qualifies as wrongful death. An attorney can investigate the facts of the case to determine what happened and who should be held liable for your loss.
Wrongful Death Compensation
In Florida, family members may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Lost income that the deceased would have earned over the course of his/her lifetime
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of protection, instruction, and guidance
- Pain and suffering
Putting a dollar value on intangible losses such as pain and suffering is not an exact science. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can examine the facts of the case and consult with financial experts and life planners to help place an appropriate value on your claim.
Contact a Compassionate Wrongful Death Attorney Now
You have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim in Florida. Let Brooks Law Group get started on your case as soon as possible so that you can mourn without stressing over how to make ends meet. For a free, private consultation, call or contact us today.
