I have seen how devastating it can be for families that have lost a loved one due to another’s recklessness or wrongdoing. That is why I have dedicated my career to helping surviving family members seek justice for their loved ones and recover the financial compensation needed to move forward from such a tragic loss. I can help you understand your legal rights and options after the wrongful death of a family member. Please call me at (561) 721-1600 to discuss your circumstances with a compassionate and knowledgeable attorney during a no-cost consultation.
During a wrongful death claim, families hold an at-fault party accountable for the death of a loved one in a fatal accident. The type of accident generally does not matter as long as it can be proven that the responsible party’s negligent or wrongful actions caused the death. Through a wrongful death claim, the survivors may pursue compensation for the economic and non-economic damages caused by the death, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and funeral costs.
Unfortunately, devastating accidents happen every day across Florida that tragically cut someone’s life short. Wrongful death lawsuits can involve a wide range of fatal accidents, such as auto accidents, crimes, dangerous premises, medical malpractice, worksite accidents, and more.
In order to be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, you must be a statutory beneficiary of the deceased person. This means that immediate family members, including a spouse, children, or parents are eligible for compensation. An attorney will act on behalf of the family to present evidence and testimony to prove the responsible party is at-fault and that the death was a direct result of the accident.
The Florida Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statute 768.16, allows each survivor to recover the total value of lost support and services from the date of the decedent’s injury or death, with interest and future loss of support and services from the date of death, reduced to present value. When making this determination, the court should consider the following factors:
- The survivor’s relationship to the decedent
- The amount of the decedent’s probable net income available for distribution to the survivor
- The replace value of the decedent’s services to the survivor
- The joint life expectancies of the survivor and the decedent and, in the case of a minor child, the period of minority
Other forms of optional damages available, dependent on the circumstances of the wrongful death, include:
- A spouse may recover for loss of companionship, protection and mental pain and suffering
- Minor children may recover for lost parental companionship, instruction and guidance, along with mental pain and suffering
- Surviving parents of a minor child may also recover for mental pain and suffering
- Medical and/or funeral expenses
I understand that money cannot erase the loss that you have suffered, but it can relieve the financial burden that may interfere with the unexpected tragedy. With a significant financial settlement, a family can focus on healing without worrying about paying for past losses or future expenses related to the death.
Free Legal Consultation
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to a devastating accident in the State of Florida, I can help you get your life back on track. Since 2001, I have been committed to helping accident victims and their families recover the fair financial compensation that they deserve under Florida state law. Schedule a free initial consultation with me by calling my office at (561) 721-1600.
You Pay Nothing Up Front
The costs associated with hiring a lawyer are often a major concern for people who are seeking justice for the death of a loved one but are facing financial challenges which can make the process of hiring an attorney seem even more confusing and overwhelming. I represent families on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay me a fee or any costs, until and unless I successfully resolve your case.