The sudden death of a loved one can be entirely devastating, both mentally and financially, especially if they died because of another person’s careless or negligent actions. While a wrongful death lawsuit cannot make up for their passing, it could help you provide for your family after the loss of your loved one’s wages and act as proof that justice has been served.
If you have lost a loved one due to an incident that was not their fault, then you could be eligible to file a wrongful death claim, and a wrongful death lawyer will be able to help you with this.
Our Englewood personal injury lawyers has over 75 years of combined experience in helping people just like you file wrongful death lawsuits, so you can trust that we will be able to help you navigate this difficult process. While we know that nothing can make the emotional suffering of a loved one’s death disappear, we also understand the importance of securing your and your family’s financial future. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the full and fair compensation that you deserve.
So, for sensitive and informative assistance, contact The Law Place for a free consultation whenever you feel ready, at (941) 444-4444. We are here to help.
What Is Wrongful Death in Florida?
A wrongful death claim is a civil action. It is filed on behalf of the deceased’s survivors by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. Its purpose is to seek financial damages from the individual or company that caused the preventable death of the deceased, marking that the conduct was intolerable.
Wrongful death is different from criminal prosecution, and an at-fault party could face both a criminal charge and a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, even if a drunk driver has already been charged by the police for DUI manslaughter, they can still be held accountable by the family of the deceased through a wrongful death claim. For more information about wrongful death lawsuits in Florida, then you can access Florida Statute 768.21.
If your loved one has died because of someone’s negligence or carelessness, then you may have a right to seek compensation. To find out if you have a valid claim, contact The Law Place today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Englewood, FL?
In Florida, only those who had a close relationship with the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. This is usually someone who relied on the deceased for support. The deceased’s spouse has the first right to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the children of the deceased have the next right. If the deceased did not have a surviving spouse or children, then the deceased’s parents can file a wrongful death claim.
However, this is not always the case – sometimes, others may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This could be people who relied on the deceased financially, such as an elderly family member. If no relatives are able to file a wrongful death claim, then the estate of the deceased can file for financial damages so that they can pay for the deceased’s medical bills and other final expenses.
Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits
You can file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence. Many successful wrongful death lawsuits filed in Englewood, Florida, are caused by the following incidents:
- Auto accidents.
- Boating accidents.
- Construction accidents.
- Negligent or inadequate medical care.
- Mislabeled or unsafe products.
- Slip and fall accidents.
- Dangerous property conditions.
- Accidents at work.
- Intentional criminal acts.
What Damages Can Be Collected in Wrongful Death Cases in Englewood, FL?
As every case is different, so are the types and amounts of compensation that can be received. Despite this, listed below are the damages that the personal injury attorneys at The Law Place most commonly secure compensation for on behalf of their clients in wrongful death cases:
- The loss of income – If you relied on your loved one’s wages, then you may be finding it difficult to cover your bills or other necessary expenses. If so, you may be entitled to compensation to help you cover these costs.
- The loss of services performed – If your loved one provided valuable and significant services for you, which may now cost you, then you could be entitled to financial compensation to cover these news expenses. Examples include childcare and even maintenance tasks.
- The loss of companionship, support, and advice – A wrongful death claim can’t fill the space in your life that had been occupied by your loved one, but it can provide you with the funds that you desperately need to move forward in life.
- Expenses before death – In many cases, the loved one may not have immediately died, meaning that your loved one acquired substantial medical bills. Depending on the type of medical treatment your loved one required before their death, medical expenses can add up fast, and you may now be burdened with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If so, you may be entitled to compensation to pay these expenses.
- The pain and suffering endured by your loved one before death – If your loved one didn’t die immediately, then they may have experienced a significant amount of pain and suffering. You may be able to claim compensation for this on their behalf.
While we know that no amount of financial compensation can fix the emotional pain you are undoubtedly enduring, it can help support you financially and act as proof that some form of justice has been served. So, to begin filing a wrongful death lawsuit, call The Law Place today for a free consultation.
How The Law Place Can Help You
Filing a lawsuit and dealing with the Florida legal system can be incredibly complicated and confusing for people who don’t have much experience in that field. Because of this, it’s crucial that you hire an experienced Englewood wrongful death lawyer to give you and your family the best chance at securing the compensation you deserve.
Below are some of the ways that a personal injury attorney from The Law Place could help you:
- Free case evaluation – The Law Place offers a free, no-obligation consultation for any potential client who thinks they may have a case. We will spend this consultation building a relationship with you, discussing your case and the best legal options for you, and answering any questions you may have.
- Prove the liability of the at-fault party – In order to file a wrongful death lawsuit, there must be a negligent party. It will be the job of our personal injury lawyers to discover who was liable for your loved one’s death and to gather sufficient evidence that proves their negligence.
- Prove that you deserve compensation – As well as proving the at-fault party’s negligence, we will have to collect all necessary evidence that can prove the damages that you have endured because of your loved one’s death. Evidence can include income statements, witness statements, mortgage loans, and more.
- Thoroughly investigate complex cases – Every single case is different, which can make the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit complicated. Because of the vast amount of experience that our Englewood wrongful death attorneys possess, you can trust that they will have the knowledge and skill required to advise you accordingly.
- Negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement – It is likely that the negligent party will offer you a settlement so that they avoid court time and court fees. Your personal injury lawyer will be able to ensure that the settlement they offer appropriately covers your losses and that you’re not being taken advantage of. If we’re not satisfied, we will be prepared to take your claim to court on your behalf.
Contact The Law Place Today!
Whenever someone passes away, those who loved them are often left suffering from emotional distress and also sometimes from financial burdens. However, for those who have lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, this pain and suffering may be even heightened, as it may feel incredibly sudden and unjust.
This is why it’s important to ensure that your wrongful death claim has been left in the hands of compassionate and skillful lawyers who will fight on behalf of your family and do everything they can to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.
If you wish to file an Englewood wrongful death lawsuit, then you should contact The Law Place. Our lawyers have a vast amount of experience and knowledge, so don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with our law firm!
Call today at (941) 444-4444.