If you lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, your grief is no doubt immeasurable. However, in time, you may come to realize that your losses extend far beyond your emotional sorrow. The financial losses will become evident, and your entire family suffers from the void the deceased individual left behind. Fortunately, though you cannot bring this person back, you do have rights under Florida’s wrongful death laws.
Because the legal process is complex, it’s wise to work with our experienced attorneys at Palmer | Lopez We’ll handle filing a claim to seek all available remedies on your behalf, giving you time to properly grieve for your loved one. For more information on how we can assist, please contact our office to set up a no-cost consultation with a lawyer. Plus, you can also learn about the basics by reviewing a summary of the relevant concepts.
Common types of wrongful death claims
When someone causes a fatal accident, it’s usually because of careless, reckless, or intentional misconduct. Our lawyers at Palmer | Lopez handle a wide range of wrongful death cases, including those stemming from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter accidents
- Slips, trips, falls, and other injury-causing incidents that occur because a property owner failed to keep the premises safe
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, medication mistakes, misdiagnosis, and nursing malpractice
Legal options for surviving family members
A wrongful death case is very similar to other personal injury matters, except that the victim passed away instead of just being hurt. As such, you need to prove that the person’s death was a direct result of someone else’s negligent acts. However, you must also qualify to bring a case, as only certain individuals have standing to pursue legal remedies after a fatal accident.
According to the Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate is eligible to file a claim. This individual may be named in a will or appointed by a probate court, if the victim died without a will; often, this person is the surviving spouse. He or she acts on behalf of the deceased person’s surviving family members to recover:
- Medical expenses for treatment provided before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Amounts based upon the lost contributions the decedent would have provided the household and family, such as services, support, companionship, education, guidance, and instruction
Discuss your remedies with a St. Petersburg wrongful death lawyer
At Palmer | Lopez, our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of surviving family members who lose a loved one in a tragic accident. We’re aggressive in dealing with insurance companies, and we’re ready to take the battle to court as necessary to get the compensation you deserve. Please call (813) 506-5651 or check us out online to learn more about our legal services. We can schedule a free case evaluation to review your circumstances.
