Your Guide To A Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Florida is no stranger to accidents happening around the clock. However, an accident can land you in various situations, from sustaining permanent injuries, property damage, and in worst-case scenarios, untimely and wrongful death. There are legal actions that you can take to bring justice to the victims of wrongful death, and the first step is understanding what it is.
What Is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death happens when a person dies because of another person’s negligence or intention. Wrongful deaths can be a product of nasty accidents like a fatal car collision, hazards from unmaintained places due to negligence, or ill intentions to inflict harm upon the victim. Nevertheless, an untimely death due to someone’s negligent or intentional actions is wrongful death and there are appropriate actions that the family of the decedent can do to be justly compensated and avenged.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Claim?
In most cases, the surviving family members of the decedent can file a wrongful death claim against the person or party who is found at fault. These members include the spouse, children who are no longer minors, parents, and even distant relatives if the decedent is a single adult with no immediate family. Filing a wrongful death claim not only brings a person’s untimely death to justice but also gives family members a chance to recover from their loss through damages compensation.
What Are The Damages In A Wrongful Death?
Qualified beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim may receive compensation for:
Loss Of Companionship - The spouse of the decedent can receive damages for loss of companionship, which leads to emotional distress and trauma.
Loss Of Support - The children of the decedent just lost a parent, and with it comes the loss of support from a parental figure. This can be in the form of emotional support from an adult, or financial support for their education, daily necessities, and other forms of care needed by a child.
Lost Wages - If the decedent was working, the surviving family members can receive compensation for lost wages that the victim would have earned if they had survived.
Medical Expenses - If the decedent received medical attention before he or she passed away, the hospitalization bills and other medical fees can be claimed as damages.
Funeral Costs - Part of the damages are funeral costs, which typically include the casket or urn, the venue for the funeral rites, flowers, candles, and other related expenses.
What Are The Common Causes Of Wrongful Death?
In a state with many busy cities like Sarasota, the various accidents you see on the news can lead to wrongful death. The most common causes are fatal car collisions, car-pedestrian hit-and-run accidents, slip-and-fall accidents from faulty facilities, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents.
How To Deal With A Wrongful Death Case?
The sudden death of a loved one is devastating and it takes time to heal wounds and recover from the emotional pain that comes with it. Still, filing a wrongful death claim is always on the table, and getting help from professional personal injury and wrongful death lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve.
