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How Do You Recover After the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?

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family grieving after a wrongful death, thinking about calling a wrongful death attorney

If your loved one was killed because of another party’s negligence, you may be able to bring a wrongful death case. In Florida, not everyone can bring a wrongful death claim or file a wrongful death lawsuit. There is a specific Florida Statute that lists those who are authorized to file a wrongful death case. 

If you want to be compensated for the tragic, avoidable, and wrongful death of a loved one, it is important that you do not wait until it is too late to retain an attorney to pursue monetary compensation for your loss. Contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Schrier Law Group today for a free case review. 

What is Considered a Wrongful Death in Florida?

Florida statute 768.19 states that wrongful death happens when someone dies as a result of a separate person’s “wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty.” 

In other words, a wrongful death occurs when someone passes away because of the fault of another party. Here are a few examples of wrongful death scenarios:

  • a negligence-based incident 
  • medical malpractice
  • a defective product
  • an intentional or criminal act

Who Can Sue for A Wrongful Death in Florida? 

In most states, a deceased person’s relatives can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, Florida statute 768.20 indicates that only the personal representative, appointed for the estate of the deceased, can file a wrongful death case for the specific family members who can recover. 

The personal representative is also referred to as the executor of the estate. The individual who files a wrongful death claim or case acts on behalf of the decedent’s estate. While filing the case, the estate executor or Personal Representative must also submit a list of potential beneficiaries. 

These primary beneficiaries may include:

  • The deceased’s spouse
  • The deceased’s children 
  • The deceased’s parents

Minor children of the decedent are legally defined as those under the age of 25. They are generally entitled to recover more significant damages than those adult children 25 and over. One of the reasons being that many children under the age of 25 are often dependent upon the decedent for support. 

Other dependents and/or family members of the decedent may also recover damages, but there are specific requirements that must be met. There are many intricacies involved in handling Florida wrongful death cases. That is why it is so important that various family members take advantage of the Free Consultations offered by most law firms that handle wrongful death cases. Of course, it would be prudent to speak with a highly experienced lawyer and one who is extremely knowledgeable about all of the family member’s rights under the Florida Wrongful Death Statute. 

The attorneys at Schrier Law Group will ensure that every family member who is entitled to monetary compensation will be protected. Justice for you and your family starts now by placing a call to Schrier Law Group at (800) 700-7285 or (800) 700-PAUL.

What is the Statute of Limitations in a Wrongful Death Case?

The statute of limitations, referenced in the Florida Wrongful Death Statute, is two years. That means that one must generally file their claim or bring their case within two years from the date of the wrongful death, or they will most likely lose their right to ever bring a case. However, there are often pre-suit notice requirements that must be met prior to the expiration of the two-year Statute of Limitations. However, every case is different and must be determined based on the law governing the specific case at hand. 

While the loss of a loved one brings on the most challenging time in our lives, it is also a time where it is unfortunately imperative to seek out the advice of an attorney who is of the highest caliber, an extremely experienced attorney who understands what you are going through and an attorney who you trust to protect and to preserve your right to bring a case under Florida’s Wrongful Death Laws. 

Failure to adhere to all of the requirements regarding the Statute of Limitations under the Florida wrongful death Statute could very well prohibit the decedent’s personal representative from recovering lawful compensation for the victims, who are suffering and who should be the lawful appropriate beneficiaries under the Florida Wrongful Death Statute.

Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

Wrongful death cases could be caused by many of the following common factors and situations: 

  • Defective, poorly designed, and mislabeled products have, all too often, caused wrongful deaths. When products are poorly designed, assembled, or manufactured, and the carelessness contributes to or causes an avoidable death of a loved one, a lawsuit may be filed against the at-fault party. 
  • Automobile accidents can result in devastating consequences and even tragic deaths. In fact, auto accidents are one of the most common events that lead to the filing of wrongful death cases in Florida. If an accident occurs because of poor highway or road conditions and the poor conditions were caused by a lack of maintenance or a defect that was known by or should have been known by a municipality, there is a chance that the city, county, or the state of Florida may be responsible for the family member’s damages under the wrongful death statute.  
  • Medical malpractice does take place, despite the fact that most healthcare professionals usually provide excellent care. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, and mistakes do occur. When a physician’s misdiagnoses or negligent error causes the death of a loved one, it can result in the family member’s right to recover monetary compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. 
  • Workplace hazards are obviously vastly different, depending on the industry that one works within. There are many occupations that pose risks, which are not taken seriously enough or which are not up to Federal or State safety standards. In certain situations, employers can be held responsible for paying damages in a wrongful death negligence case and also avoid certain protections that worker’s compensation cases may provide, even if an accident & resulting death occurs while the decedent was working.
  • Intentional criminal actions can lead to criminal and civil proceedings. Families may sue the responsible offenders in a wrongful death lawsuit, even if the offenders were either acquitted, never changed with a crime, or imprisoned.

Potential Wrongful Death Damages in Florida

If you are successful in bringing a wrongful death case, the Jury or Court will generally order the defendant to pay monetary damages for the following:

  • Loss of the support and services that the deceased provided 
  • Loss of companionship and protection
  • Mental pain and suffering
  • Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance
  • Medical and funeral expenses

In Survivor Actions, the deceased person’s estate may recover certain damages, including lost wages, other benefits, as well as earnings from the date of your loved one’s injury to the date of their death.

Contact a Proven Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Wrongful death case law is constantly evolving, and changes can lead to confusion and what appears to be, conflicting rulings by our Courts. If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death case in Florida, it is wise to consider consulting with a skilled personal injury & wrongful death attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer will generally be able to explain how the most up-to-date wrongful death laws apply to your specific situation.

An adept wrongful death lawyer can advocate for your rights, thoroughly investigate your case, and either go to trial on your behalf or negotiate a settlement with the defense for maximum compensation. 

At Schrier Law Group, our Florida elite personal injury and wrongful death attorneys are here to assist you & your family members so that you receive the most potential compensation for your case. While money is never the complete answer, and we often want justice from the negligent party who took our loved one from us. The legal teams in Schrier Law Group will work tirelessly to recover everything possible within the bounds of Florida Law. We have the resources and the necessary skills to win your wrongful death cases, and you will never pay our law firm fees or costs until we win your case. We also offer compassionate assistance and strive to make you feel comforted throughout the legal process.

Contact Schrier Law Group today for a Free Case Review. We can be reached 24 hours, 7 days per week, at (800) 700-PAUL. Don’t be fooled by others. Get the money that you deserve for your loss.