Wrongful Death Lawyer Melbourne, FL
The attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can imagine the anguish that you may be going through realizing that your loved one’s life could have been taken due to the fault of another. Not only is the grief in itself overwhelming, but suspecting they were taken before their natural time can add more pain to an already unbearable situation. You can depend on injury attorneys Jesse H. Larsen, Douglas W. Tuttle, and Jon Jacob H. Ashenback to be fully involved and supportive in your wrongful death case. We understand how emotional these cases can be. Let our Melbourne, FL wrongful death lawyer help make sure that your loved one’s life was not taken in vain. At the very least, through a wrongful death lawsuit you can recover monetary restitution and a sense of justice. We are ready to get to work for you today.
Who Can Initiate A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Based on the wrongful death statutes for Florida, the personal representative of the victim’s estate is allowed to sue on behalf of surviving family members. The person who can initiate a case for the victim’s death is the personal representative. If the victim lived and would have recovered compensation against the defendant, then the personal representative may be able to start a claim on behalf of the estate. Contact our wrongful death attorney if you have questions about who can initiate the lawsuit.
If the victim had appointed a representative in their will, then that person acts as the plaintiff in the case. However, if the victim did not write a will, then the personal representative comes the surviving spouse or another close relative. The plaintiff is to recover any and all damages pertaining to how the surviving family members suffered emotionally and/or financially. As our Melbourne wrongful death lawyer explains, examples of damages relatives may be entitled to receive compensation for include:
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Mental pain and suffering
- Medical bills and funeral expenses
- Loss of support and services
- Lost earnings
- Lost accumulation of estate value
What Must Be Proven To Win Your Case
As our wrongful death attorney can review with you, there are certain elements that must be proven to have a successful outcome to your wrongful death case. It must be shown that the defendant’s conduct was tortious, that the victim would have brought forward a claim against the defendant if they survived, a personal representative and surviving family members can be identified, and there was resulting causation and damages that the surviving family incurred from their loss. If you have questions about how to gather proof or would like us to investigate and obtain evidence, our wrongful death attorney is prepared to work on your case right away.
Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
Coping with the loss of a loved one while attempting to navigate the complex legal system can be stressful. It can become easy to feel frustrated, and perhaps helpless. But please be assured knowing that our attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can be relentless advocates for your situation. We know the law and how to use them so our clients can be given some sense of justice and won’t have to endure financial hardship during a period of grief. Contact our Melbourne wrongful death lawyer today if you would like assistance.
Types Of Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims arise when a person loses their life due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions. These cases often leave families dealing with emotional pain and financial stress. It’s important to understand the different kinds of incidents that can lead to a claim and how legal support from a Melbourne, FL wrongful death lawyer can make a difference.
Types Of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we work with families facing some of life’s hardest moments. Wrongful death can happen in a variety of situations. We assist clients with claims that result from:
- Personal injury accidents where someone’s careless actions cause fatal harm
- Catastrophic injury cases that later result in the loss of life
- Car accidents involving negligent drivers or unsafe road conditions
Our firm understands just how sensitive this type of case is, so we are here to support you as legal advocates.
Why Experience Matters In Wrongful Death Cases
Losing a loved one is devastating. When legal action is necessary, experience plays a major role in building a strong case and avoiding delays. Our legal team is prepared to work through the facts and help families move forward with clarity and focus.
- We have been rated by Super Lawyers.
- We have been awarded a Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence award from Martindale-Hubbell.
- We have won settlements as large as $3.2 million in accident cases.
We are ready to put our experience to work for you on your wrongful death case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Claims
When someone dies due to another person or company’s actions, it can lead to a wrongful death claim. These types of cases require a clear connection between the actions and the loss of life. Proving fault may involve looking at accident reports, reviewing medical records, speaking to witnesses, and evaluating physical evidence. Whether it’s a workplace incident, vehicle crash, or a defective product, each case demands a focused legal strategy.
For example, a Melbourne wrongful death lawyer may work with accident reconstruction professionals or medical experts to help show how and why an incident happened. This kind of evidence helps establish liability and determine the types of compensation that may be available to surviving family members. Compensation may include funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. An attorney can let you know how much compensation you could potentially receive through a case.
Steps to take after an accident are time-sensitive. Families should gather as much documentation as possible, including police reports, insurance details, and communication with involved parties. It’s also important to preserve evidence like photographs, videos, or damaged property that may be relevant. Keeping a record of emotional and financial losses can also support a wrongful death claim.
Tips for building your accident case include creating a timeline of events from the moment of the incident to the days and weeks that followed. This can help your legal team understand how the loss has impacted your family and what financial support may be necessary moving forward. Keeping communication organized and avoiding statements to insurance companies without legal guidance can also protect your case.
Losing a loved one unexpectedly changes everything. If you believe your family member’s death was caused by someone else’s actions, a Melbourne wrongful death lawyer from Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is ready to help you take the next steps. Reach out to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue accountability and justice.
Common Causes Of Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking, but when that loss is caused by someone else’s actions, the grief can be even more overwhelming. If you’re looking for a Melbourne, FL wrongful death lawyer, chances are you’re seeking accountability as well as justice. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we help families file wrongful death claims to hold the responsible parties legally and financially liable.
We are a Super Lawyers–rated firm with a Martindale-Hubbell peer rating for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence, reflecting our commitment to both professional integrity and results for clients. We work to promptly get your case filed to meet all deadlines so you get the compensation you deserve. Below are some of the most common causes of wrongful death cases we see throughout Florida.
1. Car Accidents
Auto crashes are the leading cause of wrongful death claims. Whether caused by speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, a single poor decision behind the wheel can cost someone their life. In these cases, surviving family members can pursue damages for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss.
2. Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in collisions due to the lack of physical protection. Even minor accidents can result in fatal injuries. These wrongful death cases often involve proving negligence on the part of another driver who failed to yield, check blind spots, or obey traffic laws. As a Melbourne wrongful death lawyer can share, these accidents can be due to speeding, weather, or someone simply not paying attention on the road.
3. Truck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes frequently lead to fatal outcomes because of the vehicle’s size and weight. When companies fail to enforce safety policies, perform maintenance, or properly train drivers, they may be held liable for resulting deaths. These claims may involve liability issues between drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.
4. Medical Malpractice
Doctors and healthcare providers have a duty to meet professional standards of care. When they fail through surgical errors, missed diagnoses, or medication mistakes the results can be fatal. Wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice require expert witnesses and detailed medical evidence.
5. Workplace Accidents
High-risk jobs such as construction, roofing, and manufacturing can lead to fatal injuries when proper safety measures aren’t followed. While workers’ compensation may cover some benefits, families may also have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit if a third party or unsafe condition was involved.
6. Defective Products
From faulty auto parts to unsafe prescription drugs, defective products can cause fatal injuries to consumers. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all be held liable in a product liability wrongful death case. These claims require technical and legal expertise to pursue successfully.
7. Boating Accidents
Florida’s waters see a high number of boating fatalities each year, many due to intoxication, inexperience, or speeding. If your loved one was killed in a boating crash caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. As an immediate family member, you are able to get compensation for your loss.
In a wrongful death claim, we work closely with families to understand how the loss has impacted their lives emotionally, financially, and personally. Our legal team gathers the necessary evidence, handles negotiations, and when needed, takes the case to trial to fight for fair compensation.
These are not easy cases emotionally, but having a dedicated legal team can make all the difference during this difficult time. If you’ve lost someone due to another person’s reckless or negligent actions, we’re here to help you pursue justice. Contact Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today to speak with a Melbourne wrongful death lawyer who understands what you’re going through and how to help.