Wrongful Death Lawyer Florida
When a loved one is killed in an accident caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness, Florida law allows the family of the victim to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., each wrongful death lawyer Florida clients turn to understands that no amount of money will ever make up for the tragic loss of a loved one. We also understand that this sudden loss is not only emotional devastation, but it can also be financially devastating.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Generally, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed in incidents where if the victim had survived, they would have been entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to obtain financial compensation for their medical expenses, loss of income from being unable to work, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, loss of life enjoyment, and more. These dame losses can be pursued under a wrongful death action filed by the victim’s survivors.
Under Florida’s wrongful death statute, all potential beneficiaries, as well as the victim’s estate, can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit can be filed by a victim’s spouse, children, parents (if the victim is a minor), and representative of the victim’s estate.
Damages include the value of the loss of support and services from the date the victim was injured until their death, as well as the value of future loss of support and services. Other damages that can be collected depend on which beneficiary is filing the lawsuit:
- The victim’s spouse: May also seek damages for loss of the victim’s companionship and protection, as well as damages for the mental anguish for their loss.
- The victim’s children: May also seek damages for loss of parental guidance, companionship, and instruction, as well as damages for the mental anguish for their loss.
- Parents of a minor child: May also seek damages for the mental anguish for their loss. If the victim was an adult child who had no spouse or children, the parents pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
The representative of the victim’s estate can pursue damages for an array of losses:
- Loss of income from the day the victim was injured until the day they died.
- Loss of future income
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
There are a number of situations that can result in a wrongful death lawsuit. Some of the more common that a Florida wrongful death lawyer sees in the cases he or she handles include:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous or defective products
A Difficult Process
Wrongful death cases are difficult and tragic. No amount of money can truly make up for the loss, but a successful wrongful death case can bring a sense of closure by obtaining justice and financial compensation for their contributions to your family. The difficulty of these cases can be compounded by the fact that you are forced to deal with complex legal issues at a time when your world has been turned upside down, and you and your family are grieving. This is where we can assist.
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our attorneys are experienced with these legal complexities. We are highly sensitive to the emotional tumult everyone is undergoing. We can lift the burden of the legal aspects, ensuring you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or their defense lawyers.
We can help your family with the complex calculus of bringing a wrongful death case. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Florida wrongful death lawyer and find out how we can help.
Wrongful Death Lawyer FAQs
How can I learn more about my legal rights?
Figuring out your legal rights when trying to file a wrongful death claim can be quite complicated, as a seasoned wrongful death lawyer is aware of. It is important to know that only certain family members can file a wrongful death. You should develop a basic understanding of your legal rights because it can help you understand what choices you can make. If you are not informed about your rights, you can end up making your situation more difficult to deal with. You can also make mistakes that can result in negative consequences, such as getting a lower compensation package. Obtain a basic understanding of your rights, so be sure to ask a lawyer about key things to know.
What evidence do I need to present?
You will need especially compelling evidence for your wrongful death suit to end with positive results. For your wrongful death case to be successful, as a surviving loved one you need to be able to show that your family member died as a result of negligence. Proving negligence requires elements that include: a duty of care, failure to provide duty of care, fatal injuries sustained as a result of the actions, and a connection showing that the defendant committed the actions that led to your loved one’s death. You should provide evidence such as medical records, photographs, videos and eyewitness accounts.
When can a lawyer answer my urgent questions?
It is common to have many questions about the law if you have a legal issue. The best time to ask an experienced wrongful death lawyer like one from Tuttle Larsen, P.A. about answers to pressing questions that you may have is sooner than later. You can have a lawyer answer all of your questions during your consultation with them. This is the time when you first meet the lawyer and can learn more about their background, qualifications, and receive your case assessment. If you are unsure what you need to know and what questions to ask, a lawyer can help you understand what you need to find out.
What happens if I wait too long to see a lawyer?
It is imperative that you see a lawyer as soon as possible while there is time. Wrongful death cases can take a long time to resolve. Many people are not aware that there is limited time to file a claim. Completing a wrongful death suit can take as little as a few months to settle, but more complex cases can take much longer. If a case requires a lengthier, more in-depth investigation, then it can extend the timeline of the case. The more that you procrastinate, the less time that a lawyer may have to get you the information and results that you want to get.
When should I take legal action?
It can be challenging to know when it is the time to consult a lawyer for your dilemma. However, it is better to see a lawyer to discuss your case earlier than later. The best time to take legal action and inquire about the process for starting a wrongful death claim is as soon as you are interested. If you wait too long to speak to a lawyer who may have the solutions for your issues, it may be too late. For more information about getting legal services, request a consultation with a qualified wrongful death lawyer that many clients have relied on for quality legal assistance.