Wrongful Death in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The death of a close family member or spouse is probably one of the worst events in anyone’s life, especially if another person’s negligence or reckless actions caused their unnecessary departure. This devastating event often leaves the deceased person’s family in anguish and financial hardship.
Fortunately, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows specific beneficiaries to file a suit to recover justice and financial compensation on behalf of the decedent. If you need help filing a claim, 1-800-Injured can connect you with a wrongful death attorney in Fort Lauderdale.
What is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that can be filed when the negligence or reckless actions of an individual result in the death of an innocent party. Florida code states that when a person death stems from a wrongful act, breach of contract, or negligence, the estate of the deceased person may seek financial compensation for their losses.
Who Can File?
Under Florida law, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can initiate a wrongful death claim. This representative is named in the will or estate plan. If there is no will, a judge will appoint the representative.
The personal representative files the wrongful death claim for the benefit of the surviving estate and family members. Family members who can recover compensation for their losses in a wrongful death lawsuit include the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, and dependent relatives.
The estate’s representative has to file a claim within two years of the date of death. Failure to meet the statute of limitations may result in your family waiving its right to legal remedy and monetary compensation.
Why File a Wrongful Death Claim?
No amount of money could replace the value of a lost life. However, financial compensation could alleviate the economic hardships your family may be facing.
Types of compensation
Surviving family members may be able to recover financial compensation for economic and intangible damages. The economic losses will reimburse you for any out-of-pocket financial expenses stemming from the accident like funeral expenses, property damage, and medical bills. It could also recoup the cost of lost wages, benefits, and the lost income the dead could have earned if they survived.
On the other hand, intangible losses would pay for the emotional pain and psychological damage caused by the wrongful death. Compensation for this portion could include payment for the loss of companionship and protection provided by the decedent, the value of support and services they contributed, and the pain and suffering caused by their death.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
A wrongful death lawsuit can stem from several different situations including car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace hazards, defective/mislabeled products, and intentional criminal actions. While all of these cases involve various legal issues, they all warrant the advice of a wrongful death attorney.
Filing a lawsuit and winning is not an easy task. These civil suits require extensive knowledge of Florida’s personal injury laws and the state’s legal procedures. Trying to handle it alone can quickly become overwhelming and hurt your prospects of collecting the benefits your family needs.
A personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale will be able to handle the evidence of your case, establish liability, and work towards getting justice on behalf of your deceased loved one.
How 1-800-Injured Can Help You
If you need help filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale, 1-800-Injured can connect you with an attorney near you. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service serving drivers, injured parties, and the family members of those who are deceased due to wrongful death car accidents throughout South Florida. We work with a network of trusted attorneys dedicated to getting their clients the best possible outcome for their case. Call us toll-free at 1-800-Injured to get started on your case today.