While some car accident victims are fortunate enough to walk away from an accident with only scrapes and bruises, this is rarely the case after serious collisions, which could even result in a person’s death. In these cases, the surviving relatives of loved ones are often able to hold the person who caused their family member’s untimely death, accountable for medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and emotional distress. While it is true that no amount of monetary compensation can make up for the traumatic loss of a loved one, it can go a long way towards helping victims stay financially afloat while they mourn. Filing this type of claim can, however, be difficult, especially for those who are suffering a significant loss, so if you recently lost a loved one in an accident, please contact one of our experienced Venice wrongful death attorneys who can help give your claim the best possible chance of success.
Under Florida law, a person’s death is considered wrongful if it was the result of another person’s:
Basically, if the facts of a case would have supported a personal injury claim if the victim had survived, the deceased’s loved ones will have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their relative.
Wrongful death claims are generally filed on a decedent’s behalf by that individual’s personal representative. These claims are, however, filed for the benefit of specific individuals who are related to the victim, including:
All of a decedent’s potential beneficiaries must be identified and their relationship to the decedent clarified before they will be considered eligible for a damages award.
Plaintiffs who can prove that someone else caused or contributed to a loved one’s death through negligence, recklessness, or a wrongful act could be entitled to a damages award compensating them for:
For help determining whether you could be entitled to wrongful death damages upon the untimely loss of a loved one, please call our office.
At Hale Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients hold negligent parties accountable for causing the tragic and unexpected loss of a beloved relative. We offer free initial case reviews, so if you have questions about your own legal rights, please call 561-286-4876 or send us an online message today.