Venice Wrongful Death Attorney
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.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
Under Florida law, a person’s death is considered wrongful if it was the result of another person’s:
- Negligence;
- Wrongful act;
- Breach of warranty or contract; or
- Default.
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.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
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:
- A decedent’s surviving spouse, children, and parents; and
- Any blood relatives or adoptive siblings that were at least partly dependent on the decedent prior to his or her death.
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.
Wrongful Death Damages
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:
- The value of the loss of the deceased’s companionship and protection;
- The deceased’s lost earnings from the date of the injury to the date of his or her death;
- The loss of the victim’s future income;
- The medical expenses incurred as a result of the decedent’s final illness or injury;
- The pain and suffering endured by the victim as a result of his or her physical injuries prior to death;
- Funeral and burial costs; and
- The mental pain and suffering endured by the decedent’s family because of its loss.
For help determining whether you could be entitled to wrongful death damages upon the untimely loss of a loved one, please call our office.
Call or Contact Us Online Today
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 941-735-4529 or send us an online message today.
