Wrongful Death Overview
What Constitutes a Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatal crashes caused by negligent drivers, including drunk or distracted drivers.
- Workplace Accidents: Fatal injuries on the job due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper safety protocols.
- Medical Malpractice: Loss of life resulting from medical errors, misdiagnosis, or failure to provide adequate care.
- Premises Liability: Fatal injuries caused by unsafe property conditions, such as slip and falls or inadequate security.
- Defective Products: Death caused by dangerous or malfunctioning products.
If you’ve lost a loved one under these or similar circumstances, Graves Injury Law Firm is here to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims
In Florida, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covers costs incurred for medical treatment prior to the loved one’s passing.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Provides financial relief for end-of-life arrangements.
- Lost Income and Benefits: Compensation for the financial contributions the deceased would have provided to the family.
- Loss of Companionship: Monetary relief for the emotional loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional distress and trauma caused by the death of a loved one.
At Graves Injury Law Firm, we work tirelessly to ensure that families receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to under Florida law.
How We Handle Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death cases require thorough investigation and meticulous preparation. Our team at Graves Injury Law Firm takes a comprehensive approach to build a strong case, including:
- Gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Consulting with experts, including medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists, to establish liability and assess damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursuing litigation to ensure you receive fair compensation.
We handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing and spending time with your family during this difficult time.
Contact Graves Injury Law Firm Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, let Stephanie Vega Graves and her team at Graves Injury Law Firm help you seek justice. We are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation to hold the responsible party accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation and closure your family deserves.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases
In Florida, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members, including:
- Spouse.
- Children.
- Parents.
- Other dependents or heirs as outlined by Florida law.
The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Florida is two years from the date of the death. It is critical to act quickly to preserve evidence and ensure your case is filed on time.
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, you must demonstrate:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence or intentional actions.
- The breach directly caused the death.
- The death resulted in damages to the surviving family members.
Compensation is typically distributed based on the relationship and level of dependency of each family member. For example, a spouse may receive compensation for lost companionship, while children may receive compensation for lost parental guidance and support.