How an Attorney Can Help After a Wrongful Death
Michael Babboni
Law
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is difficult and can prove to be a traumatic experience for loved ones. However, it can prove to be even more traumatic if the accident that caused the wrongful death could have been avoided.Taking Action
While taking action following a wrongful death doesn't always seem like a priority, you should still consult with an experienced attorney so they can help you navigate the process and handle the legalities of the situation. Your attorney will be your advocate and can help guarantee that you receive the compensation you are entitled to following the wrongful death of a loved one.
Who Can File Wrongful Death in Florida?
Your attorney will discuss the details of the case with you and fill you in on who can actually file a wrongful death case in Florida. To file, you must be a close relative of the decedent, or you may not be able to recover any monetary damages following their death. Some of the people who can file a wrongful death claim for a loved one include:
• The spouse of the decedent
• Their children
• Their parents
• Other dependents who are blood-related
• Adoptive relatives in some cases
The attorney will work with the personal representative in charge of your loved one's estate to file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the beneficiaries who have a right to the damages. Once the case is over, the personal representative is the one that collects the damages and then distributes them to those eligible.
Compensation for Wrongful Death Claims
The extent of the compensation for the wrongful death claim will ultimately depend on a number of factors surrounding the case. Your attorney will take the time to investigate the case as thoroughly as possible and will have the resources in place to do just that.
The attorney can investigate several aspects of the wrongful death case, including financial aspects, forensic and medical aspects, and can speak with experts to help calculate and prove any damages.
Some factors an attorney will consider:
• Damages the decedent was entitled to for a personal injury claim
• Medical bills and expenses that were used to treat the decedent
• Wages they would have earned had they lived
• Lost benefits, including health insurance and social security benefits
• Funeral and burial costs
• The loss of companionship, support, and guidance
• The loss of childcare, accounting, and security services
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages for the decedent and those who are grieving
Causes of Death in a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death case can be filed in several different situations resulting from the death of a loved one. This can include death as the result of a motor vehicle accident or other types of accidents. In addition, wrongful death attorneys in Florida can help file a claim in the case of vehicular homicide or any other criminal act that leads to death as well.
Your wrongful death attorney in Florida can represent you if the wrongful death of a loved one was due to a car accident, bicycle accident, motorcycle accident, boating accident, truck accident, or a premises liability and fall.
Contacting an Attorney
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible following the wrongful death of a loved one. As you can see, an experienced attorney can help you with every aspect of the case, from beginning to end, and can help ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Your attorney can also ensure you meet all deadlines when filing your wrongful death claim. If you miss a deadline, you waive your right to recover any damages. They can also help unfold crucial evidence that can be used to prove your case.
The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better your chances of receiving maximum compensation following a wrongful death lawsuit.