What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
If you’ve lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence, there is absolutely nothing that can even come close to righting the tragedy you’ve experienced. A wrongful death claim is, however, the legal tool available to you for recovering on several basic categories of loss and aiding you on the path toward healing. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, don’t wait to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney at Matthews Injury Law.
The Kinds of Accidents that Often Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
The kinds of accidents that tend to support wrongful death claims include all the following:
- Traffic crashes of all kinds, including car, truck, motorcycle, bike, and pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents and other premises liability claims
- Medical malpractice claims, which are a specialized form of personal injury claims
You may have a wrongful death claim if another party’s negligence caused the accident or incident in question. For example, a speeding driver who causes a car accident or a professional negligence that supports medical malpractice claims.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
In Florida, a representative of the decedent’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. Decedent refers to the person who lost their life, and if they didn’t name a representative in their will, the court will assign the role. The representative files the claim on behalf of the decedent’s surviving heirs, as outlined by state law.
These survivors include the following, in order of priority:
- The surviving spouse and any minor children of the decedent
- Any adult children of the decedent
- The decedent’s parents
- Any blood relatives or adoptive siblings of the decedent who were dependent on them for financial support at the time of their death
The Compensation Sought
The compensation that you can seek in a Florida wrongful death claim includes all the following:
- The decedent’s final medical expenses before death
- The cost of the decedent’s funeral and burial
- The decedent’s support and services that their beneficiaries have lost out on, including wages and employment-based benefits, as well as household services
- The pain and suffering that the beneficiaries experienced as a result of their immense loss
- The loss of companionship that the decedent’s surviving spouse and children endure
If you’ve lost a loved one to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t wait to consult with a seasoned wrongful death lawyer.
You Need an Experienced Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer on Your Side
Having a loved one ripped out of your life because of someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience that the law cannot make right. Our compassionate Florida wrongful death attorneys at Matthews Injury Law, however, will spare no effort in their focused pursuit of a claim outcome that helps. We are on your side, so please don’t delay reaching out by contacting us online or giving us a call at 813-530-1000 today.