The most tragic and unexpected thing that a family can experience is the unexpected death of a loved one. If you lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, a Lake Worth personal injury lawyer can help you take legal action.
Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has been representing Floridians since 2013. If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident, a wrongful death lawyer in Lake Worth can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you pursue compensation.
How a Lake Worth Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
After you lose a loved one, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by questions about how to support your family and pursue accountability at the same time.
A Lake Worth wrongful death lawyer can step in and help by:
- Investigating the incident: An attorney can gather accident reports, medical records, photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, employment records, and other evidence that proves what happened and who is responsible.
- Calculating your financial losses: A lawyer can evaluate your lost income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the other economic consequences of your loved one’s death to determine the value of your claim.
- Handling insurance companies: An attorney can communicate with insurers and push back against unfair settlement offers.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can prepare and file a wrongful death lawsuit. If necessary, we can also represent your family in court.
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How Much Money Can You Expect to Get in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
There is no standard wrongful death settlement amount in Florida. The value of your claim will depend on factors such as the circumstances of your relative’s death, their age and income, the financial losses you suffered, and the strength of the evidence establishing liability.
Wrongful death settlements can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million. A wrongful death attorney in Lake Worth can evaluate your case and provide a more precise estimate.
Types of Damages You May Recover in a Wrongful Death Suit
The types of damages that you and your family may be able to recover in a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida include:
- Funeral expenses: You may recover reasonable funeral and burial-related expenses.
- Lost support and services: You can seek compensation for the value of support and services the deceased provided before death and would likely have provided in the future.
- Loss of companionship: A surviving spouse may seek damages for the loss of the deceased’s companionship and protection.
- Loss of parental companionship: Minors may be entitled to compensation for losing a parent’s companionship, instruction, and guidance.
- Mental pain and suffering: Depending on your relationship to the deceased and the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover damages for mental pain and suffering.
- Medical expenses: If you covered medical expenses resulting from the deceased’s fatal injury, you may be able to recover those costs.
- Punitive damages: Additional damages may be available if the defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
According to Florida Statute § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of a family member’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida.
Special rules may apply to cases involving government entities or medical negligence. Failing to file your claim before the applicable statute of limitations expires will result in you forfeiting the right to seek damages, which is why it’s important to get legal help right away.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can legally file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased did not leave a will or estate plan, the probate court will appoint a personal representative.
The representative files a claim on behalf of the estate and all eligible survivors, but they do not keep any compensation. Any recovered money goes to the estate and qualifying family members, which may include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Blood relatives and adoptive siblings who were dependent on the decedent for financial support or services
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Lake Worth
Fatal incidents can happen in many different settings. Some of the most common circumstances that provide grounds for wrongful death claims include:
- Car accidents: Negligent driving, speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous conduct can cause fatal crashes.
- Truck accidents: Commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries because of their size and weight.
- Motorcycle accidents: Drivers who fail to see or yield to motorcycles can cause fatal collisions.
- Pedestrian accidents: A driver who strikes a pedestrian because of speeding, distraction, impairment, or failure to yield may face civil liability.
- Medical malpractice: A healthcare provider’s negligent treatment or diagnosis can contribute to a patient’s death.
- Workplace accidents: Construction incidents, equipment failures, falls, exposure to dangerous conditions, and other workplace events can have fatal consequences.
Reach Out to Our Lake Worth Wrongful Death Lawyers
While a wrongful death claim won’t undo your loss, it may help you recover the money necessary to support yourself and your family. A Lake Worth wrongful death attorney from Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help build your claim, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.
Schedule a free consultation to find out whether you have grounds for a lawsuit.
