If an accident or unusual circumstances caused the loss of a loved one, you might have the right to seek compensation to assist with expenses and start the healing process. A Miami Gardens wrongful death lawyer can help your family in this difficult situation and build your legal claim.
Our team at the Blakeley Law Firm offers both experience and empathy to individuals enduring such heartbreaking losses. We can assist you in examining your possibilities and seeking the justice that you and your family deserve.
You can rely on a Miami Gardens personal injury lawyer to provide the support you need. We've brought our clients over $200 million in compensation and can provide more information about your potential claim when you contact us for a risk-free consultation.
Why Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Miami Gardens?
Hiring an attorney means your family will have someone dedicated to providing the legal aid you need after the loss of a loved one. You can rely on us to explain your situation, answer any questions you have, and represent your best interests.
We're here to help you take legal action against the party responsible for the loss of your loved one, helping your family get a sense of closure and the funds necessary to financially recover.
You can reach out now to learn more about the services we can provide.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death
Your family may receive funds to address the financial losses you face after a fatal accident. Florida sorts these damages into two categories:
Damages for the Family
The decedent's family may receive compensation after a fatal accident. Depending on the situation, the family may receive funds to cover:
- Loss of services and support
- Loss of protection and companionship
- Loss of guidance and instruction
- A loved one's medical and funeral expenses
- Mental pain and suffering
Our team can provide more information about the funds available to your family during this difficult time. We can also explain how wrongful death settlements are paid.
Damages for the Estate of the Decedent
Your loved one's estate may also receive certain damages after a fatal accident. The estate may receive funds related to your loved one's:
- Lost benefits, wages, and other earnings
- Future benefits and earnings
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
Typically, the decedent's estate can obtain these funds through a survival action, rather than a wrongful death claim.
To ensure survivors receive the most compensation possible, it's crucial to talk with an experienced wrongful death attorney in Miami Gardens who can navigate the complexities of your case effectively.
We can provide you with more information about the various funds available to your loved one's estate.
Notes on Compensation for Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Cases
Florida places several restrictions on compensation for wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice, especially if the malpractice involved medical negligence.
Florida limits the ability of families to seek compensation for lost companionship, instruction, and guidance in these cases. It also limits the ability to seek damages for mental pain and suffering.
How Much Is Your Wrongful Death Case Worth?
This value varies widely depending on several factors. The case's value can range from zero (if there is no insurance coverage) to several million dollars (if there is extensive insurance coverage and the accident involves catastrophic injuries).
The amount of money you can get depends on the strength of the evidence, how many family members can claim compensation, and how close the relationship is between each family member and the deceased person.
Apart from insurance, several factors can impact the value of a wrongful death case, including the quality of the evidence.
Factors That Decrease the Value of a Claim
When it's not clear who is at fault for the death, if the relationships between the deceased person and their surviving family members were not very strong, or if there isn't much insurance money available, the case value tends to decrease.
The case's value often depends on the amount of insurance money available. If the person responsible for the death doesn't have much insurance, which is common in individual car accident cases, the amount of money you can get might be limited to what the insurance policy covers.
Factors That Increase the Value of a Claim
If there is clear evidence that someone else's actions caused the death (like in a rear-end car accident), if there are many surviving family members as defined by Florida's wrongful death law, if there is strong evidence that the relationships were very close, and if there is enough insurance money to cover a higher amount, then the value might increase.
If the person responsible for the death is a big company, they typically have a lot of money and insurance to cover all the damages.
Do You Have a Wrongful Death Case?
According to Florida law, you have the legal grounds to pursue a wrongful death case with a qualified Miami Gardens wrongful death attorney when negligence causes the death of a person.
This provision encompasses a broad spectrum of scenarios. If your loved one's passing was a result of another's actions, you potentially have a strong case.
Your Lawyer Needs to Prove Negligence
Our legal team needs to prove that negligent actions caused the loss of your loved one. To establish negligence, we need to prove that:
- Another party owed your loved one a duty of care
- The other party violated their duty
- The other party's actions directly caused the loss of your loved one
You can face challenges in proving negligence if you do not have legal help on your side. The other party may deny what happened or try to obscure evidence. Fortunately, we're here to help because we know what is needed to prove wrongful death.
How Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Work?
A wrongful death lawsuit allows you to sue the party responsible for the loss of your loved one. In most cases, a wrongful death attorney in Miami Gardens will resolve your claim through a settlement, instead of a lawsuit, but can take this step if the insurance company does not treat you fairly.
A lawsuit requires your lawyer to demonstrate to the court that someone else caused a fatal accident and caused your family's financial hardships. Your lawyer will need to present evidence to secure a verdict in your favor.
We're ready to assist with every step of the lawsuit process.
Why Choose Us to Handle Your Legal Needs?
At Blakeley Law Firm, our unwavering commitment is to represent clients like you. With a stellar track record spanning over a decade, our accomplished legal team focuses on high-value vehicle accident cases, advocating for survivors' rights to compensation and pursuing wrongful death claims.
Experience You Can Trust
Our litigators and dedicated staff have the professionalism to guide you through various issues, including all the legal challenges you face after the loss of a loved one. We put our clients first, drawing on our extensive experience to develop a personalized plan to meet the needs of your family.
No Upfront Costs
We are committed to your best interests. We firmly believe you shouldn't bear any financial burden unless your case results in a settlement. That's why we offer our services with no upfront costs.
Our initial legal consultations are always free, ensuring you can survey your legal options without financial barriers.
Convenient Locations
With two conveniently located offices, we prioritize clarity and accessibility throughout the legal process.
We understand the importance of meeting deadlines, preserving critical evidence, and building a solid case. Our dedicated team ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.
Hablamos Español
We recognize the diverse communities we serve, so we proudly offer our services in English and Spanish. We're here to communicate with you in the language you're most comfortable with.
When you choose Blakeley Law Firm, you select a team that combines legal experience, dedication to your well-being, and a commitment to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation, and let us stand by your side on the path to justice and recovery.
Positive Client Reviews
Client reviews for Blakeley Law Firm highlight the firm's commitment to professionalism, care for clients, and effective communication. Clients mention feeling supported and guided throughout the legal process, with Mr. Blakeley and his team treating them like family.
They appreciate the ease of contact, regular updates, and the knowledgeable, experienced assistance they receive. These testimonials highlight our firm's commitment to supporting accident victims and our ability to deliver exceptional service during challenging times.
Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Claim
Who can file a wrongful death suit? According to the law in Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate must initiate the wrongful death case.
Your loved one may have selected someone to serve as a personal representative. If not, the court can assign someone to serve this role. The personal representative makes legal decisions on behalf of the survivors.
They play a crucial role in the legal process, including retaining an attorney to handle the case and making important decisions, both strategic and related to settlements, in the best interests of the survivors.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Talk to a Miami Gardens wrongful death lawyer to get accurate advice about the time limit for your case. In general, you usually have two years from the date of the wrongful death incident to file a lawsuit. This two-year deadline is called the statute of limitations.
Some exceptions apply to this deadline. To understand exactly when the deadline applies to your case, consult a wrongful death attorney who can explain it based on your situation. You can learn more about the wrongful death statute of limitations with our team.
Common Causes of Fatal Accidents
In the state of Florida, wrongful death claims arise when someone's negligence or criminal actions lead to the loss of a life. We can assist your family after a deadly:
Motor Vehicle Accident
Florida sees many car accidents yearly; sadly, some of these accidents turn fatal. Negligent driving behaviors, like driving under the influence, reckless driving, and distracted driving, contribute to a substantial portion of these fatalities.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, buses, delivery trucks, and construction vehicles can have devastating consequences. Because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, collisions can lead to severe injuries and fatalities.
We can help with filing a wrongful death claim after a car accident.
Construction Accident
The construction industry is inherently hazardous, but many fatalities occur due to the negligence of third parties at construction sites. Lack of safety measures, inadequate training, and safety violations can lead to tragic accidents.
Pool Accident
Drowning accidents in pools can happen unexpectedly, especially when proper safety precautions are lacking. You may hold property owners or pool maintenance companies accountable for wrongful deaths if they fail to adhere to safety guidelines.
Boating Accident
Negligence by boat operators, like failing to follow safety regulations or provide necessary safety equipment, can lead to boating accident fatalities.
Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident
Collisions between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles can lead to tragic outcomes, particularly in school zones or other vulnerable areas.
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are vulnerable, and accidents often occur when drivers fail to notice them. They can result in severe injuries and fatalities.
Prescription Medication Error
Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can lead to harmful drug interactions, incorrect dosages, or other complications, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
If you believe that the loss of a loved one was due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions in any of these situations, consult a wrongful death attorney to explore your legal options and seek justice for your loved one.
Talk to Us After a Deadly Accident in Miami Gardens
Your family can rely on a Miami Gardens wrongful death attorney from our team at Blakeley Law Firm to provide the dedicated support you need after the loss of a loved one. We know what you're going through and want to handle all legal matters on your behalf, so you can focus all your energy on caring for your family's emotional needs.
We can apply our experience, training, and resources to holding the liable party accountable, allowing your family to get a sense of closure after this kind of devastating loss.
We can also assist you in securing the funds you need to recover financially. Find out more about the services we provide by contacting us for a risk-free initial consultation.