Wrongful Death Claims in South Florida: What Compensation May Be Available to Your Family?
The loss of a family member is devastating to their loved ones. Florida law protects those left behind to mourn their parent, sibling, spouse, or child by providing them legal options to recover financial compensation. Nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one, but having financial support can help you rebuild your life. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families may seek economic damages, including funeral costs and medical bills, and non-economic damages such as suffering, mental anguish, and loss of companionship.
However, the process for recovering damages is far from simple. Having an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney on your side is essential to protecting your rights and giving you the best chance of recovering the compensation you are legally entitled to.
What Kinds Of Damages Can I Recover From A Fatal Accident In Florida?
Wrongful death claims are supposed to ease the financial burden on the survivors and hold those liable for the death responsible. Damages are divided into two main categories:
- Economic damages, which cover measurable financial losses. These are physical losses proven through documentation such as medical bills and receipts.
- Non-economic damages are calculated to address the intangible losses the surviving family member experiences.
How To Recover Economic Damages
Economic damages typically include medical expenses incurred prior to passing, along with reasonable burial and funeral costs. Survivors may also seek compensation for the loss of benefits and future earnings the deceased could be expected to have provided except for their untimely death.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will examine the victim’s health, age, and career outlook to calculate the extent of the loss and come up with reasonable figures for maintaining a family’s financial stability throughout the arduous transition following a tragic loss.
Calculating Non-Economic Damages for Emotional Pain
Fatal accidents incur more than just medical bills and funeral expenses; Florida accounts for the profound emotional toll a family may go through due to the negligence of another. Non-economic damages are designed to compensate for losses such as:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of protection
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of mental stability and peace due to pain and suffering resulting from the death
These losses are subjective – they can’t easily be tallied up with bills and receipts – and require a profound understanding of the family dynamic. At Your Damage Lawyer, we understand the value of life extends far beyond a paycheck, and will help you figure out what the court may award you.
Who Can Claim Damages After A Fatal Florida Accident?
The wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who files a claim on behalf of the surviving family members. Typically this includes the surviving spouse, parents, and children of the decedent. However, there are cases where adopted siblings or blood relatives dependent on the deceased for support may qualify.
Call Us Today
We know that nothing can ever make up for the loss of your loved one, but our Florida wrongful death lawyers will advise you on your options and guide you through the difficult process so you can focus on healing. Having an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side is the only way you will recover fair compensation after such a loss. Call Your Damage Lawyer to consult with a top wrongful death attorney today.
Meta description: Here are the economic and non-economic damages you may seek in Florida for wrongful death. Call Your Damage Lawyer for an attorney today at (786) 519-2423.