The worst way to lose your loved one is to an unexpected accident. Whether the accident was at work, on the road, or somewhere else is not as important as what caused it. Identifying this cause is key for a wrongful death claim in Florida, like anywhere else. This can help you pay for funeral expenses and cover future lost earnings if your loved one helped pay bills. Feel free to ask a Florida wrongful death lawyer for guidance during such an overwhelming time.
How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
Filing a wrongful death claim may sound difficult, but the process itself is usually not. What is difficult is proving that someone else caused your loved one’s death. Not only do you have to prove negligence, but you also have to prove a breach of duty and how this breach directly caused the death of your loved one.
The difficulty of proving causation like this varies by cause. For example, proving causation in a car accident with a drunk driver is somewhat easier than proving that medical malpractice was the cause. Medical malpractice comes with a whole team of lawyers hired by the hospital. You may not have been there to witness the malpractice. Doctors may deny any wrongdoing and their staff may cover this up.
This is when contacting a Florida wrongful death lawyer might be your best bet. A lawyer can run through the case with you to see:
- What caused your loved one’s death
- What evidence do you need
- Your options for compensation
Compensation can be sought through a lawsuit, mediation, or arbitration. Mediation is your cheapest option but is impossible unless both people reach an agreement. Arbitration can also save time because this only involves you, the person responsible, and a judge. Your last option is going to trial, something that takes more time and money.
What Wrongful Death Claim Damages Can I Receive?
You might be wondering whether going through the trouble of filing a wrongful death lawsuit is worth it. The answer depends on how your loved one’s death has impacted your finances. If your loved one provided income, then you may need the financial assistance provided by compensation,
Other wrongful death claim damages you could be eligible for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills that were not paid off
- Future lost wages
Funeral expenses alone can add up fast and be overwhelming for people. This is especially true when the death was unexpected and there was no time to prepare. Unlike natural deaths, unexpected deaths leave no time to make funeral plans.
Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer
The aftermath of an unexpected death can be painful. Contact Piedra Law Injury Attorneys by dialing (855) 881-4878 to speak with a Kendall County wrongful death attorney for a free consultation today. Our experienced Florida lawyers might be able to help you obtain compensation for funeral costs, pain and suffering, and future lost wages. We can be found in Miami, Dade County, Broward County, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, North Miami, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Doral, Kendall, and Homestead, Florida.
