Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys

The pain caused by the premature loss of a family member or spouse can be truly devastating. When the deceased person was not only a beloved member of the family but also a source of financial support, the grieving family may be at a loss as to how to make ends meet without that critical source of income.

For families in Florida who have lost a loved one prematurely as the result of negligent, reckless, or willful behavior of another, a wrongful death lawsuit can be a lifeline. The dedicated Florida wrongful death attorneys at Meldon Law can help you determine if you are a candidate to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our attorneys will handle your claim for money damages from start to finish so that you can focus on rebuilding your life after a major loss. Contact our Florida wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation on your case or if you wish to limit the zone area you can opt for a Gainesville wrongful death lawyer.

Florida wrongful death claims offer support to families of victims

When someone dies prematurely due to a mistake or wrongful act by another person or entity, this is considered a wrongful death under the law. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, certain family members have a way to seek the compensation they are owed as the result of their loved one’s death.

To succeed in a wrongful death claim, the victim’s family must prove that their loved one’s death was caused by the defendant, that the defendant had a legal duty toward the victim that they failed to uphold, and that surviving family members of the victim suffered a financial loss due to the victim’s death. One way to decide if a wrongful death lawsuit is an option is to ask whether the victim could have pursued a claim for damages had the victim survived the accident.

These lawsuits are not designed to act as a punishment for the defendant, and if any basis for criminal charges exists, local prosecutors will pursue them. Rather, these civil suits provide a way for surviving family members to afford any outstanding expenses from the victim’s death and replace the loss of wages previously earned by the victim.

Common reasons for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida include:

• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Medical errors or hospital malpractice
• Boating accidents
• Slip-and-fall accidents based on premises liability
• Pedestrian accidents
• Dangerous or defective products

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

Florida law states that only the personal representative of the deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative is normally named in a person’s will. If the deceased person did not create a will before they died, then the court has the authority to appoint a personal representative.

The personal representative files the claim, seeking damages on behalf of both the deceased person’s estate and certain close relatives of the deceased person. Namely, proceeds from a lawsuit may be distributed among the victim’s spouse, children, parents, and dependent blood relatives.

What damages are available in Florida wrongful death lawsuits?

Wrongful death lawsuits can seek compensation for the following types of losses on behalf of the deceased person’s estate:

• Medical costs of the deceased person’s care for their injuries or illness prior to their passing
• Lost income, both during any hospital stay before their death and what an expert projects the individual would have earned had they kept working
• Lost benefits, such as any retirement plan, medical benefits, or 401K benefits

Damages that can be sought on behalf of surviving family members include:

• Loss of companionship and protection
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of parental guidance
• Loss of support and services provided by the deceased person, such as childcare, housekeeping, or other domestic services, both present and future
• Any medical costs or funeral expenses paid by family members

Compassionate representation for you and your family from a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

Meldon Law’s dedicated and compassionate wrongful death attorneys are prepared to help your family after a death. We take seriously the responsibility with which our clients entrust us when they hire us to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our committed team of injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a wrongful death. We’ll use the evidence we collect, along with an intimate knowledge of regulations and case law, to build a solid case for your family’s entitlement to damages.

After years of representing accident victims, we understand the importance of fighting hard for our clients and will not accept less than you deserve in a settlement. Meldon Law’s seasoned trial attorneys have no fear of the courtroom and relish the opportunity to plead our clients’ cases before a court of law.

After the unthinkable happens, don’t forget that help is available. Contact the Florida wrongful death attorneys at Meldon Law to discuss your legal options after a wrongful death.

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