Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another individual, we understand that you are probably feeling angry, confused, and at a loss as to what to do. You may want to seek some sort of retribution, but do not know how to go about doing so, or even if doing so would help. After all, no amount of money in the world could bring your loved one back.
The Florida courts know this as well as anyone else, but they also know that the death of a breadwinner could mean future financial troubles for the mourning family. Because of this, Florida law grants those left behind permission to pursue a legal claim against the party responsible for a loved one’s wrongful death.
However, in order to collect damages for a wrongful death in Florida, you must first prove that the defendant did commit a wrongdoing that resulted in the death of your loved one. In order to do this, you must prove negligence by the defendant, a process that requires proof of duty, breach of duty, damages and causation. Depending on the actions that lead to your loved one’s death, you may have to prove that other acts of negligence were involved as well. If you succeed in proving that the defendant is at fault, your family will be awarded damages to account for your loss. To increase the likelihood of receiving the damages you and your family deserve, seek the guidance of one of our Orlando wrongful death lawyers today.
Damages Available to the Deceased’s Survivors
While no amount of money or damages can bring a loved one back, the Florida courts seek to compensate the survivors of the victim of a wrongful death. Survivors include the spouse, children, parents, and other relatives that rely on the support of the deceased. The damages to be awarded include but are not limited to:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses;
- Reimbursement for funeral expenses; and
- Compensation for the loss of support of the deceased.
Furthermore, survivors of the deceased may seek damages for the loss of companionship and protection of the deceased, as well as for the pain and suffering of losing a loved one.
Additionally, children under the age of 25 may seek damages for loss of a parent, instruction by that parent, parental guidance, and pain and suffering. If a parent or parents were to lose a child, they would be entitled to damages for pain and suffering as well.
Speak With a Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your family recently suffered the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be financially compensated. While nothing will bring your loved one back, you will at least be able to go on living the lifestyle you were accustomed to before the accident. To speak with an experienced wrongful death lawyer about the possible damages awarded for your particular case, contact The Pendas Law Firm today. Our wrongful death lawyers help families claim the damages they deserve in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Miami.
