Few things are as difficult in life as losing a loved one. The grief you experience from the death of someone you love can be deeply traumatic. When that death results from someone else’s negligent, wreckless, or dangerous behavior, it can make the grief even more unbearable.
Beyond the sadness and anger of losing a loved one is the financial and administrative burden of a wrongful death. When you lose someone close to you, you’re left to pick up the pieces and handle all of the details that come along with the death of a loved one, including managing the loss of household income, paying for end-of-life costs, and sorting out estate plans.
It’s normal for you to want some type of legal remedy when you’ve experienced a wrongful death. In Orlando, compensation for damages is often possible through wrongful death claims. These types of civil actions can be brought by the deceased’s surviving family members to help lessen the emotional and financial damages created by the loss of a beloved spouse, child, or parent.
The compassionate wrongful death lawyers at FVF in Orlando are here to help and support you during a very difficult time. We can help determine the circumstances of your loved one’s death, who or what was at fault, and whether negligence was involved. If so, we can pursue the appropriate legal action and make sure your interests are represented so that you can focus on healing from your grief. While there’s no amount of money that can bring back your loved one, you do have the right to hold a negligent party accountable for the consequences of their actions.
Wrongful Death Law in Orlando
Florida law sets out how and when certain family members can bring a wrongful death claim. Under Florida state law, surviving family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit if the death results from another party’s wrongful act, breach or default of contract, or negligence. While there are endless causes of wrongful death, we frequently see the following types of wrongful death cases:
- Construction site deaths. Lack of training, company negligence, and faulty equipment can all lead to a fatal accident either on-site or nearby.
- Industrial fatalities. When proper safety protocol is ignored, hazardous equipment found at industrial sites can be the source of fatalities.
- Vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Drunk driving and other negligent behavior on the road can lead to injury or death.
- Commercial vehicle accidents. Accidents involving commercial vehicles, including 18-wheelers, can be devastating. These types of accidents are often caused by reckless driving and driving while fatigued.
- Rideshare accidents. When Uber or other rideshare collisions occur, the drivers and their employers may be held liable if their behavior or policies are found to be reckless or negligent.
An Orlando wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death under Florida’s statute of limitations. There may be some situations where that time is extended, but those are rare. While two years seems like a long time, gathering all the necessary documentation, witness statements, and evidence is a time-consuming process. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact an Orlando wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you have the right to bring an Orlando wrongful death lawsuit, our team offers no-cost consultations so you can get the answers you need without ever feeling pressured to hire us. We’ll make sure we get all of the necessary paperwork filed before the statute of limitations runs out so that you don’t risk missing out on the recovery you deserve.
Possible Damages in Orlando Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim is a civil action designed to mitigate the economic losses and emotional burden of losing a loved one at the hands of another individual’s or organization’s negligence or misconduct. Under Florida statute, surviving family members may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages, benefits, and other earnings
- Lost value earnings of the estate
Some of the damages, including medical and funeral expenses, are quantifiable and easier to claim with receipts and documentation. Others, such as loss of companionship and pain and suffering, are harder to prove. Trying to establish what types of damages you should be awarded can be emotionally taxing.
At FVF, our Orlando wrongful death attorneys are here to take some of the burden off of you. We have years of experience helping families manage the loss of a loved one and can help you determine what type of compensation you can seek and how much. We always keep your best interests in mind and work to make your wrongful death action as stress free as possible for you and your family.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Orlando?
A wrongful death lawsuit can’t be filed by just anyone. Florida requires that the personal representative of the deceased’s estate file the claim. The personal representative may be someone named in the deceased’s will or estate plan, or someone appointed by the court in the absence of those documents.
The personal representative will need to file an Orlando wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members who are permitted to recover damages under state law. These include the deceased’s:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
Other relatives who relied on the deceased for financial support may also be able to file a claim, but only after the primary beneficiaries listed above file.
Why Hire FVF for Your Orlando Wrongful Death Suit?
Investigating and proving a wrongful death claim in Orlando can take time, energy, and resources that you may not have. At FVF, we are well versed in the laws around wrongful death and have years of legal experience handling complex cases. Our goal is to educate you on your options and support you, no matter what you decide.
We understand your needs as an Orlando wrongful death victim and aim to always put your interests first so that you can hold the right people accountable. Here’s how we can help:
- Compassionate support. Our team at FVF understands how difficult it is to lose a loved one. The last thing you may have is energy to bring a lawsuit. But when you are entitled to damages for the loss of a loved one, we are here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
- 80+ years of combined experience. At FVF, we have extensive experience with even the most complex wrongful death cases and a long record of client success.
- Superior client reviews. Our firm has a reputation for excellence among our past clients. Read our reviews on Google and Yelp, or review our client testimonials.
- Trusted resource. We’re not only intimately familiar with the laws and regulations in your area, but we can point you to nearby resources such as medical providers and funeral services to help you make needed arrangements for your loved one.
If you’re looking for an Orlando wrongful death attorney who cares and will take the time to listen and understand your grief, our team at FVF is here for you. We want you to feel confident that you are making the right choices for you and your family and getting some closure to a life-altering event. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.