Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful Death FAQs

How Long does it take to resolve a wrongful death claim?
How long your wrongful death claim will take to resolve will largely be determined by the following two variables:

• The kind and severity of your injuries; and
• The amount of time needed to identify and quantify all of your damages.

Typically, however, a Florida wrongful death case takes between 1 and 2 years to be resolved by either settlement or judgment.

How Much Will a Wrongful Death Claim Cost Me?
The Probate Law Firm handles wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. Consequently, you can employ the services of an experienced lawyer to examine the circumstances of your loved one’s death and aid you with filing a wrongful death claim, without the need to pay any money from your own pocket. Our Law firm will pay for all of the costs and fees necessary to pursue your claim up front and will be paid back from the funds we recover on your behalf.

What’s the Difference Between a Wrongful Death Claim and a Survival Action?
A survival action must be brought by the representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries. A survival action compensates the estate of the deceased for damages the decedent suffered from the time of the accident until the moment he or she passed away. This includes all of the decedent’s medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses incurred between the time of the injury and the deceased’s death.

On the other hand, a wrongful death claim can be brought by a surviving family member of the deceased, such as a spouse, child or parent, to seek compensation for “pecuniary damages” they suffer as a result of the decedent’s death, such as loss of companionship and protection, mental pain and anguish, etc.

What Must Be Proven in A Wrongful Death Case?
To succeed in a wrongful death case in Florida, the heirs of the deceased must prove two things:

• The death was caused by the negligence or wrongful conduct of the decedent
• The surviving heirs suffered from the loss of the deceased

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Florida law, only specific people can bring a wrongful death lawsuit, including:

• The deceased’s surviving spouse, children, and parents
• Other blood relatives and adoptive brothers or sisters who were financially dependent upon the deceased prior to his or her death
• The personal representative of the deceased’s estate

Wrongful Death Damages
Under a wrongful death claim, the decedent’s surviving family members and dependents may seek the following “pecuniary damages”:

• Medical and funeral cost paid for by the survivors
• Compensation for mental pain and anguish
• Loss of support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance

In addition, the decedent’s personal representative may recover the following damages on behalf of the decedent estate:

• The decedent’s final medical and funeral expenses
• The decedent’s lost earnings
• Loss of net accumulations

What is the Difference Between a Personal Injury Claim and a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim in the fact that it aims to hold the person or persons who caused the decedent’s death financially accountable for their actions. However, instead of the claim or lawsuit being filed by the decedent who, for obvious reasons, cannot file a claim themselves, the claim is filed by either the personal representative of the decedent’s estate and/or a surviving family member on the decedent’s behalf.

How Long Do I Have to Bring A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
You have up to two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim. If you fail to file a claim within this limited amount of time, you may be prohibited from ever being compensated for your loved one’s wrongful death. This is why it is extremely important to consult with a Florida wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after a wrongful death occurs.

How are the Damages Determined in a Wrongful Death Case?
When determining what amount would be fair compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit, there are several factors that must be presented to the judge or jury making the determination. These factors include the deceased person’s current income, likely future earnings, and fringe benefits, such as health insurance, that were provided through the deceased’s employment.

In addition, non-economic damages also may be considered. This category of damages awards the deceased person’s surviving family members with financial compensation for factors such as loss of companionship and mental pain and anguish, which are much more difficult to quantify than lost wages.