A wrongful death occurs when there is a fatality as a result of the carelessness and negligence of another person or entity. Every state has a wrongful death statute. Florida’s wrongful death law is found at Florida Statutes section 768.19, et seq. Grief and emotional distress might overcome the survivors of the person who was lost, but it’s extremely important for them to consult with a wrongful death attorney from West Palm Beach, FL, as soon as possible.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
Although they might be brought at the same time as a criminal prosecution, wrongful death claims are civil in nature. They’re brought by the family members of the decedent, and they seek compensation in the form of money damages for the loss of their loved one.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Although a wrongful death case might pivot on an intentional act like a murder, nearly all such cases are based on the law of negligence. Here are some examples of some of the types of wrongful death cases brought in Florida courts:
- Motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle and boating accidents
- Truck crashes
- Bicycle and pedestrian crashes
- Accidents occurring on property that is owned or occupied by somebody else
- Construction and industrial accidents
- Dangerously defective products
- Nursing home negligence and abuse
- Medical malpractice
Survival Actions
A survival action is often brought by the decedent’s estate as a second count to a wrongful death lawsuit. If a victim survived their accident, even for only a few moments or days, claims can be made for his or her medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages.
Wrongful death and survival actions raise complicated issues of both liability and damages. If you lost a family member as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else anywhere in Florida, contact a wrongful death attorney in West Palm Beach, FL, at Janssen Siracusa & Keegan as soon as possible to arrange for a free consultation and case review. The State of Florida has imposed strict time limits on wrongful death and survival actions.
