Compensation in Florida Wrongful Death Cases

Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Florida? Contact Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, today to schedule a free consultation. Our Florida wrongful death lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Have you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Florida? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally challenging, but with the right legal representation, you can seek justice and financial compensation for your loss.

At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we understand the devastating impact that wrongful death can have on families. Our experienced Florida wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping survivors navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.

We know that no amount of money can ever replace a loved one. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial relief and help survivors cope with the loss. Our goal is to help families like yours obtain the maximum compensation possible.

Whether your loved one died as a result of medical malpractice, a car accident, or another act of negligence, we’re here to help. Contact Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, today for a free consultation, and let us discuss your legal options.

Medical and Funeral Expenses

One of the primary types of compensation in a Florida wrongful death claim is for medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of the deceased’s injury and subsequent death. These expenses can include:

Emergency medical bills: Costs related to hospitalization, surgeries, or other medical treatments before the person’s death.
Funeral expenses: Costs associated with the funeral service, burial or cremation, and other related expenses.

Surviving family members may seek compensation for these expenses to alleviate the financial burden associated with losing a loved one. It’s crucial to document all medical bills and funeral expenses to ensure they are accounted for in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Loss of Earnings

The loss of earnings is another significant component of wrongful death damages in Florida. This refers to the income that the deceased person would have earned if they had not died due to someone else’s negligence or intentional act. Compensation for lost earnings can include:

Future earnings: Calculated based on the deceased’s potential future income, considering their age, occupation, and life expectancy.
Benefits: Any lost benefits, such as health insurance or retirement contributions, can also be factored into the claim.

The decedent’s personal representative, often an experienced wrongful death attorney, can help assess the full impact of lost wages on the surviving family members, ensuring that the wrongful death claim reflects the financial implications of the deceased’s absence.

Loss of Support and Services

Surviving family members may also claim compensation for the loss of support and services. This encompasses the emotional and financial support that the deceased provided. Key aspects include:

Lost parental companionship: For minor children, the loss of a parent can have profound emotional consequences. Florida law allows recovery for the loss of companionship, guidance, and nurturing that the deceased would have provided.
Household services: If the deceased contributed to household chores or caregiving, the family can claim compensation for these lost services.

Understanding these elements can significantly impact the outcome of a Florida wrongful death case, as they reflect the holistic impact of the wrongful act on the family’s daily life.

Pain and Suffering

In Florida wrongful death lawsuits, compensation for pain and suffering is a crucial non-economic damage that addresses the emotional turmoil caused by the death of a loved one. This can include:

Mental pain and suffering: The grief and emotional distress experienced by surviving family members, such as a surviving spouse or adult children.
Emotional pain: The overall suffering that arises from the loss, including feelings of loneliness and despair.

These damages are inherently subjective and can vary significantly from case to case. An experienced Florida wrongful death attorney can help articulate and document these emotional impacts to strengthen the wrongful death claim.

Loss of Companionship

One of the most profound losses experienced by surviving family members is the loss of companionship. This damage compensates for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the deceased person’s absence.

Family members, including a surviving spouse, children, and even parents, can claim this type of damage in a wrongful death case. The loss of companionship encompasses the affection, support, and emotional bonds that existed before the person’s death.

Key Points:

Surviving Spouse and Children: A surviving spouse may experience deep emotional pain due to the loss of their partner. Adult children also suffer from the loss of their parent’s guidance and support.
Other Blood Relatives: In certain circumstances, other blood relatives may also file for loss of companionship if they have a close relationship with the deceased.
Jury Verdicts: Compensation for lost companionship is often determined by a jury verdict, which considers the nature of the relationship and the emotional impact on the surviving family members.

Loss of Parental Guidance

For minor children, the loss of a parent is particularly devastating. Florida law recognizes that children not only lose a caregiver but also miss out on essential parental guidance.

This loss of parental guidance is a significant factor in wrongful death claims involving deceased minor children. The legal representation of these cases often focuses on the irreplaceable guidance and support that a parent provides.

Key Points:

Deceased Minor Child: If a parent dies, their children face emotional turmoil and the loss of invaluable guidance during formative years.
Claiming Loss of Guidance: Surviving family members can claim this loss in their wrongful death lawsuit, highlighting how the absence of the parent affects the child’s development and well-being.
Impact on the Family: This type of loss is measured not just in terms of financial support but also in terms of emotional stability and growth opportunities that are forfeited.

Loss of Net Accumulations

In addition to emotional losses, surviving family members can also claim financial losses associated with the deceased person’s estate.

This category includes the loss of net accumulations, which refers to the expected financial benefits that the deceased would have contributed to their family had they lived longer.

Key Points:

Financial Compensation: This can include lost wages, lost earnings, and any potential future earnings that would have supported the family.
Medical Expenses and Funeral Costs: The wrongful death claim may also cover medical expenses incurred before the deceased’s passing, as well as funeral expenses that the surviving family members have to bear.
Decedent’s Estate: The personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically handles these financial claims, ensuring that all rightful damages are pursued under Florida’s wrongful death statute.

Punitive Damages

In certain wrongful death cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar actions in the future.

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case and typically require proof of intentional acts or gross negligence.

Key Points:

Intentional Acts or Gross Negligence: If the death results from particularly negligent behavior, such as a car accident caused by a drunk driver, punitive damages may be sought in addition to other wrongful death damages.
Civil Court Considerations: The jury must determine whether the defendant’s actions warrant such punishment and whether the surviving family members are entitled to additional compensation.
Seek Justice: Pursuing punitive damages allows surviving family members to seek justice for their loss while holding the wrongdoer accountable for their actions.

Benefits of Hiring a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional acts is a devastating experience for any surviving family member. In such challenging times, navigating the complexities of a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming.

Hiring a Florida wrongful death attorney can significantly ease this burden and help you seek justice for your loved one. Below are seven key benefits of hiring an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Florida.

1. Understanding of Florida Wrongful Death Laws

Florida’s legal system has specific statutes governing wrongful death cases, primarily the Florida Wrongful Death Act. An experienced wrongful death attorney will be well-versed in these laws and can guide you through the nuances of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

They will help you understand your rights as a surviving family member and ensure that you comply with all legal requirements, increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.

2. Expertise in Evaluating Wrongful Death Claims

Determining the value of a wrongful death claim involves assessing various factors, including medical and funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced wrongful death attorney can evaluate the specific circumstances surrounding your case to determine the potential wrongful death damages you may be entitled to.

They have the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately assess economic and non-economic damages, including lost parental companionship and mental pain and suffering.

3. Legal Representation in Civil Court

If the insurance companies or the responsible party cannot reach a settlement, your attorney will represent you in civil court. This representation is crucial in navigating the complexities of a wrongful death suit.

They will prepare all necessary documents, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Having a knowledgeable advocate in court can significantly increase your chances of receiving a favorable jury verdict.

4. Assistance with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating aspects of a wrongful death case. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or deny it altogether.

A skilled Florida wrongful death attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies and will advocate for your rights. They can handle all communications with the insurance providers, ensuring that you don’t have to navigate these discussions alone.

5. Access to Resources and Expert Witnesses

Wrongful death cases often require expert testimony to support your claims. For instance, in cases involving medical malpractice, expert witnesses may need to establish that the deceased’s medical care did not meet the standard of care.

An experienced wrongful death attorney has access to a network of professionals who can provide essential support, including medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists. This access can strengthen your case and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

6. Emotional Support and Guidance

The emotional toll of losing a loved one can be overwhelming, especially for surviving family members who are dealing with grief and loss. An experienced attorney not only provides legal guidance but also emotional support during this difficult time.

They understand the pain and suffering caused by an untimely death and can provide reassurance as they handle the legal aspects of your wrongful death claim. This support can allow you to focus on healing while knowing that your case is in capable hands.

7. Maximizing Financial Compensation

One of the primary goals of filing a wrongful death claim is to seek compensation for the financial losses incurred due to the deceased person’s estate. This includes medical bills, funeral expenses, lost earnings, and any other related costs.

A Florida wrongful death attorney will work diligently to maximize your financial compensation. They will ensure that all wrongful death damages are accounted for, helping to provide some measure of financial relief to surviving family members during a challenging time.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy, especially when it results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. If you find yourself in this painful situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights under Florida law.

At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of a wrongful death claim, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our experienced wrongful death attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll this loss can take on surviving family members. Whether you are a surviving spouse, adult child, or other blood relatives, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. We will assist you in filing a wrongful death lawsuit, addressing crucial aspects such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost wages.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including compensation for mental pain and suffering and loss of companionship. Our team can help you evaluate your case and determine the potential for financial compensation, whether through a jury verdict or a negotiated settlement.

Let us help you seek justice for your loved one. Contact Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, by calling (305) 931-6666 today to speak with an experienced attorney who can provide the legal representation you need during this difficult time.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Our dedicated team compiles accident news reports using a variety of trusted external sources, such as local news outlets, official police reports, social media updates, and eyewitness statements regarding incidents in Florida. While we strive for accuracy, the facts in this post have not been independently verified by our writers. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Neufeld & Kleinfeld, PA, immediately, and we will promptly address any corrections. Posts can also be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photo accompanying this post does not depict the accident scene described in this post.

Over 100 Years of Combined Personal Injury Experience in Florida

Start My Claim (305) 931-6666

Reviews

Met with David after I had a car accident in Pembroke Pines. Very nice man. Nice staff who answered my questions and got a good settlement.

Paula A.

Great lawyers, great attention to detail, great trial strategies. I am a trial consultant who has worked with the top attorneys in the United States. Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA are the best of the best.

Amy Singer, Ph.D, Trial Consultant

Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA handled my case against Uber for me and got me a great settlement after I was involved in an accident. They handled all of the negotiations with my doctors and with the other lawyers to get me the best deal possible. I definitely recommend their services!