Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys
The death of a family member is tragic, regardless of the circumstances. When death is sudden and unexpected, it can be even more difficult to process. Taking legal action is likely the lowest priority on anyone’s mind. It is important after an accident, however, to consider reaching out to a wrongful death attorney soon after the incident. An unexpected loss can carry significant financial problems, particularly if the deceased was the primary source of income for the family.
The compassionate and experienced wrongful death attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., are prepared to help you through this difficult time. Through our years of experience representing accident victims throughout Florida, we have learned how to serve our clients effectively and efficiently, easing the burden for surviving family members so that they can focus on putting their lives back together. Nothing can bring back your lost family member, and no amount of money can fill the hole they left behind. You may, however, be able to alleviate some of the financial burdens that their loss has caused. And you may take some comfort from knowing that the responsible parties are held liable for the damage they have caused you and your family. Our Florida wrongful death legal team is here to help.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Florida law permits certain parties to bring a wrongful death claim after a victim is killed as a result of the negligent, reckless, or deliberate actions of another. Florida limits who can bring such a claim, however. Under the law, the following parties can sue for wrongful death: surviving spouses; minor children; parents of minors; certain other family members who were dependent on the decedent for support.
What Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
Different damages are available for various parties in a wrongful death case. According to Florida law, the following damages may be recoverable under a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving spouses may recover damages for loss of companionship and mental pain and suffering.
- Minor children can recover damages for lost parental companionship and mental pain and suffering.
- Parents of a deceased minor child can recover damages for mental pain and suffering. Parents of an adult child can also recover for mental pain and suffering if the deceased party had no other survivors.
- Everyone can recover the value of the lost support and services from the decedent, from the date of the injury to date of death, and future anticipated lost support and services. This includes lost income and wages that the deceased would have earned over their lifetime, had the death not occurred. The surviving parties can also recover medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of the incident. A representative for the estate of the decedent can additionally bring a claim for these damages.
- Punitive damages might be available if the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or deplorable. Punitive damages are intended to punish a defendant’s wrongful behavior, rather than compensate the victims, and a punitive damages award can be several times larger than a compensatory damages award.
Speak with an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney to determine what damages you and your family may be able to recover after the unexpected death of your loved one.
Trusted and Compassionate Help With Your Florida Wrongful Death Claim
If your loved one was killed as a result of someone else’s negligence in Naples, Orlando, or throughout Collier and Orange Counties, the experienced and dedicated Naples wrongful death legal team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., is ready to hear your case. Contact our Naples law office today at 239-649-8050 for a free consultation, and find out whether you may be entitled to compensation after the death of a loved one.
