How an Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
Few experiences in life are more painful than losing a close family member. Besides the emotional trauma, you are likely suffering the practical and financial burdens of their passing.
If your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, wrongful death lawsuits can help you seek justice and pursue compensation. In this post, we discuss five ways an Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help after you lose a family member in an unexpected accident.
1. Establishing Legal Liability
Although many deaths are tragic, they do not all count as wrongful death cases. To qualify as wrongful death, it must have been caused by someone else’s wrongful actions. These may include fatalities related to car accidents, dangerous properties, defective products, medical malpractice, and intentional acts. Knowledgeable Orlando wrongful death attorneys can help investigate who is legally liable for your loved one’s death.
2. Calculating Your Losses
Losses in wrongful death cases include economic damages like medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of income. They can also include non-economic losses like emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of guidance. An experienced Orlando wrongful death lawyer can calculate the value of your claim — including the harder-to-quantify psychological losses.
3. Building Your Case
Like all negligence cases, wrongful death claims rely heavily on evidence. Orlando wrongful death lawyers are experienced in collecting, analyzing, and presenting evidence to support their clients’ cases. Evidence in personal injury cases may include footage from traffic and surveillance cameras, testimony from professional consultants, and interviews with eyewitnesses.
4. Negotiating With Insurance Companies
One of the key ways an Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help you is in settlement negotiations. When insurance companies do not offer fair payouts, attorneys work to maximize your compensation. They are familiar with insurance company tactics and know how to counteract them to fight for your family’s interests.
5. Protecting Your Legal Rights
The family members of wrongful death victims do not always understand their rights under the law. Your Orlando wrongful death lawyer will evaluate your eligibility to file a claim, educate you on your legal options, and protect you against insurers lowballing you or even negotiating in bad faith. Be sure to have an advocate to get you the justice you and your family deserve.
Contact Our Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. We have experience in Florida personal injury compensation claims since 1992 — including wrongful death.
In addition to our Orlando office, we have offices in Southwest Florida, including Lee County (Fort Meyers) and Collier County (Naples). Call 239-500-5000 today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Florida wrongful death lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death in Florida
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you file after the statute of limitations runs out, a court will typically dismiss your case.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the people who can file a wrongful death lawsuit may include the deceased person’s spouse, children, parents, or other dependents. An Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your family’s rights.
Are wrongful death settlements taxable in Florida?
Wrongful death settlements are not typically taxable in the state of Florida. However, federal income taxes may apply, depending on what the compensation is designed to cover (e.g., physical injuries vs. lost wages, etc.).
