Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer
Death is inevitable, but when your family member died due to the negligent actions of someone else, the liable party should be held accountable. If it weren’t for them, your relative would probably still be alive. Knowing their death was preventable brings an overwhelming sense of injustice. You can do something about it by pursuing a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim.
An experienced Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer at Fischer Redavid PLLC could help you get the justice your loved one deserves. If we are successful, those who are to blame for your loved one’s passing will compensate you for the devastation their actions or inaction have caused.
If you have lost a loved one due to the reckless and irresponsible conduct of another, they should be brought to justice. Get help taking legal action by reaching out to a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
What Is Considered a Wrongful Death in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
When the actions of another, whether intentional or unintentional, cause the death of your loved one, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death claims are a civil matter, which means you will file the lawsuit versus a prosecutor if the liable party was facing criminal charges.
The person responsible for your love one’s passing does not have to have criminal charges brought against them for you to file a wrongful death claim. If criminal charges are filed, the result of that case will not necessarily mean the same verdict in civil court. However, if the liable party is found guilty in criminal court, chances are better that your claim will be successful in civil court.
Wrongful Death Laws You Need to Know
If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim in Fort Lauderdale, there are a couple of laws you need to know. First, you need to make sure that you have the right to file the lawsuit, as only the personal representative of the deceased has the legal right to file a wrongful death claim.
This could be the surviving spouse, adult child, or any other party named by the decedent prior to their passing. If the decedent did not have a chosen personal representative, the courts can appoint one on their behalf.
Once you know whether you can file a wrongful death claim, you need to act quickly. The statute of limitations in Florida for wrongful death lawsuits is just two years from the date of the decedent’s passing to file your lawsuit. If your claim isn’t filed in time, the judge will have no choice but to dismiss your case.
Calculating the Value of Your Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Claim
No matter who files the wrongful death lawsuit, only certain family members can be awarded damages for their loss. These family members include the decedent’s surviving spouse, parents, children, and any relative who was dependent on the deceased at the time of their death.
There are many types of losses that can be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit. Some will be financial in nature; others focus on the emotional loss you’ve experienced with the decedent’s passing. Some of the most commonly sought after damages in a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses and equipment paid for by the estate
- Medical expenses paid by surviving family members
- Funeral and burial expenses paid by the estate or surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and support
- Lost wages, prospective net accumulations, and financial support of the deceased
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering of the loss of a child
Discuss Your Loss with a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
Coping with a death in the family is never easy, and unexpected deaths like those that occur in wrongful death lawsuits are some of the most difficult to understand. Although filing a lawsuit won’t bring your loved one back, it may give you a sense of relief to take action and ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable for their recklessness.
If you are interested in learning more about how an experienced Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer at Fischer Redavid PLLC could help your family, schedule a free claim review.
We can be reached by phone at or through the online submission form on this page.
