Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. But when it happens suddenly and tragically at the hands of an irresponsible driver or negligent healthcare provider, the loss is felt on a deeper, more profound level. The senseless and preventable loss of life can leave you reeling, and the resulting financial strains of funeral costs and final expenses can be crippling. In your time of need, a wrongful death attorney can help to lift some of the stress and strain by fighting to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Qualifying for a Wrongful Death Claim
In Florida, only certain relatives of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Spouses, children, and parents of the victim of a tragic accident qualify most easily, though others may also be entitled to compensation. This includes dependent blood relatives, adopted children, and children born outside of wedlock may also file a claim if able to prove the relationship to the deceased.
If you are a qualifying beneficiary, confirming that your loved one’s case qualifies for a wrongful death claim is important. Circumstances which qualify include:
- Vehicular accidents: cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, bicycles, etc.
- Work-related deaths
- Deaths caused by a defective product
- Deaths caused by medical malpractice
- Deaths caused by property negligence
Speaking with a wrongful death lawyer in Boca Raton can help you determine if you qualify for compensation and guide you through the claims process.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Wrongful Death Claim
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years. In order to successfully file a claim, the burden of proof is placed on the plaintiff. This means you are responsible for proving the defendant or defending company is liable for the death of your loved one. The means by which one would prove such a thing varies depending on the specifics of the case. A Boca Raton wrongful death lawyer would be able to guide you through the necessary components to building your case.
Brotman, Nusbaum & Ibrahim understand how trying a wrongful death is on all those affected. While nothing can bring your loved one back, we focus on helping to ease the strain as much as we can by shifting the financial burden back to those responsible. While building your case, we take all factors into consideration. The damages covered in a wrongful death claims may include:
- Survival claim covering the pain and suffering of the deceased before passing.
- Medical costs incurred as a result of the injury prior to death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased person’s expected income
- Loss of any inheritance
- Value of the services that the deceased would have provided
- Loss of parental care, guidance, and nurturing that the deceased would have provided
- Grievance for loss of a partner or parent
For more information about wrongful death claims, including guidance in filing a claim, contact us today.
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