Seeking Justice for Wrongful Death in Fort Lauderdale

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating, especially when their death could have been prevented. When the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party lead to someone’s death, the surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims seek to hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial compensation to help ease the burdens left behind by the loss.

If you’ve lost a loved one in Fort Lauderdale due to another person’s negligence, it’s often important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to seek justice. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can guide you through this complex process, helping you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another person or entity. In Florida, surviving family members, including the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents, may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their loved one.

Common causes of wrongful death include:

• Car accidents: If a reckless or negligent driver caused an accident that resulted in your loved one’s death, you might have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
• Medical malpractice: If a healthcare provider’s failure to provide proper care led to your loved one’s death, such as a surgical error or misdiagnosis, they may be held liable.
• Product defects: Manufacturers or distributors of defective products that cause fatal injuries can be sued for wrongful death.
• Workplace accidents: If unsafe working conditions or negligence on the part of an employer caused a fatal accident, a wrongful death claim may be pursued.
• Premises liability: If dangerous property conditions, such as an unsecured pool or hazardous walkways, led to the death of a loved one, the property owner might be liable.

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to provide surviving family members with financial compensation for the losses and hardships caused by the untimely death of their loved one.

What a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Do

Wrongful death claims can be legally and emotionally challenging, especially as you cope with the loss of a loved one. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the process and help try to ensure that your rights are protected. Here are the steps an experienced lawyer can take to assist you:

1. Investigating the Incident

The first step in pursuing a wrongful death claim is determining exactly what happened and who is responsible. Your attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death. This may involve gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence relevant to the case.

In some cases, your lawyer may work with experts such as accident reconstructionist or medical professionals to establish how negligence or misconduct directly contributed to the fatality.

2. Identifying All Liable Parties

In many wrongful death cases, there may be more than one party responsible for the death. For example, in a car accident case, liability could fall on the at-fault driver, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part, or even a local government entity if road conditions played a role. Your wrongful death lawyer can identify all potential defendants to ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.

3. Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Florida’s wrongful death statute sets a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a wrongful death claim. In most cases, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the death. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner to avoid missing any legal deadlines.

4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

In many cases, wrongful death claims are resolved through negotiations with the insurance companies of the at-fault party. However, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, offering settlements that do not fully cover the damages suffered by the surviving family. An experienced Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement offer is fair and adequate based on what you deserve.

5. Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can be prepared to take your case to trial. In court, they can present a compelling case that demonstrates the negligence or misconduct of the responsible party and the impact that the wrongful death has had on your family. While litigation can be a lengthy process, it may be necessary to secure the compensation your family deserves.

Types of Damages in a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Claim

In Florida, the surviving family members of a wrongful death victim can recover various types of damages. These damages are designed to compensate the family for both the financial and emotional impact of their loss. Some of the damages you may be entitled to include:

• Medical expenses: Any medical bills incurred by the deceased before their death due to the accident or injury can be recovered.
• Funeral and burial expenses: Families can seek compensation for the costs associated with their loved one’s funeral and burial.
• Loss of financial support: If the deceased contributed financially to the household, the family can seek compensation for the loss of income and financial support that the victim would have provided.
• Loss of companionship: Surviving family members can pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that their loved one provided.
• Pain and suffering: Florida law may allow families to seek compensation for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the wrongful death.

Your Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help calculate the value of your claim, helping to ensure that all possible damages are considered in the case.

How a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Make a Difference

Wrongful death claims are often complex and emotionally charged, requiring a compassionate and experienced attorney to guide you through the process. A Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help ease your burden by handling the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing and caring for your family.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you seek justice and financial recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.

For more information, visit our website at www.jasonturchin.com.