Palm Beach Gardens Wrongful Death Attorneys
When a family member passes away, it’s an emotional and challenging
time for everyone. However, when your loved one died because of someone
else’s reckless behavior, negligence, or intentional acts, it’s
understandable that you may be angry. Many clients come to us after a
loved one is killed to find out their legal options. While filing a wrongful
death lawsuit won’t bring your loved one back, it may help with
the unexpected financial strain you’re suddenly facing. If you need
assistance after a family member was killed, contact a
Palm Beach Gardens wrongful death lawyer right away.
At Smith, Ball & Báez Injury Lawyers, our Palm Beach Gardens personal injury attorneys are here to help. We understand what a traumatic time this is for you and your family. We will do our best to help build a strong case and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
On This Page:
- Who has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
- Types of Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Cases
- Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer
- Wrongful Death FAQ:
Ready to begin pursuing justice on behalf of your loved one? Call (561) 500-4357 to get started, or contact us online.
Who has the Right to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida has strict laws on who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family. While you might be the deceased’s spouse or child, only the personal representative of the estate can file the lawsuit. The personal representative is someone that the deceased named in their will or trust to handle probate and distribution of their assets.
Don’t despair, though, as the personal representative is just the one who files. It does not mean they will get any monies recovered. The money recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit would go to the victim’s spouse, children, parents, dependents, etc.
Types of Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Cases
Florida allows for the recovery of various types of damages in a wrongful death case. Some of the most common ones include:
- Lost support and services, including future losses until the survivor’s death;
- Loss of companionship, instruction, and guidance;
- Your mental pain and suffering;
- Lost benefits, wages, and the increased value of the estate had the deceased still lived;
- Funeral and burial costs.
Wrongful death cases are about the survivors’ pain and suffering, not what the deceased went through before they passed away. There is a secondary claim called a survival action that allows the personal representative to file a lawsuit to collect for damages the victim could’ve pursued themselves. Damages in a survival action include:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Physical damages; and
- Pain and suffering.
Like a wrongful death claim, the personal representative is the one who brings the survival action. Any recovery in a survival action would be distributed to the estate’s beneficiaries, subject to intestate laws. Intestate laws determine how assets are divided when someone dies without a will or trust in place.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Wrongful Death Lawyer
Pursuing a wrongful death claim is complicated. If you believe your family might have a valid case, it’s imperative to speak with an experienced attorney first. As this is understandably stressful and emotional for your family, it’s better to retain a lawyer who can navigate the legal system’s challenges. While no amount of compensation can bring your loved one back, let us help you hold the negligent party responsible.
Whether you lost your loved one in a Palm Beach Gardens car accident or to some other act of negligence, we can help. Contact Smith, Ball & Báez Injury Lawyers today to schedule an initial consultation.
Palm Beach Gardens Wrongful Death FAQ
How are wrongful death settlements divided?
Any proceeds won through a wrongful death claim will be used to benefit the deceased’s estate and the legal survivors. Compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills and lost of net accumulations is usually paid to the estate. On the other hand, damages related to the family’s pain and suffering is typically awarded to the survivors directly.
How long do you have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
In general, Florida has a fairly brief two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. In some instances, the date is calculated from the date of injury, not the date of death. Two years can move by quickly when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. We encourage you to speak with our wrongful death lawyers soon, so you don’t lose track of time and lose the right to achieve justice and compensation for the loss of your loved one.
How can an attorney help with a wrongful death suit?
A wrongful death attorney can help by handling all legal aspects of the claim. However, many people who have hired our law firm for a wrongful death claim will say that the best benefit we gave them was peace of mind. With us leading the way, they felt confident that their loved one’s memory would be honored and the negligent party that took them away too soon would be held accountable.
What Sets Us Apart
Committed to Fighting for Justice for the Injured-
Over $100 Million Recovered
Our results speak for themselves, and our team is dedicated to winning for you.
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AV-Rated With Martindale Hubbell
We are ranked by the most prestigious peer review rating an attorney can receive for high ethical standards and professional ability.
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Over 65 Years of Experience
With over 65 years of combined experience, our attorneys know what it takes to win for you while adhering to the highest ethical standards.
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Award-Winning Attorneys
Our attorneys are committed to excellence and are recognized for their hard work with many accolades from the legal community.
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We're Not Afraid to Litigate
We're trial lawyers at heart and don't shy away from the courtroom; we'll put our compassionate tenacity to work for you.
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A Florida Firm With Extensive Resources
No case is too big; we'll utilize our large network of experts, connections in the legal community, and deep well of resources to help you win.