Wrongful Death
Wrongful death occurs when a person is killed as the result of reckless or negligent behavior of another individual, employer, company, or entity. Wrongful death is defined as a death that was unintentional and could have been avoided with proper attention. A wrongful death lawsuit is typically brought by an immediate family member of the deceased victim and charged against the person who caused the death.
Wrongful death cases can result from:
- Medical malpractice
- A car, motorcycle, or airplane accident
- Exposure to hazardous substances or conditions
- Workplace injury
Useful Link:
- Florida Statues Related to Wrongful Death - Chapter 768.16
Conditions needed to claim wrongful death:
- Proof that the death of a human being was the direct cause of someone’s negligence or carelessness
- Surviving family member to bring a claim
- Statute of Limitations: This is the time limit for bringing a wrongful death lawsuit to court. It is best to consult your local lawyer for exact details on the Statute of Limitations for your case in Broward County.
Recoverable damages for a wrongful death:
Any wrongful death case is an extremely difficult situation for family members to undergo. The recoverable damages in a wrongful death case include:
- Medical and funeral expenses (all expenses directly associated with death)
- Loss of earnings (potential)
- Loss of benefits (health and medical)
- Loss of inheritance due to untimely death
- Loss of care, protection and companionship to survivors
- Punitive damages, if the conduct was intentional, malicious or egregious
What to do next?
If a loved one has died due to the negligent actions of an individual, employer, or entity, you should contact a local Broward County lawyer immediately to learn more about your rights. Consulting with a lawyer is a simple step which will help you understand the value of your case and alleviate the burden of navigating the complex legal process.