By definition, wrongful death claims are civil actions made by the survivors of an individual who has passed away due to the negligence or misconduct of another. In these cases, the law allows the family members of the decedent (called “distributees”) to file a wrongful death suit seeking money as “damages.” The wrongful death lawsuit is designed to provide compensation for relatives who depended upon the deceased for financial and/or emotional support. Furthermore, by Florida law, survivors of the deceased are entitled to receive compensation for a wrongful death, similar to being compensated for an injury where another person is at fault. These survivors include a spouse, child or parent, as well as any other relative or adoptive sibling that was dependent on the deceased for financial or emotional support. There is a time limit for filing wrongful death lawsuits in Florida; failure to file within this time limit can prohibit the potential claimant from ever seeking compensation for their losses.
While taking legal action may not be the first priority for those who have lost a loved one, it is important for survivors of the decedent to retain a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. In addition to the distressing emotional trauma, families may also face financial difficulties without the support of the loved one. The compensation provided by a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease this financial burden. Geoffrey Pelosi has recovered significant compensation for families that have lost someone in their lives, and would be honored to help you with this difficult and painful process.