To aid the surviving spouse, children and other dependant family members of a person killed through an act of negligence, the Florida legislature enacted the Florida Wrongful Death Act. This section of the Florida statutes provides guidelines for when a wrongful death action can be brought against a party, who can bring about the claim and the types of damages that can be sought.
The Florida Wrongful Death Act also provides instructions for who can recover the damages awarded through a settlement. For example, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is the only person who can actually file a Florida wrongful death claim.
This position is typically appointed through the deceased’s will but if no such will exists or no personal representative designation was made, a Florida wrongful death lawyer can help explain who is eligible for such an appointment and how to go about the appointment process through the court system.
Your Florida wrongful death lawyer can also explain which types of compensation may apply to your case and how those funds will be distributed, as certain types of compensation will be awarded to the deceased’s survivors while others will be given to the estate. As you can probably tell by now, these types of claims can get very complicated very quickly, which is why having an experienced Florida wrongful death lawyer on your side can help save you a lot of frustration during this already difficult time.
Your family may depend on the success of a Florida wrongful death lawsuit to provide for future needs and the deceased’s expenses (medical bills, funeral and burial costs, etc.). Therefore, it is important that you take every step necessary to make sure your claim is being handled with the most capable guidance available.
Finding a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer
When it comes to choosing a wrongful death lawyer, you can’t afford to play a game of chance. Picking a Florida wrongful death lawyer based on a colorful bus ad or a touching TV commercial won’t necessarily put you in touch with the attorney best suited for your case.
Palm Beach injury attorney Theodore Babbitt has spent years building his practice and growing his network of trusted colleagues and well-respected lawyers. Simply fill out our online form, and Mr. Babbitt will personally review your story to see if you have a valid wrongful death claim. He will then put you in touch with the attorney best-suited to handle your case. There is no cost to get started – 1-877-751-8087.