Losing a loved one is inexplicably painful. If your loved one died because of another person’s misconduct, you have a right to take legal action against them in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit is a difficult process, but knowing what to expect can ease the pressure. At Nonni Homola, our experienced attorneys prepare our clients with one-on-one attention, and we fiercely defend their rights.
In this article, our Tallahassee wrongful death lawyers can help you understand what to expect in the average wrongful death settlement in Florida.
Contact us online or call (850) 601-1111 for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
Common Causes of Death in Florida
The Florida Department of Health reports that the most common causes of death by injury are:
- Falls,
- Poisoning,
- Motor vehicle accidents,
- Firearms, and
- Suffocation.
Any one of these causes could be the result of another person’s bad or irresponsible behavior.
What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil suit that allows certain relatives to recover financial damages from a party responsible for their family member’s death.
A person is legally liable for the death of another if they engaged in the following misconduct and caused a death:
- A wrongful act,
- Negligence,
- Default,
- Breach of contract, or
- Breach of warranty.
The deceased person’s personal representative must file the lawsuit, and the deceased person’s representative and survivors receive the damages.
Who Is Entitled to Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Survivors and representatives of the deceased are entitled to damages in wrongful death lawsuits.
Under Florida law, survivors are:
- Spouses,
- Children,
- Parents, and
- Dependent siblings.
We understand that family relationships can be complicated, and so does the law. Speak to an experienced Florida attorney if you have any questions about whether you are entitled to compensation in a wrongful death case.
What Damages Are Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?
Money is no replacement for your loss, but it can help support you in tragic times and send a powerful message to an at-fault party.
Survivors in wrongful death claims can receive compensation for:
- The value of lost support and services,
- Loss of companionship and protection,
- Mental pain and suffering,
- Medical expenses,
- Funeral expenses, and
- Loss of parental companionship and guidance (for minor children).
Representatives can recover medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost earnings of the deceased.
What Is the Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settlement Average in Florida?
You might be wondering if there is an average Florida wrongful death lawsuit settlement to help you understand the potential compensation you could recover in your case.
But when it comes to wrongful death lawsuit settlements, the average in Florida is not as helpful as you might think. Compensation varies since no two wrongful death cases are the same.
Our firm has won millions of dollars in cases like these. However, we want to talk to you about the specific facts of your loss.
The best way to estimate the kind of settlement you can receive in a wrongful death case is to speak to an attorney about the unique details of your situation.
Your loved one’s age, wages, medical needs, and relationships with you and your family are the best indicators of what to expect.
How Long Do I Have to Settle a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?
Grieving takes time, but the law does not give you much time to bring a wrongful death action.
If you want to seek justice in a wrongful death case, you have only two years to sue. It can be difficult to keep up with this deadline when you are in mourning. It is best to have a skilled attorney meet your deadlines and handle your case while you process and heal.
We Are Here to Support You
Support is crucial when you have suffered a tragic loss. At Nonni Homola, we provide professional and emotional support that puts our clients at ease and achieves the results they need.
We have more than 40 years of experience and a stellar reputation in the legal community. Most importantly, we are client focused and we know how to get what our clients deserve.
If you are in need, do not hesitate to call us at (850) 601-1111 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Mark continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2008. While in law school, Mark was a member of the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law and the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy, as well as a certified legal intern with the FSU Public Interest Law Center, where he assisted low-income clients with a wide range of family law issues. He also served as a law clerk intern to The Honorable L. Clayton Roberts of Florida’s First District Court of Appeal.
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