You may want to sue for wrongful death if your loved one was killed in an accident. However, wrongful death cases can be complicated. It is best to learn as much as you can before filing a lawsuit. One of the best things you can do is to consult a wrongful death attorney in St. Petersburg after an accident has taken a loved one’s life.
What is a Wrongful Death Case?
By definition, wrongful death occurs when someone is negligent, whether that negligence is incompetence, failure to act, or carelessness. For example, if a drunk driver strikes and kills someone crossing the street, that may be wrongful death.
The survivors may also sue for wrongful death on behalf of the deceased. In most cases, the immediate family must be the ones to file a claim, whether that is a spouse, parent, or child of the deceased. In Florida, a blood relative or adoptive sibling can also file if they are “partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services.”
Before you sue for wrongful death in St. Petersburg, consider the facts of the case. To qualify as wrongful death, the lawsuit must be based on negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of behavior that also breached a duty of care the negligent party owed the decedent.
Wrongful Death Case Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations dictates how long the surviving family members or personal representative has to file a claim after a loved one dies. Claims in Florida must be filed within two years of the date of demise. Limited circumstances could postpone the date.
Reasons to Sue for Wrongful Death
Most often, people in St. Petersburg who sue for wrongful death do so because of accidents involving:
- Workplace hazards
- Automobile accidents
- Criminal intent
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
Wrongful Death Damages
Survivors could also be awarded damages if their lawsuit is successful. This compensation may include:
- Financial compensation for the loss of support or services of the deceased
- Medical or funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship, guidance, or protection
- Mental or emotional pain and suffering
- Lost wages, benefits, and other income
- Lost prospective net accumulations
Talk to a Wrongful Death Attorney at K LAW, PLLC in St. Petersburg
If you are ready to sue for wrongful death after the loss of a loved one, trust the professionals at K LAW, PLLC. Our legal team in St. Petersburg is ready to help our clients during a particularly difficult time in their lives. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (727) 201-8444, you can also contact us online.
