Manatee County Wrongful Death Lawyers

Nothing is more heartbreaking than losing a loved one. When a loved one’s death is caused by the negligent conduct of another, be it from an automobile crash or other negligence, the pain to the survivors can even be worse, knowing that such a horrific loss was preventable. While damages from such a loss are immeasurable, Florida law allows qualified claimants reimbursement for medical and rehabilitation bills, funeral costs, pain and suffering, loss of support and companionship, as well as lost net accumulations to the decedent’s estate. If your loved one has lost his or her life due to the negligent or intentional act of another, please don’t hesitate to contact the compassionate Manatee County wrongful death lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC.

Wrongful Death Lawyers | Here to Help You Get Justice

“Wrongful death” is a legal term used to define the death of a person caused by the negligent or intentional act of another. Unfortunately, incidents of wrongful death can occur in a wide range of scenarios, including auto accidents, medical malpractice incidents, and assaults. If you lost your loved one due to any of the aforementioned, or under any other circumstance where another may be at fault, please don’t hesitate to speak with the seasoned Bradenton personal injury lawyers here at Becker & Lindauer, LLC for help.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

Dependents and immediate family members (including parents, spouses, and children) of a deceased person are normally eligible to seek damages for their loss, as long as one of these parties is named as the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.

Satisfying the Burden of Proof

In the tragic event of a wrongful death, it is crucial for the bereaved family to establish a solid foundation for their claim. Satisfying the burden of proof involves demonstrating several key elements:

• Duty of Care: It must be shown that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased. For instance, in a car accident, every driver has a duty to drive responsibly to avoid harming others.
• Breach of Duty: Next, it must be proven that the defendant breached this duty through negligence or intentional acts. This could be anything from distracted driving to deliberate harm.
• Causation: Establishing a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the death of your loved one is critical. This means showing that the death would not have occurred but for the defendant’s actions.
• Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that the death resulted in quantifiable damages. This includes not only financial losses like medical expenses and lost income but also emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Compensation Recoverable in Wrongful Death Claims

In the wake of a wrongful death, while no amount of money can compensate for your loss, Florida law provides avenues for financial relief to help ease the burden. Recoverable compensation often includes:

• Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses such as medical expenses incurred before the death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and benefits, and the loss of potential future earnings of the deceased.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the more intangible aspects of loss, including pain and suffering endured by the deceased before their death, as well as the mental anguish, loss of companionship, guidance, and support experienced by the surviving family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Our team at Becker & Lindauer, LLC, is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. We meticulously assess every aspect of your claim to secure a settlement that reflects the true extent of your loss and suffering.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

In the state of Florida, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate will only have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. Waiting any longer than two years will likely result in the individual being permanently time-barred from suing.

Contact Our Manatee County Law Firm Today

We understand that there is nothing more devastating than losing a loved one, especially as a result of someone’s negligent or intentional act. We also understand that often, initiating a legal process in the midst of mourning the loss of a loved one is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, our goal is to handle the legal legwork and get you the justice you deserve while you focus on what matters most: healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact our compassionate wrongful death lawyers for a free consultation.