Boca Raton Wrongful Death Attorney
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of someone else’s negligence, wrongful act, or violation of a contract or warranty. Families of wrongful death victims can endure severe emotional trauma and financial hardship. Accordingly, victims’ families may be entitled to compensation.
However, the route to recovering damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can be complicated. Insurance companies may hire lawyers, doctors, and private investigators to minimize the value of a wrongful death claim. Our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can help fight insurance companies and prove your case.
If your loved one has passed away because of another party’s negligence, get help recovering the compensation you deserve by calling The Carrion Law Firm’s Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers at (954) 951-4828 for a free case review.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Boca Raton?
In Florida, a wrongful death claim must be filed by a decedent’s personal representative. This representative acts on behalf of the deceased person’s survivors and estate. A personal representative will typically be named in a victim’s will. If not, a representative will be appointed by the court.
A victim’s spouse, children, and parents may be compensated in a wrongful death lawsuit. Furthermore, blood relatives and adoptive siblings of the deceased person may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death claim if they can establish that they were partly dependent on the decedent Our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can help victims’ families navigate the road to recovery.
Damages Available in Boca Raton Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Family members of wrongful death victims may incur a wide range of damages. Accordingly, there are various types of compensation available in wrongful death lawsuits. Our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can consult with plaintiffs to determine which of the following damages may be recovered in their case:
Economic Damages
Plaintiffs in wrongful death lawsuits may pursue damages for the loss of any income the victim would have gained if they had lived until retirement. Furthermore, family members may recover damages for the loss of services the victim can no longer provide, like child care, home repair, and transportation. Lastly, a victim’s estate may be compensated for medical costs and funeral expenses.
Noneconomic Damages
The emotional pain and suffering caused by a wrongful death accident can be immense. Accordingly, families of wrongful death victims may be compensated for damages like emotional trauma and the loss of enjoyment of life. Furthermore, family members may be compensated for the loss of companionship, guidance, and protection provided by the decedent.
However, noneconomic losses can be difficult to account for. The assistance of experienced Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can help plaintiffs recover noneconomic damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Punitive Damages
In wrongful death cases where the defendant exhibited extremely negligent conduct, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages seek to punish defendants and disincentivize their behavior. The amount of punitive damages awarded will be determined by a jury.
Common Causes of Wrongful Deaths in Boca Raton
Wrongful deaths can occur under a variety of circumstances. Accordingly, wrongful death lawsuits can come in many forms. Families can contact our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers for help determining if the loss of a loved one constituted a wrongful death. Although some wrongful death accidents occur more frequently than others, the following are common causes of wrongful deaths in Boca Raton:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents are a common cause of wrongful deaths in Boca Raton. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 3,332 people killed in car crashes in the state in 2020. Furthermore, accidents involving trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and boats can also cause wrongful deaths. If your loved one passed away in a motor vehicle accident because of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Premises Liability
Premises liability law governs when a property owner or manager is legally responsible for injuries that occur because of dangerous conditions on their property. Failing to maintain a property can lead to serious harm. If your loved one was killed because of a dangerous condition on another person’s property, our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can help build a wrongful death claim based on the premises liability violations.
Medical Malpractice
Another common cause of wrongful death is medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes injury to one of their patients. Common forms of medical malpractice include surgical errors, missed or delayed diagnoses, prescription errors, and anesthesia errors. However, medical malpractice cases can be hard to pursue because of the extensive amount of evidence required to prove a case. Our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers can help gather evidence to support a family’s wrongful death claim based on medical malpractice.
Pedestrian Accidents
Furthermore, pedestrian accidents are another cause of wrongful deaths in Boca Raton. In car accidents, drivers and passengers are protected by their vehicle around them. Pedestrians, however, are left without protection to absorb the full force of impact. Accordingly, injuries stemming from pedestrian accidents are often severe and sometimes fatal.
Workplace Accidents
Lastly, wrongful deaths also occur because of workplace accidents in Boca Raton. Common examples of workplace accidents that cause wrongful deaths include falling accidents, exposures to harmful chemicals, fires or explosions, and accidents caused by defective equipment. In cases of fatal injury at work, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim against various parties, but they often cannot sue the employer under Florida’s Workers’ Compensation laws. Speak with a Boca Raton wrongful death attorney for more information about how to file your claim.
Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Boca Raton
The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Florida is two years. Accordingly, plaintiffs in Boca Raton will have two years from the date of death to file their wrongful death lawsuit. This may seem like a lot of time, but there are many things to take care of and steps to take after a loved one passes away. Contact our Boca Raton wrongful death attorneys early on in the process so we can help manage the deadlines for your wrongful death case.
If Your Family Member Suffered a Wrongful Death, Our Lawyers Can Help
If your loved one has passed away because of another party’s negligence, seek assistance from experienced our Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (954) 951-4828 for a free case review.