What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Cases in Florida

There is nothing worse than losing a loved one before his or her time. Unfortunately, people lose their lives in accidents every single day, and if you are someone who recently lost a loved one due to another party’s negligence, you are most likely looking to pursue compensation to bring that individual to justice. Our firm is here to help. Please continue reading and reach out to our knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorneys to learn more about wrongful death cases in Florida and how we can help you and your family through every step of the process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have:

How does Florida Law define “wrongful death?”

Wrongful death is a phrase that refers to a scenario in which an individual’s life is taken due to another party’s negligence. In many cases, wrongful deaths occur in auto accidents due to careless drivers, medical malpractice incidents where doctors breach their duty of care towards their patients, and other scenarios of that nature. That being said, under Florida law, certain heirs or beneficiaries of the person who has died have the right to file a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the liable party. 

Who can recover compensation in a wrongful death case?

Florida Statute Section 768.18 states that only certain survivors of the decedent who are “most affected” by the death may seek compensation for the wrongful death. Sometimes, the party that is “most affected” by the death is unclear, which is why if you believe you are most affected by the untimely passing of your loved one, it is in your best interests to retain the services of a seasoned, compassionate Jacksonville personal injury attorney today who can work to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve and need. 

How long will I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?

In many cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is four years. However, when it comes to wrongful death claims, this is not the case. If you are looking to file a wrongful death claim, you will have to do so within two years of the date of the incident. If you fail to do so, you will most likely lose your right to sue. We are here to begin the claims process on your behalf today so you and your family can move on with your lives and focus on what matters most: healing. If you are ready to get started, simply give us a call. 

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Ansbacher Law is composed of knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to assist clients with various legal matters throughout North Florida. We understand the urgency of your personal injury claim and additional legal matters, which is why we provide each of our clients with compassionate and efficient legal assistance, every step of the way. Please contact our office for an initial consultation today.