When a loved one dies, nothing can fill the void left in the wake of the loss. There’s no way to bring the deceased back or to undo whatever led to their death in the first place.

If the circumstances surrounding the passing could have been prevented, however, you may have grounds for legal action. While pursuing a wrongful death claim won’t make your family whole again, it could yield the funds needed to pick up the pieces and carry on with dignity.

Wrongful Death

In the state of Florida, a successful wrongful death claim can reimburse eligible beneficiaries for the following:

1. Lost Income and Benefits

If you relied on the deceased financially, it’s natural to stress about making ends meet after they pass. Thankfully, the income and benefits your entire household lost as a result of the death are recoverable. Factors that will influence the total figure for these damages include the deceased’s age, career trajectory, and anticipated inheritances.

2. Medical Bills

If your family accumulated significant medical bills over the course of the deceased’s final injury or illness, you can include them in the settlement negotiations. To avoid overlooking any portion of these damages, make sure to preserve all relevant medical records, insurance statements, hospital bills, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Funeral Expenses

Families can recover expenses associated with the deceased’s funeral and burial within reason. This might include the cost of the casket, headstone, and memorial service.

4. Household Contributions

If the deceased contributed to the household in any way, you may seek funds for the cost of reasonably necessary replacement services. Such services might include housekeeping, meal preparation, child care, and pet care.

5. Loss of Consortium

Losing a loved one results in a lot more than economic damages, and the state of Florida recognizes as much. In addition to the monetary losses listed above, wrongful death claimants can pursue compensation for loss of consortium. This encompasses the loss of love, affection, emotional support, and care that the deceased provided over the course of their lifetime.

How Long Does My Family Have to Take Action Following a Wrongful Death?

If you’re thinking about taking action following a death in the family, it’s wise to act sooner rather than later because Florida has strict filing deadlines. The typical statute of limitations is two years, which means most plaintiffs have two years from the date on which the victim died to file a formal lawsuit. Should you attempt to proceed after this deadline has passed, the judge will almost certainly dismiss your case.

Call 813-551-3907 to Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney in Tampa

At Capaz Law Firm, P.A., we understand just how devastating an unexpected loss can be. If your loved one died because another party failed to exercise reasonable care, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to pursue the compensation your family deserves. Call 813-551-3907 or complete our Contact Form to set up a free case review with a wrongful death lawyer in Tampa.