When an act of negligence or misconduct by another party causes a wrongful death, the family members and beneficiaries of the deceased have the right to pursue compensation and damages.
The pain of losing a loved one in such a manner is often traumatic and overwhelming for everyone involved. When you pile on the legal and financial responsibilities that follow a wrongful death, it can cause even more suffering.
With a lawyer defending your rights, you can focus on grieving your loss. A Leesburg, FL, personal injury lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can step in to assist you with handling the legal process that follows the unexpected and sudden loss of a loved one. Our legal team is here to give you the space you need to recuperate while we seek compensation on your behalf.
Types of Negligence that Can Lead to Wrongful Death
Multiple negligent acts can result in wrongful death. Some of the most common circumstances that lead to wrongful death involve vehicle collisions or unsafe work environments.
Wrongful Death Due to Driver Negligence
Automobile accidents involving drunk, aggressive, or distracted drivers are a common cause of wrongful death. When drivers get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or other drugs, this negligence often creates dangerous road conditions for other motorists and pedestrians.
Impaired driving accidents claim many lives each year. Drivers under the influence of alcohol and other substances lack the critical thinking and judgment skills to safely operate a motor vehicle. Other types of negligence that often occur behind the wheel include:
- Distracted driving, such as eating or using a cell phone behind the wheel
- Recklessness, such as speeding or failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Driving while drowsy
The law has little tolerance for these negligent acts and strives to punish perpetrators. If an impaired, reckless, or distracted driver caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you have the right to pursue damages.
Our car accident attorneys serving Leesburg and the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan area can assist you in navigating the details of this process.
To consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer serving Leesburg
855-780-9986
Wrongful Death Due to Employer Negligence
Employers who fail to properly care for their employees in dangerous environments may be held responsible for workplace injuries and deaths.
For example, construction workers frequently work around power tools and machines that pose inherent dangers. When an employer fails to provide the proper safety equipment for the use of these items, it can lead to severe and often fatal injuries.
Other acts of negligence that can occur in the workplace include:
- Exposing employees to unsafe chemicals
- Enforcing unsafe work schedules
- Failing to provide the proper training or to hire employees with the necessary credentials
- Failing to provide fall safety equipment
Other Fatal Accident Causes
Our wrongful death attorneys can also help with fatal injuries arising from:
- Medical malpractice injuries
- Truck accidents and commercial vehicle collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Boating accidents
Insurance Claims for Wrongful Death
In some cases, families of wrongful death victims can file insurance claims to pursue compensation. For example, certain aspects of an auto insurance policy cover injuries and death caused by collisions. If your case involved a negligent healthcare provider, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.
Similarly, a workers’ compensation policy may cover the unexpected passing of an employee if the incident was work-related. It can help to have an attorney by your side when navigating the insurance policies that may compensate you and your family.
A Leesburg wrongful death lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can work to identify any liable parties and hold them responsible for the losses they caused. If you request our services, we will gather evidence and analyze federal, state, and local laws to pursue any forms of monetary compensation that may be available.
Wrongful Death Damages
When families in Florida lose a loved one to another party’s act of negligence, some state-specific laws come into play. Florida Statute §768.21 outlines the different types of damages that beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim may seek to recover. For example, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation to cover any related medical treatment the victim received before passing.
Another category of damages covers the lost support and services of a loved one. In many cases, wrongful death may leave surviving family members without a source of income to cover their day-to-day necessities. Along with this form of compensation, family members may also seek to recover the future income that a deceased family member would have provided.
Other recoverable wrongful death damages include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Survivors’ mental and emotional pain and suffering
While these recoverable damages will not resolve the pain of losing a loved one unexpectedly, they can help to ease some of the financial pressure that often follows a wrongful death. Our lawyers can help you to account for these damages and any subsequent expenses when seeking to establish a value for your case.
How Long do You Have to Pursue a Wrongful Death Compensation In Florida?
Another law to be aware of is the statute of limitations. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have two years from your loved one’s passing to file your lawsuit. If you do not, the court will likely refuse your case.
In addition, failure to resolve any wrongful death insurance claims by this deadline will hurt your chances of securing a successful settlement.
Wrongful Death FAQs
You likely have many questions in the wake of the death of your loved one. Our compassionate staff and experienced attorneys are happy to answer them. You may also find our wrongful death FAQs helpful. You can find responses to common queries like the following:
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?: In Florida, a wrongful death victim’s family cannot file suit. Instead, the deceased representative must take legal action.
- Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?: Compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit goes to the deceased’s estate and surviving family members. Survivors may include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, or next of kin.
Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns Today for Help With Your Wrongful Death Case
Handling an insurance claim or lawsuit after losing a family member to a negligent act is never easy. A lawyer with our firm can help you move through the legal and financial steps involved in the process.
A Leesburg wrongful death lawyer from Bogin, Munns & Munns can support your family during such a challenging time. We understand the difficulties you and your family will likely face after losing your loved one.
If you request our services, our team will commit to pursuing justice on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can get started on your case for nothing upfront or out of pocket.
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