The unexpected passing of a loved one is an awful tragedy. Families will need time to grieve and they must hold a funeral while still trying to process what happened. A wrongful death is a heartbreaking event that no one should ever have to experience.
When a loved one’s death was caused by an accident that should never have happened, whether it’s at work or elsewhere, the responsible party should be held accountable.
I want to hold the liable party accountable for their actions. With my years of experience both in and outside the courtroom, I can offer you the comprehensive and caring legal representation you need. My firm — The Law Offices of Garry F. Connell, PA — represents clients in wrongful death claims in Plantation, Florida, as well as the surrounding areas of Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami.
A wrongful death claim can’t bring your loved one back to you, but families still choose to file wrongful death lawsuits. The primary reason to file a claim is to hold the responsible party accountable so that this doesn’t happen to other families. You are likely protecting someone else — and their family — by bringing legal action against the party responsible for your loved one’s death.
You may also want to consider filing a wrongful death claim for monetary reasons. The unexpected expenses you’ll have to cover after your loved one’s passing — such as the funeral expenses, burial costs, and lost income — will add up and can create a significant burden. The party that caused your loved one’s death also caused these costs and should be held responsible.
Before you begin considering filing a wrongful death claim, it’s important to know what Florida law considers to be a wrongful death. There are four general categories:
Medical Malpractice — A healthcare professional neglected to uphold their duty of care
Other Negligence-Based Incidents — Car accidents when a driver neglected to perform their duty of care
Defective Products
Intentional Acts — Criminal acts that caused harm
I handle cases in which someone has died as a result of:
Vehicle Accidents
Product Liability
Negligence
Nursing Home Neglect
In Florida, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of your loved one’s passing. After two years, you lose the right to file this claim.
There is an exception to the two-year limit if the death was a result of murder or manslaughter. If this is the case, then you can file a wrongful death claim at any time.
In Florida, the personal representative (also known as the estate executor) of the decedent is the only person who can file a wrongful death claim. The personal representative must list all people who would receive monetary compensation (the beneficiaries of the estate) when they file the claim.
One of the reasons to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is to force the responsible party to be held accountable for their actions. Part of being held liable is paying for the costs incurred, both directly and indirectly, by the individual’s death.
In Florida, both the family of the individual who passed away as well as the individual’s estate may receive damages. Typically, damages include compensation for:
Medical and funeral expenses
The reasonable value of the earnings and benefits the deceased person could have left behind (if they had lived) as part of their estate
Loss of the support and services the deceased person provided
Loss of the deceased person’s protection
Loss of the deceased person’s parental guidance
Pain and suffering
Nothing will ever change the horror and tragedy of unexpectedly losing a loved one. Though this situation will never be made right, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party may prevent them from harming someone else.
Your family doesn’t have to suffer alone. I understand how the courts work and I will provide you with the experienced legal counsel that you need. My firm — the Law Offices of Garry F. Connell, PA — proudly serves clients in Plantation, Miami, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and Pembroke Pines, Florida. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation.