When to Hire a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer
If a loved one has been the victim of an unfortunate accident at the negligent hands of someone else, you and your family should contact one of the many experienced Florida wrongful death lawyers to determine if you are eligible for damages under Florida law.Wrongful death can occur from one of the following, and more:
- Automobile accidents
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Product malfunction or manufacturer negligence
What Damages can a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney Seek?
An experienced Florida wrongful death attorney will help you navigate the complex legal system, working hard to determine the ultimate causes and negligent parties in an accident. Working with a Florida wrongful death attorney, you and your family may be eligible for:
- Lost support and services from the decedent, both now and in the future, this includes lost income
- Loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering
- Lost parental companionship, mental pain and suffering
- Medical and funeral expenses
Florida law requires a personal representative of the decedents estate bring any claims against negligent parties. This person is most commonly a spouse, parent or child. A Florida wrongful death attorney can help you determine what damages you may be eligible for and the best course of action to seek them.
What Must We Show?
In Florida, wrongful death attorneys must determine and prove:
- The death was caused by the misconduct or negligence of another person or company
- The life expectancy of the deceased
- Life expectancy of surviving beneficiaries
- Much of the loss is emotional
How much will a Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
There are thousands of wrongful death attorneys in Florida, and fees will vary depending on experience, the type of case, damages and other factors. Generally, lawyers will follow one of the following fee structures:
- Contingency: : If your case is won, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement, usually 1/3. If they lose, they do not receive a fee. You may be required to pay costs, such as filing fees. In South Florida, fees for workman's compensation claims are tightly regulated, and are generally lower.
- Hourly: This is usually higher or lower based on the experience of the attorney.
- Retainer: This involves the creation of an escrow account into which you pay in advance. Lawyers deduct from this account in accordance with their hourly rate.
