Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyer

Have someone else’s careless acts taken the life of a close relative in Hollywood, Florida? If so, legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind as you grieve. However, it’s important to consider seeking help from a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Taking legal action could help you and your family recover fair compensation and get a measure of closure after an unexpected loss.

 

In Florida, surviving family members may be entitled to money for the personal and financial losses they incur as the result of a relative’s untimely death. At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., our Hollywood wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience helping families like yours seek answers and justice.

Contact us today to tell us your story and learn how we could help you during a free initial consultation.

 

What Is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Under § 768.19 of the Florida Statutes, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to someone else’s negligence, breach, or unlawful act. A wrongful death claim exists when someone is at fault for another person’s wrongful death.

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Wrongful Death Settlement Amounts in Hollywood, FL

When someone is at fault in a wrongful death case in Hollywood, their liability is expressed financially as compensation owed to surviving loved ones. Because every case is different, there is no “average” settlement amount for wrongful death cases.

However, Florida lawmakers have decided that surviving loved ones are entitled to certain types of compensation when negligence results in wrongful death. Survivors may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical and funeral bills – If a survivor covered funeral expenses or paid for the decedent’s medical expenses before their death, they are entitled to recover compensation for those expenses. If medical or funeral bills were paid by the estate, the estate could also recover money.
  • Lost earnings – The value of the deceased’s lost earnings, from the date when they sustained the fatal injury until the date of their death.
  • Lost support and services – “Lost support and services” refer to the loss of the financial value of certain household tasks and contributions the decedent would have provided if they had lived. Examples include mowing the lawn, cleaning the home, and caring for dependents.
  • Lost net accumulations – The loss of “net accumulations” means the loss of business or salary earnings, including benefits the deceased would likely have earned throughout their life.
  • Pain and suffering – Depending on the circumstances, a surviving spouse, children, and parents can recover compensation for the mental pain and suffering they experience from the date of their loved one’s injury.
  • Lost companionship and protection – A surviving spouse can recover compensation for the loss of the deceased’s companionship and protection.
  • Lost parental instruction and guidance – Children under the age of 25 can recover compensation for the loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance. If the decedent has no surviving spouse, all children may recover this type of compensation, regardless of age.

  • How Does a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Work?

    When you file a wrongful death lawsuit in Hollywood, FL, you must meet the same burden of proof the deceased would have faced if they had survived to file a personal injury lawsuit. That means you must provide evidence to demonstrate:

    • The other party had a legal responsibility to avoid injuring or killing the victim.
    • The victim was fatally injured or killed as a direct result of the other party’s negligence or intentional harm.
    • The victim’s death resulted in personal and financial losses for the deceased’s estate and surviving family members.
    • The personal representative has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the beneficiaries named in the case are legally entitled to compensation.

  • Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Hollywood FL

    At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., our experienced Hollywood, FL, lawyers are prepared to handle cases involving the many causes of wrongful death, such as:

  • Who Qualifies to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

    Under Florida law, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the deceased prepared a valid will before they died, the executor they nominated to handle their will is typically their personal representative. If the deceased died without a will or their preferred executor cannot or will not perform their duties, the court will typically appoint someone as the deceased’s personal representative.

    Although personal representatives are the only individuals who can file wrongful death lawsuits, they do not necessarily benefit from the claims. Instead, they act on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving family members. When a personal representative files a wrongful death claim, they must list all surviving family members who may be entitled to money from the claim.

    The primary beneficiaries in Hollywood, FL wrongful death claims include:

    • Surviving spouse
    • Surviving minor children
    • Surviving adult children
    • Surviving parents

    Other biological or adoptive relatives who were “partly or wholly dependent” on the deceased may also recover, but typically only once any primary beneficiaries have had an opportunity to claim compensation.

    Some survivors do not qualify for certain types of compensation. For example, if the deceased left behind a spouse and minor children, those individuals could be compensated for pain and suffering. Parents of adult children can only recover compensation for pain and suffering if there are no other survivors.

  • Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Florida

    Under Florida’s statute of limitations laws, most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the deceased’s death. However, there may be exceptions in certain circumstances, such as for deaths resulting from murder or manslaughter.

    If you believe you have grounds for a wrongful death claim in Hollywood, FL, a knowledgeable attorney can help you review the specifics of your situation and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact a Hollywood, Florida, Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Losing a beloved family member or loved one in a preventable tragedy is profoundly difficult. You should know that you do not have to bear this devastating burden alone. The compassionate and caring Hollywood personal injury attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. are here to support and counsel you during this painful process.

Please do not hesitate to contact our law firm at your earliest convenience to schedule a free, confidential consultation focused solely on you and your family’s needs. This will allow us to discuss your legal options in more depth and explain how we may be able to help advocate on your behalf during this time of immense grief. Our team is always ready to assist.

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