When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, it can be a very difficult and emotional experience. This experience can feel very painful if someone else’s actions caused his or her death. In these situations, however, your family may be eligible for legal action—and the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help. Our Clearwater wrongful death lawyers will fight tenaciously to secure justice for your loved one and hold the at-fault party accountable for his or her actions.
Why Choose Us
Our firm has over 60 years of experience representing personal injury and wrongful death claims throughout the state of Florida.
You will have a direct line of communication with your Clearwater injury lawyer throughout your case and will always be able to ask questions and raise concerns.
Our firm will handle all aspects of the wrongful death claim on your family’s behalf so you can focus on healing, not complex litigation.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death?
According to Florida Statute 768.19, a wrongful death occurs due to the wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty of another person. If your loved one would have qualified for a personal injury claim if he or she had survived the incident, your case likely qualifies for a wrongful death lawsuit. Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may bring this action on his or her behalf.
Damages Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim
Through a wrongful death lawsuit, you and your family can recover two categories of damages: compensation for your loved one’s estate, and compensation for your family’s losses. Examples of damages paid to your loved one’s estate may include the following.
Lost wages and benefits incurred between your loved one’s final injury and his or her death
Lost wages, benefits, and other earnings that your loved one would have earned if he or she had lived
Final medical expenses paid by your loved one’s estate
On the other hand, examples of damages intended to reimburse your family’s losses include the following.
Mental and emotional pain and suffering
Medical expenses paid by a surviving family member
Funeral and burial expenses paid by a surviving family member
Loss of your loved one’s support, services, companionship, and protection
Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance, if your loved one was your parent or left behind surviving children
Your attorney at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help your family identify and calculate the compensation you are qualified to receive.
The Florida Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If you believe that your loved one’s passing may qualify for a wrongful death claim, it is important to act quickly. In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits, meaning that you must file your claim within two years of your loved one’s death.
If you do not file your claim within this time period, the court will likely dismiss your case. To protect your family’s right to justice, speak to a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person or entity, the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help. Our Clearwater wrongful death attorneys will fight tenaciously to secure justice for your loved one. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
