Gainesville Wrongful Death Attorney
If you’ve lost a relative due to an accident that was someone else’s fault, a wrongful death claim could provide compensation for your loss. A loved one’s death can leave you devastated and unsure about the future.
Our loved ones support us in so many ways, and the loss of that support can disrupt your family’s plans. At a time like this, you may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim to help your family find the resources and security you need.
A Florida wrongful death claim is a complex legal action that must be handled professionally from start to finish. It’s important to have a knowledgeable, experienced, and caring wrongful death attorney in Gainesville, FL on your side.
Additionally, attorney Cherie Fine is an expert in probate and can handle all the related estate administration work at no charge when our firm takes on your wrongful death claim. This added level of service could potentially save your family thousands of dollars.
When it’s time to start a wrongful death claim, contact Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. We offer a free consultation, and we’re ready to help you now. Call us or use our online form today.
What is Considered Wrongful Death in Florida?
Per the guidelines of Florida Statutes §768.21, certain family members are eligible to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. Depending on the details of your case, eligible parties may include:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse
- Surviving minor children
- Surviving adult children
- The parents of the deceased
At Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A., we provide clarity on laws relevant to your wrongful death situation. Connect with our team for a complimentary consultation to discuss your potential to file a personal injury claim.
How FFP Law Can Help Your Family?
Having successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases, FFP Law understands the profound impact such an event has on a family. A wrongful death claim is an important step toward rebuilding your life and honoring your loved one.
In many cases, the death must be investigated, and those who are responsible must be held accountable. This means acquiring an account of the events, engaging in settlement discussions, and possibly presenting your case in court. A wrongful death attorney can handle all of these for you and can give you the legal guidance you need throughout the process.
Here are the steps our wrongful death attorneys will follow to build your claim:
Step One: Initial Investigation
A wrongful death claim starts with understanding the incident and identifying the responsible party. This involves gathering evidence such as witness statements, business records, and surveillance footage. In some scenarios, experts might assess the event’s circumstances and produce reports. A wrongful death attorney streamlines this exhaustive process, ensuring the claim is well-prepared for negotiations and potential court proceedings.
Step Two: Liaising with Authorities
During the emotionally taxing period after losing a loved one, our attorneys handle communications with local authorities and investigators. They act as a bridge, ensuring you remain insulated from the overwhelming aspects of the process.
Step Three: Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Post-investigation, a wrongful death attorney engages with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance providers often aim to minimize their payouts. An experienced attorney not only negotiates with these companies but also prepares vital documents and stands as your advocate, ensuring you get the just compensation you deserve.
Step Four: Court Proceedings (if necessary)
If a settlement isn’t reached, our team is prepared to take your case to court. This step involves meticulous planning, from gathering evidence to strategizing for the trial. Entrusting an experienced wrongful death attorney ensures your case receives the expertise and care it demands.
A wrongful death claim in Florida may involve these and many other steps. Every case is unique, and a lawyer can help you understand what your case may need and how it may move forward. If you’re considering a wrongful death claim, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. and get started today.
Evidence in a Wrongful Death Case
To assign responsibility and recover damages in a wrongful death case, it’s important to provide evidence which demonstrates:
- A duty of care was owed by the at-fault party to your deceased loved one
- This duty was not maintained or met by the responsible individual
- This negligence directly led to the tragic accident and resultant death
FFP Law is adept at gathering the necessary evidence to highlight the neglect of the responsible party. Depending on the specifics of the incident, the evidence might include:
- Visual records like photographs or videos from the accident site
- Relevant police or incident reports
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Insights from crash analysis specialists
- Medical documentation or reports from the coroner
Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims We Handle
At Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A., our compassionate attorneys stand with families in Florida during their most challenging times. We advocate fiercely for justice in wrongful death cases stemming from:
Car Accidents: With Florida roads notorious for fatal accidents, our team is committed to securing justice for families affected by vehicular tragedies.
Motorcycle Accidents: The limited protection for motorcyclists often leads to severe consequences. We understand the risks and are ready to assist.
Truck Accidents: In Gainesville, accidents involving heavy trucks can be devastating. We delve deep to pinpoint responsibility and ensure the liable parties are held accountable.
Bicycle Accidents: The vulnerability of bicyclists in collisions often leads to fatal injuries. A Gainesville wrongful death lawyer will strive to ensure motor vehicle operators are held to account for negligence.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Underestimating the severity of falls can lead to unforeseen tragedies. We’re here to ensure premises owners and managers are held responsible.
Industrial Accidents: In industries involving heavy machinery, fatalities can occur. We investigate these incidents and ensure companies and insurers uphold their responsibilities.
Medical Malpractice: Medical professionals hold a great responsibility to care for their patients. When they fail in this duty, leading to a patient’s death, we are here to ensure that the healthcare providers and institutions are held to the highest standards of accountability.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, you have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim per the statute of limitations. In general, this time limit is extremely strict, and the courts will enforce it. However, there may be rare circumstances where this limit can be extended. If you’re considering a wrongful death claim, speak with an attorney as soon as you can to understand how much time you have to file.
Two years may appear to be a long time for filing a claim, but you may be surprised at how long a wrongful death claim can take. Investigation and negotiation can take months to complete, and the longer you wait after a wrongful death claim, the harder it may be to find and collect evidence related to the incident.
When you begin a wrongful death claim, you are beginning an intricate and time-consuming process that can take some time to complete. If you’re considering a wrongful death claim, don’t wait to take action.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
In many parts of the United States, the surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Florida, on the other hand, handles things differently. In Florida, the representative of the deceased’s estate may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and the deceased’s family. The representative may bring the claim for family members such as parents, children, and other relatives who relied on the deceased for support.
Before bringing a wrongful death claim in Florida, speak with an attorney about your case. The attorney can review your case, and let you know if you can bring a suit. If you can, the attorney can handle any filings, negotiations, or litigation your case needs. A wrongful death claim can be complex, so make sure you have the help you need before you start.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death in Florida
Under Florida law, the deceased’s estate and surviving family member may be entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Every wrongful death claim is different and may be subject to specific laws, but compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Any treatments the deceased underwent before passing can be financially draining. A wrongful death claim in Florida can help cover these extensive medical costs, and legal representation can assist in documenting these expenses for proper compensation.
- Lost Support: When an individual passes away, their families can lose vital income and support. In Florida, a wrongful death claim might provide compensation for the deceased’s projected future earnings, offering financial support to grieving families.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immense, especially for surviving family members. Florida law allows for compensation to address this loss of companionship and the subsequent emotional distress experienced by surviving family members.
- Final Expenses: The sudden costs of burial and funeral services can be overwhelming and unexpected. A wrongful death claim in Gainesville may include these final expenses.
In Florida, punitive damages may be available in some cases. Punitive damages are a special category of damages that can be difficult to obtain, so speak with a lawyer to understand if they may be available in your case.
Compassionate Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you need to bring a wrongful death claim, Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. offers a free consultation to help answer your questions. A personal representative will listen to you, review your case, and discuss next steps. We know how tough this time can be and we’re here to help you.
When you lose a loved one in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed, but the lawyers at Fine, Farkash and Parlapiano, P.A. are here to help. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we can work to investigate, negotiate, and resolve your case in a way that works for you.
We proudly represent people in Gainesville, Alachua County, and across all of Florida. When it’s time to bring a wrongful death claim, call us or use our online contact form.