Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
A Lakeland wrongful death attorney can help you hold the person responsible for the death of your loved one financially accountable.
At a time when you should be mourning your loss, you won’t be able to do so properly if you are burdened by the financial worry that comes with losing the person who primarily supported your family. No one should have his or her grieving interrupted by troublesome financial worries, particularly when someone else’s negligence put your family in this position in the first place.
In Florida, the average funeral costs about $6,500, and that price is rising. If you or your loved one passes away with no plans to pay for final expenses, family members may be left figuring out how to cover rising funeral costs.
The path to securing the compensation you’re entitled to may include bringing a wrongful death claim against the person or people responsible for the death of your loved one. Reach out to an experienced and caring Lakeland wrongful death lawyer at Lopez & Humphries, PA to learn more about how we can help you and your family move forward.
Seeking Compensation for a Wrongful Death in Lakeland
A death will be considered “wrongful” if the choices or decisions of another individual have directly caused it. This could be intentional or unintentional and is very different from a criminal case, in which charges are filed and could result in jail time. A Lakeland wrongful death claim is a civil suit in which we are seeking compensation on behalf of the deceased to benefit his or her loved ones.
In Florida, the spouse, children, and parents of the person who has passed are entitled to benefit from a wrongful death suit. In addition, any blood relatives of the deceased who relied heavily on his or her income and support can also benefit.
However, Florida law requires the representative of the deceased person’s estate to actually file the claim, listing any and all surviving family members who might be interested in receiving compensation. You will not be able to financially benefit from a Lakeland wrongful death lawsuit if you are not a blood relative or spouse of the deceased or do not have any financial dependence on his or her income.
For unmarried parents who have lost a child, the mother will be able to file a wrongful death claim and receive benefits accordingly, but the father will need to establish that he acknowledged the child was his prior to the child’s passing and that he provided support for the child as he or she grew up.
What Wrongful Death Benefits Cover
When your wrongful death lawyer in Lakeland is seeking compensation on your behalf, you need to understand that benefits will only be paid for certain damages. To begin, you can expect to have the costs of the memorial service and burial covered if your claim is successful. You’ll also be able to recover the costs of any medical bills the deceased incurred before he or she passed.
In addition, you’ll be entitled to the wages the decedent would have been able to collect if he or she had lived. This loss of earning potential could include bonuses, salary raises, and even contributions he or she would have made to any retirement funds.
Family members can seek damages for the pain and suffering they’ve endured for the loss of their loved one, as well as loss of consortium for no longer being able to enjoy and participate in activities as a family. Surviving family members may also seek compensation for the loss of household help with maintenance and care of the home and any children.
Filing Your Lakeland Wrongful Death Claim on Time
It is critically important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Florida is only two years from the date of the deceased’s death or from the time that it was discovered that the liable party was, in fact, responsible for the death. If you fail to bring a claim forward within this two-year time frame, you will likely lose your opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Your wrongful death attorney in Lakeland can help you gather evidence and build a strong case with plenty of time to spare before the statute of limitations is up.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wrongful Death Claims in Lakeland, Florida
1. Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the claim.
The spouse, children, and parents of the deceased are entitled to receive benefits, as well as any blood relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, an attorney can clarify your eligibility quickly.
2. How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Two years from the date of death or from the date it was discovered that another party was responsible.
This is one of the shortest deadlines in personal injury law, so it’s critical to contact a Lakeland wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
3. What compensation can my family recover in a wrongful death case?
Your family may be able to recover funeral and burial costs, medical bills incurred before death, lost wages and future earning potential, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of household services.
Every case is different, and the total amount depends on the specific circumstances of your loss.
4. What is the difference between a wrongful death lawsuit and a criminal case?
They are completely separate proceedings. A criminal case is filed by the state and can result in jail time for the defendant.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim filed by the estate seeking financial compensation for the family, and can proceed regardless of whether criminal charges were ever filed.
5. Can I file a wrongful death claim if the death was caused by a car accident in Florida?
Yes. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of wrongful death claims in Florida.
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident that killed your loved one, the estate has the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for full compensation, separate from any criminal or traffic charges the driver may face.
6. How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Lakeland?
Nothing upfront. López & Humphries works on a contingency fee basis; you pay no attorney fees unless they win your case. As they say, they don’t get paid to lose.
7. How do I get started with a wrongful death claim in Lakeland?
Contact López & Humphries, P.A. for a free consultation with no obligation to proceed.
Their team has 86 combined years of experience recovering millions for Central Florida families. Call (863) 243-6744 today.
Speak with a Lakeland Wrongful Death Attorney
When the death of a loved one is the direct result of the careless behavior or decisions of another person, you are entitled to seek compensation from the liable party for his or her negligence. When you’re ready to hold the at-fault party responsible for his or her actions by filing a lawsuit, contact an experienced lawyer with Lopez & Humphries, PA.
We’re ready to schedule your free case evaluation with a Lakeland wrongful death lawyer. Just give us a call at (863) 774-3573 or fill out the quick contact form at the bottom of this page.
Citations
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Florida? Memorial Planning
https://www.memorialplanning.com/blog/how-much-does-a-funeral-cost-in-florida
“Decedent’s Personal Representative Must Bring Action for Benefit of Survivors and Estate in Wrongful Death Cases”
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.20.html
