St. Petersburg Wrongful Death Lawyer
For most people, the heartache of losing a loved one in an unexpected accident is hard to imagine. For others, this is a tragic reality. While nothing can be done to restore a life that’s been wrongfully lost, surviving family members may retain the right to bring forth a civil action for monetary damages. At the law offices of The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group, our experienced St. Petersburg wrongful death lawyers understand the emotional nature of wrongful death suits, and will approach your case delicately while also aggressively advocating for you. Call us today to learn how we can help.
What Is a Wrongful Death Action?
In Florida, statute allows a claim for wrongful death to be brought when an individual’s death is caused by the wrong act, negligence, breach of contract, or default of another party. This type of suit can be used to reclaim monetary damages associated with the decedent’s loss of life, including:
- Any medical bills associated with the accident acquired prior to death;
- Funeral and burial expenses;
- The value of the deceased’s lost wages, earnings, and benefits;
- Mental and emotional pain and suffering;
- The loss of the deceased’s support and services; and
- More.
Who Can Bring Forth a Wrongful Death Claim?
It’s important to consult with an attorney to learn more about whether or not you maintain the right to bring forth a wrongful death claim if you have lost someone you love, as your relationship to the deceased will affect your legal rights. In Florida, those family members who are permitted to bring forth a wrongful death action include the decedent’s spouse, children, and parents, as well as any other blood relatives or adopted siblings who were financially dependent on the decedent.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
While taking action immediately after losing a loved one can feel impossible, acting quickly to file a wrongful death claim is of critical importance. This is because you only have two years after the date of a loved one’s death to file a suit; if you wait longer than two years, your claim will likely be denied unless very specific circumstances exist.
Why You Need a Lawyer
If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death action, you’ll need an attorney. An attorney will be able to collect evidence on your behalf and investigate the cause of death, organize our claim in a way that’s compelling and proves negligence and causation, calculate your damages, and represent you in negotiations. Your lawyer can also help you to understand the law, answer your questions, and pursue litigation on your behalf if necessary.
Call Our St. Petersburg Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
We know how devastating the death of a loved one can be. To learn more about your rights and how we can support you in your claim for damages, please call our St. Petersburg wrongful death lawyers directly today or send us a message telling us more about how we can be of service. We offer free consultations.
