What if the Car Accident Resulted in the Wrongful Death of a Loved One in Clearwater, Florida?
If a motorist’s negligence leaves your loved one dead in a car accident, you can seek compensation for your losses in a wrongful death claim. While nothing can right the wrong your family has suffered, obtaining just compensation can help you on the path toward healing. If this is the tragic situation you find yourself in, it’s time to consult with an experienced Clearwater, Florida, wrongful death attorney.
Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
In Florida, a representative of the decedent’s estate – or the estate of the person who lost their life to someone else’s negligence – files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent’s survivors. This generally includes the following – in the following order:
- The decedent’s spouse
- The decedent’s children
- The decedent’s parents
The Elements of Your Wrongful Death Claim
To bring a successful wrongful death claim in Florida, each of the following elements must apply:
- The other party owed the victim a duty of care – or had a responsibility to their safety – which is true of every driver on Florida’s roadways.
- The other party breached this duty of care, such as when a driver is impaired or dangerously distracted behind the wheel.
- This breached duty of care was the direct cause of fatal accidents, such as the car accident.
- The decedent’s survivors experienced legal damages – or losses that are recognized by the State of Florida.
Your Losses
Your claim will be unique to your experience, but the losses you can seek compensation for in your wrongful death claim will fall into the following basic categories:
- Loss of companionship, protection, guidance, cooperation, and support
- The cost of the decedent’s final medical expenses and of their funeral and burial
- The decedent’s lost earnings
- The lost accumulation of value regarding the decedent’s estate
The Time Limit for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Florida – like other states – imposes a time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing wrongful death claims. Florida’s statute of limitations is a brief two years from the date that your loved one lost their life as a result of another motorist’s negligence – which may be different than the date of the accident itself. Wrongful death claims are legally complex, and working closely with a trusted wrongful death attorney from the outset is always to your advantage.
Reach Out for the Skilled Legal Guidance of an Experienced Clearwater Wrongful Death Attorney Today
The compassionate wrongful death attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos in Clearwater, Florida, are committed to employing the full range of our impressive legal insight and experience in pursuit of a case resolution that covers your losses in their entirety, and that honors your loved one’s legacy. Your claim is important, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us online or call 727-441-9030 for more information about what we can do to help you today.