Wrongful Death
Wrongful Death Law Firm
The death of a family member is a heartbreaking and difficult event. It is particularly tragic when the passing of a loved one could have been avoided and was caused by the careless or wrongful act of another, such as an employer, doctor, hospital, or nursing home.
Wrongful death often occurs in the following situations:
- Nursing home abuse, malpractice, or negligence
- Hospital malpractice or negligence
- Automobile or other transportation accident
- Workplace accident
- Pharmaceutical liability for unsafe or defective prescription drugs
Certain surviving family members may be entitled to monetary compensation for their damages resulting from the wrongful death of a loved one. Such damages may include loss of companionship, support, services, or benefits of the deceased, loss of future wages of the deceased, medical and funeral expenses, and punitive damages.
Wrongful death actions in Florida are governed by state statutory provisions. Florida law requires wrongful death suits to be brought by the personal representative of the deceased. Only those family members who qualify as “survivors of the decedent” are eligible for compensation. These include the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. If there are children born out wedlock, they are eligible for compensation for the father’s wrongful death only if the father recognized a responsibility for the child’s support.
If you suspect that a family member was the victim of wrongful death in Florida, whether by the negligent or improper actions of an employer; hospital, doctor, or medical staff; auto driver or manufacturer; or prescription drug manufacturer, it is important to act quickly and consult a wrongful death lawyer. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death suit in Florida is only 2 years.
The wrongful death attorneys at PERENICH The Law Firm have extensive experience handling wrongful death claims in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, including Clearwater, St. Pete, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and potential for recovery from a wrongful death.