Wrongful Death
Losing someone you deeply care for is a painful experience. The grief and anguish families endure can be unbearable. Yet families can experience a flurry of emotions when someone else's detrimental actions cause the loss. They may be emotionally stressed, angry, and frustrated. To make matters worse, if a family loses the breadwinner of their home, it can have devastating consequences. They may struggle financially to pay their mortgage, utilities, or food.
A family may be entitled to receive compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. Nothing replaces the loss of your loved one; however, a wrongful death claim can help your family get the money they need to pay for their basic living expenses.
At Wolfson & Leon, we understand the emotional pain and stress families undergo when losing someone they love in an accident. We know the devastation and financial struggles many families face. Our West Palm Beach accident lawyers understand the need to protect your family during this time of tremendous loss and work to get the best settlement possible.
Find out how Wolfson & Leon can help you by calling (561) 997-7558 for your free and confidential case consultation.
West Palm Beach Wrongful Death ClaimIn the State of Florida, family members may be entitled to compensation under a wrongful death claim. These civil actions focus on the financial and emotional consequences of your loved one's death. The personal representative of the decedent's estate is responsible for filing a wrongful death claim.
A wrongful death suit may arise from automobile accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, or criminal actions. The estate's personal representative must file a wrongful death claim within two years of the decedent's death.
In a wrongful death action, the estate must prove that the third party owed the deceased a certain level of care. To prove wrongful death, the estate must show:
- The third party neglected its duty of care.
- The resulting breach caused the decedent's death.
- The surviving family members suffered financial, mental, and emotional hardships as a result.
If you lose someone close to you, their death can change your life forever. While nothing can bring back a cherished loved one, a wrongful death claim may provide families with the compensation they need to get through this trying time. We invite you to give us a call to learn more about your rights when you have lost a loved one. Call (561) 997-7558 today for a free and confidential consultation.
Who Files a Wrongful Death Claim in West Palm Beach?Family members do not file a wrongful death claim. Instead, they must be filed by the personal representative of the decedent's estate. A personal representative is tasked with opening the estate and handling its affairs. A person's will typically identifies who should be the personal representative of their estate. When a will does not exist, or the named representative cannot fulfill their responsibility, the court will appoint a personal representative.
The estate's representative must list all qualifying individuals when filing a wrongful death claim. Qualifying individuals may include:
- Surviving spouse
- Children under the age of 25 years old
- Blood relatives or adopted siblings under certain circumstances
- Parents may be eligible in some cases
West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Claim Recoverable Damages
Beyond the emotional pain and grief, a family can endure financial distress if they lose their primary source of income. They may be unable to pay for their basic living expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and groceries. In addition, families may be stuck with medical bills for their loved one's care and funeral expenses.
With a wrongful death claim, the court may compensate a family for their economic losses, such as:
- Wages lost due to death
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
A family may also be awarded damages for non-economic costs. Unlike measurable expenses, non-economic costs compensate family members for the emotional and mental anguish they endure because of their loss. Non-economic costs may include:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of comfort and support
- Emotional and mental pain and suffering
Wrongful death suits can be complex. It is helpful to speak with a West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer as soon as you can to ensure you get the proper legal guidance.
Why Hire a West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Law Firm?The complex nature of wrongful death suits makes it critical to engage a West Palm Beach personal injury law firm. Most of us are unaware of the laws and strict timelines that must be met when filing a claim. There can be many parties who share in responsibility or complex issues that require analysis or expert testimony.
For almost 60 years, the West Palm Beach accident attorneys at Wolfson & Leon have represented families whose lives have been abruptly changed by losing someone they love. We understand the pain and frustration families face and work diligently to protect their rights. Our West Palm Beach wrongful death attorneys know how to build and defend your case to help you get the best settlement possible.
At Wolfson & Leon, we offer a free and confidential case evaluation. We can review the circumstances around the accident and advise you of potential legal remedies. We analyze the legal basis of your claim, answer your questions, and talk you through what to expect if you file a wrongful death suit.
And if you decide to pursue a wrongful death claim, our West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyers work with you to build your case. We pull in experts for analysis or testimony if your case needs it. Our West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyers take care of all legal filings, phone calls, and court appearances.
Wolfson & Leon proudly serves the residents of West Palm Beach and its surrounding communities of Palm Beach Gardens, Haverhill, Riveria Beach, Lantana, Westgate, Acacia Village, Mangonia Park, and North Palm Beach. Find out how the West Palm Beach wrongful death attorneys at Wolfson & Leon can help you by calling (561) 997-7558 today.