Need a St Petersburg Wrongful Death Attorney?
Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen in life and we lose loved ones and friends. However, if their premature death is due to the negligent or intentional actions of another person, it may well be the time to take action and seek vindication. Before you come to that conclusion, you need to ask a few questions including:
- Can I make the wrongdoer take responsibility for causing the wrongful death?
- Can I make the wrongdoer pay money damages for the suffering they have caused?
- Will I have the financial resources to support myself or my children?
- Can a St Petersburg wrongful death lawyer help me?
The Distasio Law Firm can answer these questions confidently and completely, and is ready to represent you in wrongful death cases in St. Petersburg and other Florida cities. We will hold the offenders responsible for their actions and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you’ll need to put your life back on track. Not only do we possess a level of skill, determination, and experience that’s unmatched in results for our clients, but we are also committed to making our communities safer places for all.
St Petersburg Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (813) 259-0022
The Distasio Law Firm Difference
How do you know if you have hired the best St. Petersburg wrongful death lawyer? One of the easiest ways is to find an attorney who has all the characteristics listed below.
- Knowledge and Experience Handling Wrongful Death Cases
Your lawyer should not only know Florida law. That lawyer should also have years of experience handling wrongful death cases. Scott Distasio has been handling wrongful death cases in Florida for over 28 years. His years of experience investigating, negotiating, settling, filing lawsuits, taking depositions, and going to trial will absolutely make a difference in your case. - Independent Verification of the Lawyers Ability
All attorneys claim they know what they are doing. Their marketing materials may also be persuasive. But you will only know the truth about that lawyer if the lawyer is rated by respected independent non-biased rating systems. Scott Distasio has an “AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell law Directory. This is the highest rating an attorney can receive for both ability and ethics. Scott Distasio is also Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Trial law. To achieve this accomplishment a lawyer must have tried a minimum number of cases to a jury and pass a competency exam. Less than 1% of all Florida lawyers are Board Certified. - Willingness and Ability to Go to Trial
Not all Florida wrongful death cases go to trial. The truth is most cases settle. But if your case does need to go to trial it’s important to hire a law firm that has the experience, resources, and ability to try your case. Scott Distasio is a board-certified civil trial lawyer. This gives him the right to call himself an expert trial lawyer.
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What is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death is defined as the demise of an individual that was caused by the actions of another individual, company, or organization. Wrong death lawsuits can be filed to address a number of different circumstances including:
- Automobile accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Slip and fall injuries
If the actions of an individual led to the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation. However, it must be determined that the individual not only caused the accident, but that their actions were negligent or intentional.
In a wrongful death suit, a victim’s family can receive compensation for pain and suffering and to make up for the loss of support that a family member was providing prior to his or her death. Funeral and medical expenses can also be compensated.
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What Wrongful Death Damages Are Available in Florida?
Recoverable damage will vary depending on the state you are in. The Florida Wrongful Death Act states the estate of the deceased is entitled to net accumulations- meaning the amount an individual would have had as savings over his or her lifetime minus debt or bills. In some cases, it’s also your right to receive compensation for the amount of money your loved one would have contributed to support you. Additionally, you can receive compensation for the “loss of companionship” caused by their death. It is important to note that the law states that lost wages are not recoverable.
In a wrongful death case in Florida, the people who are entitled to compensation must be identified. Consider your relationship to the victim and be aware that the largest portion of monetary damages will go to surviving family members.
Those compensated can include the spouse, if the deceased was married and had children under the age of 25. Children over the age of 25 are entitled to compensation if there is no spouse or minor children and if the case doesn’t involve medical malpractice. When there are no children or a spouse involved, the parents of the deceased are entitled to compensation. In cases involving medical malpractice, adult children and the parents of the deceased are not entitled to compensation.
How Much is a Wrongful Death Accident Case Worth?
If after only the first consultation you are told by an attorney that they can determine the value of your wrongful death accident case, they are not being truthful with you. In principle, wrongful death accident case values can’t be determined until the defense makes a settlement offer or until your case actually goes to trial.
Keep in mind that the circumstances surrounding the offender in the case are a major factor in assessing what the value of your case is. Depending on if the perpetrator has insurance, what level of insurance they have, and the value of their financial resources these determinations will be the deciding factors in the case. Unfortunately, in some cases, the offenders don’t have the financial means or insurance necessary to pay monetarily, and they will subsequently file bankruptcy.
How Long After a Wrongful Death Do I Have to Bring a Claim?
There is a limit on the amount of time in which personal injury claims can be brought forth and that is referred to as the statute of limitations. According to Florida statute 95.11(4) “the lawsuit must be brought within two years of the date of death.”
For cases of medical malpractice, a lawsuit can be brought within two years of the time that you discovered or should have discovered that an incident of wrongdoing led to the death of a loved one. This time period cannot exceed four years from the date of the incident.
Looking for a St Pete Wrongful Death Lawyer? Call (813) 254-4979 Today!
Finding the Best St Petersburg Wrongful Death Attorney
If your loved one died in as a result of someone’s wrongdoing, you will want to be aggressively represented by a lawyer with tenacious determination and years of experience. At Distasio Law Firm, we have achieved victories in a myriad of wrongful death cases over the last 28 years. Contact us today and we will strive to do the same for you!
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