Are you looking for legal representation after losing your loved one due to someone else’s careless, negligent, or reckless behavior? The death of someone you love is a very painful experience, and your grief might feel heavier when the reason they died was preventable.
At Distasio Law Firm, we understand what it takes to advocate for your family and serve as your wrongful death lawyer in Lakeland. Founded in 2006, our attorneys have over 35 years of combined experience. You can count on us to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Our law firm was established on the principle that every client deserves hands-on, personal service from their personal injury lawyer in Lakeland. Known as the Distasio Personal Touch, we will take the time to understand your family’s situation.
What is Considered Wrongful Death Under Florida Law?
When someone dies because of another person’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional misconduct, Florida Statutes § 768.16 states that certain surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases are designed to do the following:
- Provide compensation for losses caused by the death
- Hold responsible parties accountable for their actions
A wrongful death claim is different from a typical personal injury claim because the person who was harmed is no longer able to pursue compensation themselves. Instead, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act lets the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate bring a claim.
This is done on behalf of certain surviving family members and beneficiaries. Wrongful death cases can arise from many different situations, including these:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
- Defective products
- Dangerous property conditions
A wrongful death attorney in Lakeland can make all the difference. Wrongful death attorneys in Lakeland can investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and build a claim designed to protect your family’s rights.
For a free legal consultation with a Wrongful Death Lawyer serving Lakeland, call (813) 259 0022
What Compensation Can Families Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?
No amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but a wrongful death claim can ease the financial consequences that follow such an unexpected death. Florida state laws let you recover certain damages depending on the circumstances of the case, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the deceased person’s final injury or illness
- Lost wages and financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of protection and guidance
- Emotional suffering caused by the loss
For example, if someone dies in a preventable accident, their family may suddenly lose the income they relied on to pay for housing, daily expenses, education, and other necessities. A wrongful death claim can help address those financial consequences.
Families may also experience losses that cannot be measured through bills and receipts. Losing a spouse, parent, or child changes a family’s future. Compensation for loss of companionship, support, and guidance recognizes the personal impact of that loss.
You can rely on your wrongful death lawyer near me in Lakeland to help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Your lawyer for wrongful death in Lakeland can also help calculate the full value of a claim by looking beyond immediate expenses.
Lakeland Wrongful Death Lawyer Near Me (813) 259 0022
Proving Negligence in a Florida Wrongful Death Case
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, the family generally must prove that another party’s negligence caused the death. This requires establishing several important elements, including that these are true of the at-fault party:
- Owed a duty of care
- Failed to act reasonably
- Caused the death as a result of that failure
For example, in a fatal car accident case, a family may need to show that another driver’s reckless behavior caused the collision. In a medical malpractice case, they may need to prove that a healthcare provider failed to provide appropriate care and that failure resulted in death.
Evidence is often the foundation of a wrongful death case. This may include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, expert testimony, employment records, and other documentation related to the circumstances of the death.
Responsible parties and insurance companies may attempt to challenge this evidence or avoid responsibility. Having an attorney who knows how to investigate and present a claim can help families protect their rights.
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Call Distasio Law Firm for Advice From Wrongful Death Attorneys in Lakeland
Losing someone because another person acted with negligence can be a lot to take in, and you deserve legal representation from Lakeland wrongful death lawyers who care. At Distasio Law Firm, we will fight in pursuit of justice on behalf of your loved one.
Additionally, we have the resources to stand up against large companies. Home to a board-certified civil trial lawyer, our law firm gives all of our clients direct access to their attorneys. We make it a point to be responsive throughout the entire legal process.
We’ve spent decades helping injured individuals and their families throughout the state of Florida. You can trust us to investigate what happened, explain your rights according to state laws, handle negotiations on your behalf, and pursue compensation for your family.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form