Losing a spouse or family member to the careless actions of another individual can be heartbreaking. If your loved one has passed away in an accident caused by a negligent party, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A Lakeland wrongful death attorney from Dismuke Law can help you navigate the legal process with compassion and expert counsel. They’ll construct an evidence-based claim and demand the settlement you need to cover economic losses and honor the decedent with a proper funeral.
When to Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Lakeland, FL
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to file a wrongful death claim, an attorney from our firm can assess your circumstances and advise you on your legal options. Here are some of the criteria they’ll look for to determine if you have the right to file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit:
- There was a death
- The death was caused by another person’s negligence or intent to harm
- The surviving family faces monetary loss because of the accident
If any of these elements is missing or untrue, the case may not succeed. Therefore, hiring a professional, experienced lawyer is essential because they know how to demonstrate these elements to the court.
Who Can File a Claim?
Florida law puts restrictions on who can file a wrongful death claim. If you are the decedent’s spouse, child, or parent, you are well within your rights under Fla. Stat. § 768.20 to pursue legal action against the individual or entity who caused the untimely death of your loved one.
If you are a decedent’s sibling or extended family member, you should speak to a wrongful death lawyer in Lakeland, FL, to see if you qualify to find out if you’re eligible to file. Friends and colleagues of the deceased will not be permitted to take legal action.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful deaths lawyer serving Lakeland, call 863-250-5050
Damages You Might Receive From a Wrongful Death Claim
It is impossible to accurately assess the value of a person’s life with money. With that said, the purpose of a wrongful death claim is to ensure that the family of the deceased is financially taken care of and to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions or inaction.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may receive compensation for:
- Lost wages: If you depended on the decedent’s income, these damages can help you stay financially stable during this uncertain time.
- Medical expenses: Depending on the circumstances of your loved one’s death, you may have been left with their end-of-life medical bills. These damages can cover any hospital visits or medical procedures your loved one received prior to their passing.
- Loss of companionship: If you relied on the decedent for advice and affection, these damages can help you cope with your loss of companionship.
- Funeral expenses: Giving your loved one a proper funeral and burial will give you the closure you deserve. These damages can help you give your loved one a memorable farewell.
- Pain and suffering: If your loved one was in a great deal of physical pain before they passed, a wrongful death attorney can add these damages to your claim.
- Emotional distress: The sudden and tragic loss of a loved one can seriously affect a person’s psyche. If you’ve experienced problems with your mental health in the weeks and months following your loved one’s death, a lawyer can request these damages.
While no amount of money will make up for the loss of a loved one, receiving compensation can offset some of the financial hardship that accidents cause. Our firm is here to support you and your family through this difficult time – please, do not hesitate to contact us!
Lakeland Wrongful Deaths Lawyer Near Me 863-250-5050
Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case
To file a wrongful death claim, the at-fault party must have been negligent and responsible for the death. To prove negligence, your attorney will collect evidence related to the accident that your loved one was fatally injured in. They’ll analyze police reports, witness statements, and other forms of evidence to build a case against the
Examples of negligence include:
- Being distracted
- Not taking reasonable safety precautions
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Disregard for safety measures
- Intent to harm
- Medical malpractice
Often, negligence in wrongful death cases centers around motor vehicle accidents and negligent drivers. However, these types of claims can result from any accident. Luckily, a wrongful death attorney in Lakeland, FL, have the experience necessary to pursue financial remedies for virtually any type of wrongful death incident.
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Types of Wrongful Death Incidents Our Lakeland Attorneys Have Filed Claims for
Our wrongful death lawyers have experience filing claims for fatal injuries sustained in a number of different incidents. After working on hundreds of different cases, they’ve gained the expertise you need to make your claim successful.
Our team in Lakeland can help you pursue damages for any of the following fatal incidents:
- Car accident
- Truck accident
- Bus accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Uber or Lyft accident
- Pedestrian accident
- DUI accident
- Boating accident
- Premises liability
- Negligent security
If someone close to you has passed away due to injuries suffered in one of the above-mentioned situations, we offer our deepest condolences. Our wrongful death attorneys will investigate your loved one’s accident and build a strong wrongful death claim, so you and your family can have the time and financial support you need to mourn your loss properly.
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Deadline for Wrongful Death Suits in Lakeland, FL
Your wrongful death lawsuit must be filed in accordance with Florida Statutes § 95.11. The law states that you have two years from the date of the decedent’s passing to file a civil suit. One of our skilled wrongful death lawyers can keep your case on track and ensure that your suit is filed before the deadline.
However, if you wait too long to contact an attorney, they might not have the time they need to abide by the state’s filing deadline. If you’ve been putting off legal action, contact an attorney ASAP to see what your options are.
Work With a Wrongful Death Lawyer From Dismuke Law
If you live in the Central Florida area and require the assistance of a wrongful death attorney, you can rely on the professionals at Dismuke Law. We have been helping clients through tough cases for many years, and we can help you too.
A Lakeland wrongful death lawyer from our office will handle every stage of your case and ensure that all deadlines and legal requirements are met. They’ll give you the best shot possible at recovering the damages you need to support yourself through this difficult time in your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text 863-250-5050 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form