Things to Know About Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Tampa
Car crashes, slip and falls, and other accidents happen every day in Tampa. At times, these accidents are so severe that victims do not survive them. When another person’s negligence results in wrongful death, it is not just the victim who suffers. Their entire household and other loved ones they have left behind must deal with the emotional and financial consequences that can turn their lives upside down.
If you have lost someone due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the liable, or at-fault, party. Like all states, Florida imposes strict laws on these claims and it is important to know what they are. Below, our Tampa wrongful death attorney outlines the most important things to know about these claims.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Tampa
Any accident can result in a wrongful death if it is severe enough. The most common causes of wrongful death in Tampa are as follows:
- Car accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Dog bites, particularly those that cause infections
- School injuries
- Defective products
Determining what type of accident caused a wrongful death is often straightforward. However, this does not mean determining liability is always as clear. A Tampa wrongful death attorney can help you determine who is to blame for the loss of your loved one.
Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tampa?
In Tampa, and throughout the state, only personal representatives are able to file a wrongful death claim. A personal representative is responsible for administering a person’s estate after they pass away and they are usually named in the will of a deceased individual or they are appointed by the probate court.
While the personal representative is the only person who can file a claim, any damages awarded are distributed among the beneficiaries of the deceased. These individuals may include the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other relatives who were dependent on the deceased.
Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims
The damages awarded in wrongful death claims are meant to compensate surviving loved ones of the deceased for the losses they incurred as a result of the death. Damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of household income, and emotional pain and suffering. In some cases, such as when the deceased was younger in age or had substantial earning capacity, punitive damages may also be awarded, but these are rare.
Our Wrongful Death Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family
If you have lost someone due to another person’s negligence, you need legal help. At Moore Law, our experienced Tampa wrongful death attorney can provide the sound advice you need and guide you through the process so your family obtains the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help your family.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.16.html
