Wrongful death suits are filed when a loved one dies due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. They are not a way to get paid for the death of someone you care about, nor are they intended to assign a dollar value to your loved one.
The point of filing a wrongful death suit is hold the responsible party or parties accountable, shed light on bad habits or practices to hopefully reduce the chances of something similar happening to another, and to cover the cost of losing someone – including medical fees, funeral costs, lost income, and so on.
Of course, you can’t simply file a wrongful death suit just because a loved one passes away. There are specific requirements. Below, we’re going to cover the types of accidents that most commonly lead to people filing wrongful death lawsuits.
You May Have a Wrongful Death Claim If a Loved One Died in One of These Accidents
In the state of Florida, these 10 accidents are the most common reasons wrongful death lawsuits are filed.
Vehicle accidents. If your loved one dies due to a motorcycle, car, or truck accident, a wrongful death suit may be filed against the person or company responsible for the accident. If you experienced this tragedy, an attorney experienced in auto accident cases can help you form a plan of action.
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Every year a number of Floridians die because they were struck while riding a bicycle or walking across the street. If evidence points to the recklessness or negligence of another as the cause of the accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit.
Boating or drowning accidents. Since so many people enjoy the lakes and coasts of Florida, boating and drowning accidents are bound to occur. If your loved one lost his or her life in a water-related accident and someone else was at fault, seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident.
Slip and fall accidents. These accidents can happen almost anywhere, especially on slick surfaces. They also include cases where a person was fatally struck by an object. If your loved one died due to a fall because someone neglected to keep a walkway clean and dry, for example, you may have enough evidence to build a case against the person or company at fault.
Defective product accidents. Sometimes products malfunction and cause fatal injuries. If this situation occurred with your loved one, make sure to seek legal counsel to learn if the manufacturer may be held liable.
Medical mistakes or errors. Unfortunately, medical professionals sometimes make costly mistakes or errors in judgment which cause the death of a patient. If your loved one paid the highest price at the hands of a negligent health care worker, see what rights you have by speaking to an attorney as soon as possible after the death occurred.
Accidental overdoses. If your loved one was advised to take a certain amount of medication that proved to be fatal, you may be able to file suit against the doctor, the pharmacist or the pharmaceutical company, depending upon your loved one’s unique situation.
Work-related accidents. Accidents in the workplace are common, and typically are covered by worker’s compensation insurance. When a workplace accident results in death, a wrongful death suit may be filed to recover damages and funeral fees.
Construction site accidents. Whether your loved one was working on a construction site or was an innocent passerby who was fatally injured by an accident, you may be entitled to a wrongful death lawsuit. Check with your attorney to understand your rights.
Animal attacks. If your loved one was fatally attacked by a dog or any other animal owned by someone, it’s possible you may be able to seek damages.
Wrongful Deaths Happen All the Time – Fight Back for the Compensation You Deserve and to Protect Others
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that unintentional injury deaths are the wrongful death attorney.
About the Author:
A partner at Ben Murphey tries complex disputes that include civil appeals, maritime and admiralty claims, wrongful death, and labor disputes. Mr. Murphey has been recognized for his excellence in the area of personal injury litigation by being rewarded with a 10/10 Avvo Rating and named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for the last four consecutive years (2011-2014). Mr. Murphey regularly tries cases in state and federal courts around the country, being admitted to practice before all Florida courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.