Wrongful death cases can be legally and emotionally challenging. Thankfully, you do not have to manage all the moving parts of a complex case without legal representation. But you may wonder how to choose the best wrongful death lawyer for your family. You can ask friends and family members for recommendations and read online reviews from previous clients that attest to a lawyer’s approach to cases like yours.
Most personal injury law firms offer a free consultation that lets them learn important details about your case. It is also your opportunity to ask questions about the law firm and its lawyers to determine if they are the right firm for you. Many Boca Raton wrongful death lawyers also work on contingency, meaning their service is risk-free and you will only compensate the law firm after they recover compensation for your family.
The Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Represent Your Family With Kindness and Compassion
The Florida personal injury lawyer you choose should know what constitutes wrongful death and how Florida law supports your family’s right to financial compensation. They will examine the details of your loved one’s death and verify the merits of your case. Your wrongful death attorney should also:
- Offer your family their deepest condolences
- Represent your family with compassion during this difficult time
- Give your case the attention to detail it needs
- Identify all available avenues of compensation
- Provide frequent and transparent communication about your case
Your family deserves legal support that keeps its emotional well-being at the forefront of your case. Choose a lawyer who offers 360-degree client service and support. Your family deserves time to cope with its loss. The lawyer you choose will ensure your compensation package includes the costs of any mental healthcare support your family requires.
Your Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer Should Understand the Legal Process and Your Family’s Rights
Fatal injuries can result from several types of negligence-based accidents. Choose a client-focused lawyer who handles cases like yours by reviewing their wrongful death practice areas, which can include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Mass torts
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
This list is not exhaustive. Just as no two families are identical, neither are any two wrongful death claims. The lawyer your family chooses should offer unique-to-you service and support when you need it most.
The Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Know How to Assess Recoverable Damages
Families who lose a loved one due to negligence could be entitled to two types of damages. The wrongful death damages your family can seek include:
- Funeral expenses, including services, coffin, urn, burial plot, etc.
- Loss of the decedent’s financial contributions to your family
- Loss of the decedent’s contributions to your household
- Loss of consortium, companionship, care, guidance, and support
The best wrongful death lawyers know your family can also file a survival claim. In addition to wrongful death compensation, this allows your family to seek damages your loved one would have been entitled to had they survived to file a personal injury claim. Survival claim damages can include compensation for your loved one’s medical bills, property damage or loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Opt for a Wrongful Death Attorney Who Can Help You Comply With the Statute of Limitations
Your family has a limited time to file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of a loved one’s death to take legal action.
If the allotted time lapses:
- The court may not allow you to file your lawsuit
- The court may immediately dismiss your lawsuit
- The insurance company may stop negotiations
A good wrongful death attorney will help you navigate the filing deadline and understand its specific application to your case. With their guidance, you can file your lawsuit on time and avoid the costly consequences of non-compliance.
Some statute of limitations exceptions can extend the filing deadline, per Florida Statutes § 95.051. If your claim involves a government or municipal agency, notification in writing is required within six months of the date of injury, according to Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1).
Choose a Lawyer Who Will Manage All the Moving Parts of Your Family’s Wrongful Death Case
After losing a loved one, your family will have a lot to face in a short period. The best lawyers will let you focus on coping with your loss and taking care of each other while they take care of all the following parts of your case for you by:
- Investigating your loved one’s accident
- Carefully assessing your financial recovery
- Gathering evidence of the at-fault party’s financial liability
- Building the strongest possible case file
- Canvassing for photos and video footage
- Speaking with all relevant parties for you
- Completing and submitting insurance claim forms
- Responding to your family’s questions promptly
- Providing ongoing updates on your case
- Negotiating for a favorable monetary settlement
Your lawyer will also opt for the best resolution for your family. While that typically means a settlement agreement, if your case does go to trial, your lawyer will represent you at trial, so you can keep fighting for the financial recovery you need and deserve.
The Best Wrongful Death Lawyers Will Represent Your Family at No Upfront Cost
No family who lost a loved one in a tragedy should have to forego legal representation out of concern for its costs. Choose a wrongful death lawyer who will accept your family’s case on a contingency basis.
This fee structure means the lawyer will not request a hefty retainer or charge hourly fees. Instead, they will cover all legal costs for your family and will not expect or accept compensation unless and until they recover it for you. If you do not recover damages, you will not owe any fees.
Get a No-Cost, No-Obligation Review of Your Wrongful Death Claim
If your family lost a loved one in a negligence-based accident, you deserve financial compensation. You also deserve a wrongful death attorney who will represent your family with compassion and dedication.
Explore your compensation options and learn how to choose the best wrongful death lawyer for you and your family. Contact our legal team at Ged Lawyers to get started now with a free initial consultation.
