904-309-6500Call Us today for Help
Jacksonville Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Jacksonville, FL
If you lost someone you love as a result of medical malpractice, a traffic accident, a defective product, or any situation or scenario that was caused by another’s negligence or wrongdoing, Spohrer Dodd can help your family seek justice.
We have extensive experience holding individuals, corporations and government entities responsible for causing the untimely loss of innocent lives. We believe nothing is as important as bringing at-fault parties to justice, helping families rebuild, and improving conditions so others do not have to suffer similar fates.
To learn more about your rights, call a Jacksonville wrongful death attorney from Spohrer Dodd at 904-309-6500. Your consultation is free, and it’s confidential.
How Do I Know If I Have A Wrongful Death Case in Jacksonville, FL?
As tragic as the death of a loved one can be, sometimes an accident is just an accident and there are no grounds for a wrongful death claim. However, in many cases, these “accidents” were caused because someone else acted negligently or even criminally. The determining factor as to whether you have grounds for a wrongful death claim is if another party’s actions directly caused your loved one’s death. Wrongful death claims typically revolve around acts of intentional misconduct or negligence.
Florida law defines wrongful death as any death that is “caused by the wrongful act, negligence, default or breach of contract.” Because there are so many things that can contribute to a wrongful death, you need a law firm that is experienced and equipped to investigate and litigate these complex types of cases.
Spohrer Dodd is known for taking on the most complicated and challenging wrongful death cases. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, and the assistance of highly experienced paralegals and support staff, our Jacksonville wrongful death attorneys build the strongest possible wrongful death cases for our clients.
We also know how to anticipate opposing parties’ next moves, remaining on the offensive so we can secure better, swifter results. Call 904-309-6500 today!
Who Can Bring A Wrongful Death Case To Court in Jacksonville, FL?
Not just anyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit and expect to recover damages. Florida law dictates that the personal representative of the deceased’s estates is the one who has the authority to bring a wrongful death claim to court.
The beneficiaries of the wrongful death case will of course be the surviving family members, including:
- The spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
- Any other relative or adopted sibling who was dependent on the deceased.
If there is no personal representative of the deceased’s estate, then the court will appoint one. We encourage you to contact our law firm as soon as possible so that we can help you understand your unique situation and what steps need to be taken.
What Damages Can Be Recovered In A Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Jacksonville, FL?
A wrongful death claim cannot bring your loved one back and it may not ease the hurt and grief you feel, but it can remove some of the burdens you may be facing after your loved one’s passing. First, however, you must understand the purpose of your wrongful death claim. While it may be very similar to a personal injury claim in various ways, this type of case is very different and requires careful attention from an experienced Jacksonville wrongful death attorney.
A personal injury claim seeks compensation for the victim’s losses when one party harms another. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the surviving family’s losses after losing a loved one to a fatal personal injury. In the event the victim did not immediately die from their injuries, their family could have grounds to file a survival action that seeks compensation for the personal injury damages they could have pursued if they survived.
Your Jacksonville wrongful death lawyer can advise you whether a survival action would be more suitable for your situation than a wrongful death claim. If you are successful with either of these legal actions, you could secure a more substantial recovery than you initially expected. The survival action could potentially cover your lost loved one’s final medical expenses, the income they lost during their time in final medical treatment, and the pain and suffering they experienced before death.
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the losses incurred by the family. Florida state law allows the plaintiff to file these actions, but they cannot recover compensation through both of them. Therefore, the best course of action is to determine which would yield the greater case award and pursue that option.
The average cost of a funeral in Florida is about $6,500. On top of that, you may have to pay hospital bills for care your loved one received before they passed. These expenses can be overwhelming, especially if your loved one was the main bread earner.
A wrongful death claim can help you recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses or the cost of emergency services.
- Funeral and memorial costs.
- Loss of income from a spouse, parent, or any other provider.
- Property damage, such as in the case of a car accident.
- Loss of companionship from your loved one.
- Emotional trauma or pain and suffering. Recovery for non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits for fatal injuries in Florida is limited to $500,000.
The potential value of any wrongful death claim or survival action hinges on many variables. Regardless of which type of civil claim you plan to pursue, hiring an experienced attorney who can guide you through your case proceedings is vital. Even a seemingly straightforward wrongful death claim can generate very complex legal questions the average person won’t be able to answer on their own. To ensure you are as prepared as possible for your case’s unique challenges, you must speak with an experienced Jacksonville wrongful death attorney as quickly as possible about your case.
Resolving Your Jacksonville Wrongful Death Claim
Most wrongful death claims filed in Florida end in private settlement negotiations between the parties involved. If the two parties can reach a mutually agreeable settlement, their case ends once they both sign onto the resolution. If they cannot negotiate a settlement, the case proceeds to litigation and becomes much harder to resolve.
A defendant responsible for a wrongful death could face much worse legal problems than the family’s civil claim. Depending on how they caused the death, they could be prosecuted. For example, if they caused a fatal car accident because they were driving under the influence, they will likely face an aggravated DUI charge and a charge of vehicular manslaughter.
If you have lost a loved one due to any act of intentional misconduct, egregious negligence, or criminal action in the Jacksonville area, you and your family may need to prepare to participate in criminal court proceedings against whoever is responsible for the death in question. Many wrongful death claims generate complex legal proceedings, and Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys has the experience and resources you need on your side to navigate your case successfully.
Let Us Help Your Family Seek Justice. Call Us Today.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Jacksonville, FL are determined to recover the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your loss. We always work as a team when we take on a wrongful death case, combining our skill, knowledge and resources to achieve better results for our clients. After all, a team is far more powerful than any single person, and this is crucial in such important matters.
No matter the circumstances surrounding your loss, you can demand justice. Call 904-309-6500 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
© Copyright 2024 Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys. All rights reserved.
Digital Marketing By 