The legal term "wrongful death" refers to a death caused by the negligence or misconduct of another. A wrongful death claim may arise in any number of circumstances. Examples include: nursing home negligence or abuse; medical malpractice; auto, motorcycle or truck accidents; workplace accidents; and defective products. Our lawyers have handled wrongful death claims throughout Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Gainesville and Daytona.

Wrongful death claims are different from other types of lawsuits because the actual victim, the decedent, is not the plaintiff. Instead, the suit is brought by the victim's family members or estate, and the purpose of the suit is not to recover damages which are personal to the victim but to compensate the family members who have been harmed financially and emotionally by their loved one's death. Thus, compensation may include an award for loss of love, support, services or benefits of the deceased, loss of the deceased future wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses or punitive damages.

If someone suspects that their loved one was a victim of wrongful death it is very important that they act quickly. While most injury claims have a four (4) year statute of limitations, the Florida Wrongful Death Act generally requires that a wrongful death claim be brought within two (2) years from the time of death.

Contact us for a free consultation. If we accept your case you will pay us nothing unless we make a recovery for you.