West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances, but all the more so when the death was unexpected and caused by someone else’s negligence. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and the chaos that comes from a sudden tragedy can feel overwhelming. However, if you are going through such an experience, you do have legal options. For people in West Palm Beach, a good first step is to reach out to an experienced West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer.

Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The emotional toll of losing a loved one unexpectedly can leave you with more questions than answers. Hiring a West Palm wrongful death lawyer can help you pursue the damages you may be entitled to. With their counsel, you can gain the confidence you need to successfully navigate a claim against the negligent party. A lawyer will help you meet filing deadlines, communicate on your behalf, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we believe that people who have been injured by the negligence of another person deserve to pursue justice. When clients approach us in the aftermath of a wrongful death, we are mindful that they are turning to us during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. With our knowledge and experience on your side, you not only gain the support of our team, but you can confidently pursue the damages you may be owed.

What Makes a Death Wrongful?

A death can be considered wrongful if it was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing and could have been prevented if the liable party had exercised a reasonable level of care. In general, the following statements must be true for a death to be considered wrongful:

• The liable party had a responsibility to provide safety and security to the deceased person.
• There was a breakdown of the care owed to the deceased person.
• The deceased person died because of that breakdown.
• If the liable party had exercised due care, the death could have been prevented.

There are myriad scenarios that can produce wrongful death claims, but the following are some common ones:

• Car accidents. In 2024 alone, 3,098 people were killed in accidents on Florida’s roadways. Car travel is risky, even though the majority of us do it every day.
• Medical malpractice. When doctors, nurses, or other healthcare workers make mistakes, those mistakes can result in serious injuries or death for their patients.
• Premises liability accidents. Property owners and managers have a duty to make sure their properties are safe for people visiting. Things like wet floors, loose boards, and uneven stairs can represent deadly hazards.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

When a family loses a loved one in a wrongful death scenario, it is not uncommon for every family member to want to file a claim. However, Florida law states that a wrongful death claim can only be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is usually a family member or someone else the deceased person knew, and they may have been named in the deceased person’s will, if they had one.

If there was no will or no personal representative was designated before the deceased person’s death, the court can designate a family member, friend, or neutral third party to be the personal representative. The representative serves as the plaintiff when filing the wrongful death claim. Any settlement from the wrongful death claim is distributed to the spouse or children of the deceased person, or to the parents if the deceased person was a minor.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?

There is no amount of money that can alleviate the pain of a wrongful death, but the provisions of the law aim to ease the financial burden associated with the loss and provide some comfort going forward in the form of financial security. According to Florida law, a wrongful death claim can cover the following damages:

• Funeral expenses for the deceased
• Medical expenses the deceased person incurred before their death
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship for surviving spouses and children
• Lost wages with respect to the deceased person’s contribution to their household finances

FAQs

Is Wrongful Death a Crime in Florida?

In Florida, wrongful death is not a crime. It is considered a civil action taken against another party whose negligent behavior showed a disregard for the life of another and caused death. It can, however, be filed against an individual who was criminally prosecuted for the death of your loved one. It is recommended to discuss the details of your claim with a wrongful death lawyer who can guide you through both civil and criminal court proceedings.

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Wrongful Death Claim?

There is no way to know for sure how long it might take to settle an individual wrongful death claim. Factors that influence the timeline include the number of liable parties, the complexity of the circumstances around the death, the difficulty of proving liability, and the willingness of a defendant to participate in alternative dispute resolution methods. To estimate the time for your case, speak with your lawyer.

Can More Than One Wrongful Death Claim Be Filed for the Same Person?

Only one wrongful death claim can be filed for any one death in the state of Florida. Florida law establishes that only the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate can bring a wrongful death claim against a liable party. That representative should, in theory, represent everyone who might legally benefit from a wrongful death settlement, eliminating the need for multiple claims.

How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost in West Palm Beach?

The cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in West Palm Beach varies depending on the complexity of your case and individual rates and fee structures set by lawyers. However, some lawyers who take wrongful death cases do so on a contingency model. This means that they do not require an up-front fee from their clients. Instead, they receive a percentage of any settlement they secure.

West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer

When you experience something as devastating as a wrongful death, you need competent, experienced legal counsel on your side. Contact The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., today to find out how we can help you begin moving forward.