Seeking Justice and Compensation For Families Grieving a Wrongful Death
In the state of Florida, a wrongful death is defined as the death of a person due to the wrongful, or negligent, actions of another. Wrongful death claims are used to recover damages in order to compensate families for the economic and non-economic damages that they have suffered as a result of their loss.
Attorney Keeley Karatinos understands that the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult losses that a person can experience. When someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another person or organization, the family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation. If you live in Pasco, Hernando or Sumter County, contact Karatinos Law, PLLC, to learn how Keeley can help you understand your legal options and zealously advocate on your behalf.
Who Has The Right to Sue For Wrongful Death?
In order to recover damages, the family of the deceased must prove that the wrongful party was at fault for the death of their loved one. If the family is successful in proving this, they may be entitled to compensation.
In Florida, the following individuals are typically eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate: This is typically appointed by the court and is responsible for managing the affairs of the estate. The personal representative is the primary party who files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members.
- Surviving spouse: The spouse of the deceased person has the right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Children: The children of the deceased person, including both minor and adult children, have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Parents: If the deceased person was a minor, their parents can file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, if the deceased person was an adult and had no surviving spouse or children, the parents may also have the right to file a claim.
If you are unsure of your legal standing to sue, you can ask Keeley directly during a free initial consultation.
Legal Damages and Time Limitations
The family of the deceased may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include things such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are used to compensate the family for things such as the loss of companionship, the loss of love, and the loss of the deceased’s future earnings.
In the state of Florida, there is a statute of limitations that dictates how long a family has to file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in the state of Florida is set at two years. If the wrongful death occurred due to an act of medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is set at four years.
Get Started With a Free Initial Consultation
If your loved one died due to the wrongful actions of another person or entity, contact the lawyer at Karatinos Law, PLLC, today. Keeley can help you understand your rights, assist you in seeking compensation and guide you and your family through this difficult and trying time. She is fluent in Spanish and Russian as well as English.
To schedule your free consultation, call 352-405-0537 or submit an online contact form.