Wrongful Death In Florida

Trayvon Martin took a walk through his Florida neighborhood one rainy evening in February of 2012 and never returned home. An unarmed African American teen, Trayvon was shot that night by a neighborhood watch volunteer.  Approximately one year later, Martin’s parents announced that they settled their wrongful death claim with the homeowners association of the Retreat at Twin Lakes where their son was killed.

What exactly is a wrongful death claim and who can file one? A Jacksonville wrongful death attorney can answer specific questions you might have about wrongful death claims, but the following general information is important.

In Florida, wrongful death claims are governed by the state’s Wrongful Death Act, which governs specific wrongful death issues:

• Who may bring a wrongful death claim
• Who may recover damages in a wrongful death claim
• What kind and amount of damages can be recovered through a wrongful death claim
• What time limitations apply to wrongful death claims

When someone’s negligent or reckless behavior causes the death of a family member, state law permits the surviving family members to pursue just compensation for their loss. Generally, spouses, children, parents or adoptive siblings dependent on the deceased for support might be entitled to compensation for loss of future wages, loss of companionship and the cost of medical care and funeral expenses for the decedent. Punitive damages might also be available, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The precise Florida rules concerning who may sue for wrongful death are not straightforward, and if you fail to bring suit within the period defined by statute you will be barred from recovery later on. A Jacksonville wrongful death lawyer can work with your family to make sure you receive what you are legally entitled to in compensation.

The well-regarded attorneys at Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A.. provide skilled legal guidance to hundreds of Duvall County residents. If you have suffered the loss of a relative because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, let us help you. You will receive personal direct service from our wrongful death attorney ― not a paralegal ― and the support of a firm which is an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the most prestigious attorney listing in the country.