Wrongful Death Compensation: What Can You Expect?

When a person you love dies, it can be challenging to accept. This is even more so when their death results from someone else’s mistake or purposeful action. Families often look for wrongful death compensation in these situations – this money helps with the emotional and financial problems that come after losing someone like this. It’s essential for families who are affected by these wrong deaths to know about what kind of claims they can make and the different types of money that might be given. 

What Is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is when someone dies because of another person or organization’s careless or purposeful actions. In Florida, wrongful death has its definition in the Florida Wrongful Death Act, which permits family members of the deceased person or representatives from their estate to file a lawsuit for compensation. Frequent reasons for wrongful demise are: medical negligence/medical malpractice, car crashes, accidents at work and problems with products.

One important part of these cases is proving the connection between negligent action(s) done by the accused person and death, as well as showing that without these actions; there would not be any death. This legal difference ensures only those who are genuinely responsible are held answerable for wrongful deaths.

Types of Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

The compensation for wrongful death tries to cover both financial and non-financial effects caused by the loss. Here are certain types of compensation that could be provided:

Economic Damages:

• Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical care the deceased received before their death.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Money paid back for costs linked with the funeral and burial of the person who passed away.
• Income Replacement: Money given to the family for income that would have been made by the person who passed away, if they had stayed alive.
• Loss of Benefits: Includes lost benefits such as pensions, insurance, and potential inheritance.

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Money for the survivors’ emotional pain and mental upset.
• Loss of Companionship: This involves damages for the loss of companionship, love, care and protection that the deceased person used to offer.
• Loss of Parental Guidance: Compensation for the loss of parental guidance and support for the deceased’s children.

In Florida, punitive damages are possible in cases where the defendant acted with extreme recklessness or malice. These damages are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar behavior.

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

For the beneficiaries, knowing how the payment of wrongful death settlements happens is very important. In most cases, settlements will be paid out in two main methods:

1. Lump Sum Payment: You get the whole settlement sum in one go. This option gives you instant money and helps you pay significant expenses such as hospital and funeral bills.
2. Structured Settlement: The amount agreed upon for settlement is paid out gradually in regular parts over a certain period. This choice can give you a steady income, assisting with ongoing charges and money requirements.

Get Legal Assistance From a Wrongful Death Attorney in Florida

Handling a claim for wrongful death can get complicated, particularly in times when there is an emotional aftermath from losing someone dear. It’s essential to have an attorney specializing in wrongful death law, particularly one who knows Florida’s rules well enough to assist you with the legal procedure.

At Slinkman, Slinkman & Wynne, P.A., we focus on handling wrongful death cases. This includes situations that involve catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents,  e bike accidents, bike accidents and medical malpractice leading to death. Our team, with extensive experience, is committed to assisting families in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to, thus achieving fairness for their lost ones. If you or someone close has experienced the passing away of a loved one because of wrongful death circumstances, contact us today for an initial meeting about your case. We are here to assist you and provide aid in gaining the justice you desire.