Wrongful Death Claims Lawyers

Orlando, Florida

Questions:
What can be considered a wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when a life is cut short beyond what is naturally expected. The death must also cause some sort of financial hardship for the remaining family members or dependents of the deceased. While the death of a child is tragic, a wrongful death claim may not be warranted unless that child was somehow supporting the rest of the family. There are four conditions that must be met for a wrongful death claim.

• The death was caused in whole or in part by the defendant
• The defendant is strictly liable or negligent in the victim's death
• There are surviving family members of the deceased
• There is monetary loss associated with the death

If those conditions are not met, then a wrongful death suit may not be advisable. Consult with one of our wrongful death attorneys to see if you have a case.

Who can file a wrongful death suit?

The spouse, children, or other dependents who suffered damages because of the death can file a wrongful death claim. Other family members who were not directly supported during the decedent's life usually do not have a claim.

What sort of compensation is awarded in a wrongful death case?

The following damages may be recovered in a wrongful death suit:
Direct expenses such as medical and funeral expenses incurred because of an accidental death.

• Loss of future earnings.
• Loss of other benefits like pension or insurance coverage
• Pain and suffering of the survivors, such as mental anguish. Pain and suffering of the decedent cannot be reimbursed.
• General damages
• Punitive damages

Future earnings are calculated using life expectancy tables, which analyze the amount of earnings the decedent made at the time of their death and what their expected income at retirement age would be.

You should look for an experienced wrongful death attorney to assess the strength of you claim.

What is 'preponderance of evidence'?

In a criminal case, the jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the defendant might be found liable for damages with the evidence against the defendant going slightly against him. There is no reasonable doubt qualification to meet.

Who can help me prepare my case?

After you allow yourself some time for emotional recovery, you should seek out the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. There are strict timelines that must be met for filing a case.

If your loved one has passed away in Orlando, or anywhere in Florida, and you would like to file a wrongful death claim, please contact Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter. Our wrongful death attorneys will evaluate your claim for free and we will represent you on a contingent fee basis, which means you dont pay any attorney fees unless you recover on your claim.