At Bailey Glasser, we understand that wrongful death cases should be handled with a special amount of care. In dealing with the loss of a loved one, grieving families are processing intense emotions, and for good reason, the idea of seeking compensation may not be a priority. However, when a person is killed due to another person or entity’s negligence or wrongdoing, wrongful death lawsuits provide an important chance for a grieving family to seek justice.
Justice drives our personal injury practice at Bailey Glasser, and we’ve represented countless number of grieving families in seeking compensation for the loss of their loved one. If your family has lost a loved one due to a negligent or wrongful series of actions, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a specific type of personal injury lawsuit that allows the surviving family members of a deceased accident victim to seek compensation for their injuries. For the most part, the damages sought in a wrongful death suit are designed to compensate the family and thus do not account for the injuries suffered by the deceased person. Most commonly, the types of damages sought in wrongful death lawsuits include:
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Hospital bills and medical debts incurred by the deceased victim’s estate
- Pain and suffering by the family
- Loss of future earning potential and family contributions
- Loss of consortium and companionship
Because wrongful death lawsuits involve injuries that result in death, punitive damages may be available in some cases. These damages are designed to provide punishment to the person or entity who committed negligence as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are only available in cases involving extreme wrongdoing that arises from intentional or reckless conduct, but if they are available in your case, they should be sought, as they can substantially increase the amount of compensation available to a plaintiff.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Florida law requires that a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the personal representative, or executor, of a deceased victim’s estate. When a person dies having a will, their will usually identifies an executor. Most often, executors are family members or close friends. However, that doesn’t mean that the executor receives the proceeds from the lawsuit all on their own. Any compensation from a wrongful death suit is returned to the estate at large and is then distributed according to the deceased victim’s will in the same manner as any other type of asset. If a person dies without a will, Florida law names their next-of-kin as the presumed personal representative for their estate – usually a surviving spouse, parent, or child.
Contact Bailey Glasser Today for a Free Consultation
Bailey Glasser’s nationwide team of wrongful death attorneys offers free consultations to prospective clients. During a consultation with a member of our team, we’ll hear your story and determine whether we’re able to take your case. You can schedule a consultation at no cost and no commitment. Contact us today to set up an appointment – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
In addition to our dedicated services in wrongful death cases, Bailey Glasser also offers comprehensive legal assistance for other incidents in Miami. This includes expert guidance in situations involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and dog bites. Our seasoned attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate these complex legal matters, always working towards achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.