Item: Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A.
Rating: 5
Author: Daniel

Wrongful Death

If you've lost a loved one unexpectedly, you may be facing significant financial hardships along with your emotional loss. If your loved one passed away due to the negligence or misconduct of someone else, you may be able to seek financial compensation to help you through this difficult time by means of a wrongful death suit. There is, however, a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, so it's important that you consult a Miami wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

Wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or deliberate actions of another. More than one party may be held liable for a single event, such as both the driver of a company vehicle who causes a fatal accident and the company that owns the vehicle. The liable party or parties can include individuals, government agencies, companies, or employees. To establish wrongful death, an attorney must prove that an individual failed to behave in a reasonable, prudent manner; that his or her wrongful actions caused the death; and that damages resulted. Common causes of wrongful death include:

Medical malpractice. This includes misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, inadequate service (such as wrong prescriptions), or inaction.
Accidents at work. Employers should make sure that their employees don’t work in dangerous conditions or without proper safety equipment.
Car or truck accidents. Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, and drivers who talk on cell phones, text, or drive under the influence of alcohol may provide grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Defective products. Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products, including toys, power tools, vehicles, and other consumer products.
Death during a supervised activity. Supervised activities can include sports tournaments, field trips, or other activities

Our experienced Miami wrongful death lawyers in our South Florida offices can review your situation, answer your questions, and conduct an appropriate investigation to determine the facts around your loved one’s death. They’ll evaluate your possible claim and help you take appropriate action.

Wrongful death claims

Members of your family who depended on the deceased for emotional and/or financial support may be eligible for compensation to help you recover from your loss. These survivors include:

Spouses
Children
Parents
Other relatives who depended on the deceased for support

In Florida, if you have a valid wrongful death claim, you will need to open a probate estate and appoint a personal representative (usually a spouse, parent, or another appropriate person) who will bring action on behalf of the estate and individual survivors. Our wrongful death claims attorneys can assist you in opening the estate and appointing a personal representative.

Wrongful death damages

Each survivor may be entitled to recover the value of lost support and services, the value of future support and services, and medical and/or funeral expenses. Survivors may also recover for the loss of the deceased’s companionship, and mental pain and suffering. Determining damages can be complex. For example, when an employed adult with dependent children dies, the court may consider:

Loss of income, with interest, both present and in the future
Loss of parental companionship, guidance, and instruction
Mental pain and suffering

In addition, a court may also impose punitive damages, which may be appropriate in situations where someone was intentionally or recklessly negligent and caused a death. Punitive damages punish the responsible party and discourage others from behaving similarly, so that other people won’t experience the same losses you have.

Call us today

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A., we help families across South Florida navigate the legal process, while protecting their rights with compassion and sympathy. Our attorneys have the extensive knowledge, experience, and skill you need to examine your legal options and seek fair compensation for your loss. To learn more contact us at our Miami law offices by calling 305-448-8585 or 877-448-8585.

Florida Appeals Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Wrongful Death Case In a recent case, the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Florida issued an opinion in an appeal involving a wrongful death complaint between the…
Florida Appeals Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Wrongful Death Case In a recent case, the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Florida issued an opinion in an appeal involving a wrongful death complaint between the…
Florida Appeals Court Reverses Lower Court Decision in Wrongful Death Case In a recent case, the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Florida issued an opinion in an appeal involving a wrongful death complaint between…

★★★★★

Carolyn Frank and her firm represented me on a workers compensation injury case, under the defense base act. She did a excellent job from the moment I contacted her until 3 years later the case was settled. Every benefit I was entitled too, Carolyn fought hard to secure. E-mails and phone calls were always returned promptly. Definitely 5 star rating. Daniel

I can't express how grateful I am for Elizabeth Estrada, attorney, and Elizabeth Cantin, secretary, for all the hard work in order to defend me in my time of need. My lawyer and secretary spent time explaining each step and what was to be expected. Because of this I felt a part of the whole process and understood what was going on. Thank you so much for all your hard work!  Nicole D.

Attorney Elizabeth Estrada did an amazing job representing one of my family members. She is knowledgeable, genuine, trustworthy, and one of the most hard working attorneys that I know. She was readily available to assist my family member throughout the entire process. I felt confident my family was in great hands. Krystine C.

 Carolyn is very professional. Honest since the beginning of the process till the end. She set up a game plan with you at the consultation and makes it happen. Peterlee G.

I would like to thank the staff of Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. The staff is professional. My attorney, Ronald Rodman, was responsive towards my email and a great advocate on my behalf for my car accident. I highly recommend this office. I hope that I will not get in a car accident again, but if I do, I'm calling Mr. Rodman. Orlando R.

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