Brandon Wrongful Death Attorney
People die every day. While many die of illnesses and accidental injuries, some die due to negligence or reckless behavior by another person. This is called wrongful death, and the family of a person who dies of wrongful death can file a legal claim and recover compensation for damages.
Wrongful death is more common than you may think. In Florida, if your loved one died wrongfully, you have two years to file a claim, but it is important to contact a Brandon wrongful death attorney immediately. Here are some examples of what wrongful death entails and what elements need to be proven in order to file a claim for compensation.
Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death can happen in many ways. Some common examples include:
- Car accidents. This is the most common cause of wrongful death. Almost all accidents are caused by some form of negligence, and situations such as distracted driving and drunk driving can be grounds for a wrongful death claim.
- Medical malpractice. Doctors are human, too, but when they make mistakes, they can be deadly. Prescription drug errors, birth injuries, defective medical devices, and surgical errors can also cause wrongful death. Birth injuries often lead to wrongful death as well.
- Nursing homes. Many patients in nursing homes are neglected or abused by staff. If this negligence or abuse leads to wrongful death, then the nursing home can be held liable.
- Workplace accidents. A lack of training can cause employees to suffer fatal accidents in the workplace. Construction sites are often unsafe and have many accidents. Fires, falling debris, slips and falls, machinery, and electricity can cause serious injuries or death.
- Defective products. Sometimes the products we use aren’t as safe as they should be. Appliances, toys, electronics, and food can cause fatal illnesses and injuries. In these cases, the victim’s family can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Elements in a Wrongful Death Case
You will need to prove that wrongful death was present in your loved one’s death. The case must meet these four elements:
- The liable party owed the victim a duty of care.
- The liable party breached that duty of care.
- The breach led to a fatal accident.
- The death resulted in losses to family members.
What this means, in a nutshell, is that a person’s death must have been caused by someone else’s negligence or intent and led to damages for the surviving family members. Medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship are common damages in a death.
Contact a Brandon Wrongful Death Attorney Today
It can be devastating to have a loved one die unexpectedly and unnecessarily. If someone’s negligence or reckless behavior caused your family member to die, seek legal help to file a claim.
Brandon wrongful death attorney Stephanie Koether from Koether Law, P.A. can help you understand the laws and timelines. She offers a personal touch during your time of need. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
