Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer

What is a wrongful death claim?

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. The emotional impact of a sudden loss can be overwhelming, especially if it was caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another person or entity. In such cases, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family members of a person who has died as a result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. This type of claim is filed in civil court, rather than criminal court, and is separate from any criminal charges that may be brought against the responsible party.

Common causes of wrongful death in Orlando

• Car Accidents: They are a leading cause of wrongful death in Orlando, especially when they involve high speeds or impaired driving.
• Medical Malpractice: It occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide appropriate care, leading to injury or death of a patient.
• Workplace Accidents: They can happen in any industry, but some of the most dangerous are in construction, manufacturing, and transportation.
• Product Liability: If a product is defective and causes someone’s death, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for wrongful death.
• Criminal Acts: When someone is killed as a result of a criminal act, such as murder or manslaughter, the perpetrator may be held liable for wrongful death.
• Nursing Home Neglect: Neglect or abuse in a nursing home can lead to the wrongful death of a resident.

The difference between wrongful death and personal injury cases

Wrongful death and personal injury cases are both types of civil lawsuits that seek to compensate victims and their families for harm caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions. However, there are significant differences between these two types of cases.

Personal injury cases typically involve an individual who has been injured or harmed due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party. For example, a person may file a personal injury claim after being injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, or after suffering a slip and fall injury on a property with hazardous conditions. In a personal injury case, the injured person is the plaintiff, and they seek compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the injury.

In contrast, wrongful death cases involve the death of an individual due to the negligent or intentional actions of another party. These cases are brought by the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased person, rather than the injured party. Wrongful death cases seek to compensate the surviving family members for losses such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, and emotional distress.

Why should you file a wrongful death claim?

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the pain can be even more intense when the death was caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. In such cases, the family members of the deceased may consider filing a wrongful death claim. Here are some reasons why filing a wrongful death claim may be important:

• Justice and Accountability: Holding the responsible party accountable for their actions and seeking justice for your loved one’s death can provide a sense of closure and help you move forward.
• Financial Compensation: A wrongful death claim can help compensate for the financial losses associated with the death, such as medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of income and financial support. This compensation can help ease the financial burden on the surviving family members.
• Deterrence: By holding the responsible party accountable for their actions, you may be able to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, helping to promote safer practices and behavior.
• Closure and Healing: Filing a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of closure and allow you to grieve and heal from the loss of your loved one. It can also provide a sense of validation and acknowledgment for the impact that the death has had on your life.
• Legal Protection: Filing a claim can help protect your legal rights and ensure that your interests are represented. An experienced Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process and work to secure the best possible outcome for your case.