Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Nothing can replace what you’ve lost, but let the expert wrongful death lawyers at Lorenzo & Lorenzo fight for justice on your behalf during this difficult time.
The death of a loved one is the most devastating injury of all, especially when caused by the negligence of another.
Fatal wounds can be caused by any kind of personal injury catastrophe, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, tractor trailer accidents, DUI, hit and run, slip and fall accidents or negligent security. Top Tampa attorney George Lorenzo, founder of the Lorenzo & Lorenzo law firm, has been practicing personal injury law for over 20 years. He and his skilled legal team, specialize in wrongful death cases. If you have lost a spouse or family member due to the negligence of another person or business, we’ll apply our experience and expertise to help you obtain compensation.
There is a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, so it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Let our family help you through this difficult time and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us to talk to an expert wrongful death lawyer for free.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the tragic event of a death caused by negligence, only the closest living relatives of the person who passed away are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit for wrongful death. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, beneficiaries who are permitted to file a wrongful death claim include (by order of priority):
- The deceased’s spouse
- The deceased’s children
- A child or children born out of wedlock when the child’s mother is the deceased
- A child or children born out of wedlock when the child’s father is the deceased and the child was dependent on the father for support during the father’s life
- The deceased’s parents
- Blood relatives who were dependent on the deceased
- Adopted siblings who were dependent on the deceased
In Florida, an executor or personal representative of the decedent’s estate (typically one of the parties listed above) must issue the wrongful death claim. The surviving spouse is usually named the personal representative of a deceased person unless otherwise stated in the decedent’s will. If the decedent has no surviving spouse, the decedent’s heirs must appoint a personal representative or have one appointed by a court.
Damages in Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The expert wrongful death attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo are committed to fighting for your right to compensation.
We specialize in helping surviving spouses, children, parents and dependents file for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses & funeral costs
- Loss of projected earnings based on the decedent’s age and life expectancy
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of household contributions (i.e. child rearing, chores, etc.)
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Mental anxiety
- Loss of companionship (for spouse)
- Loss of parental guidance (for children/dependents)
In rare cases, punitive damages can also be awarded to plaintiffs. Punitive awards may be granted in cases where the wrongful death was intentional and/or the result of gross, willful or wanton negligence.
“I appreciated the personal attention I received from Mr George Lorenzo during this difficult time. I was kept up to date throughout the ordeal by Mr Lorenzo and his staff. Their recommendations for my physical recovery was exactly what I needed to help me heal. They worked really hard, making sure I received the compensation I deserved. I highly recommend the Law offices of Lorenzo & Lorenzo. Thank you Mr. Lorenzo and the Lorenzo and Lorenzo staff.”
Wrongful Death or Murder?
Wrongful death is defined by the state of Florida as follows:
“When the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty of any person, including those occurring on navigable waters, and the event would have entitled the person injured to maintain an action and recover damages if death had not ensued, the person or watercraft that would have been liable in damages if death had not ensued shall be liable for damages as specified in this act notwithstanding the death of the person injured, although death was caused under circumstances constituting a felony.”
This essentially means that if an accident would have been eligible for a personal injury lawsuit had the victim survived, the decedent’s beneficiaries have grounds to sue for wrongful death under Florida law, even if the act that caused the death would also be considered a felony.
The difference between wrongful death and murder is that murder is an intentional act taken before a criminal court, whereas wrongful deaths may sometimes be the result of negligence or an unintentional act and are handled in the civil court system. The main purpose of a wrongful death tort is to compensate surviving family members who have suffered financial loss as a result of the responsible party’s negligence, rather than to punish those who caused the death.
Contact an Expert Wrongful Death Attorney in Tampa, FL
Pursuing a wrongful death claim is costly and complex. Many grieving loved ones understandably feel overwhelmed at the thought of starting a lawsuit while they struggle to come to terms with such a tragedy. If you or your family have suffered a tragic loss, we encourage you to sit down and talk with one of our expert wrongful death lawyers.
We will never charge you for attorney consultations, and we promise to handle your case with personal care and skilled representation. Call Lorenzo & Lorenzo today for your *free consultation. We want to listen to you and discuss your case.
