Wrongful Death
Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, Including the Entire Tampa Bay Area
Chadwick & Chadwick, Wrongful Death attorneys in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and all of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee counties, and throughout central Florida.
Coping with the loss of your loved one, is one of the most trying times of your life. When your family member’s death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, your grieving only intensifies. A “wrongful death” is described as a needless death of your loved one who is killed because of the negligence or misconduct of another person.
Wrongful Death Frequency
The frequency of wrongful deaths in this country is heart breaking, because each death affects an entire family.
In 2012 U.S. traffic fatalities totaled 34,080. That’s 93 funerals every day of the year.
National deaths from prescription drug overdose total 16,500 a year – mostly women. That’s 45 more funerals every day.
Wrongful deaths also occur frequently in manufacturing, healthcare and product settings.
Wrongful Death Definition
If a person is killed because of the wrong conduct of another person or persons, the heirs and beneficiaries may file a wrongful death action against those responsible. Wrongful deaths statutes vary from state to state, but at least four elements are consistent throughout the U.S.
- The death was caused, in whole or part, by the conduct of another person or persons.
- The other person or company (the defendant) was negligent or liable for the victim’s death.
- There is a surviving family member – spouse, children, parents, beneficiaries or dependents.
- Monetary damages have resulted from the victim’s death.
The best way to determine if you have a case worth pursuing is to schedule a free consultation with Chadwick & Chadwick experienced wrongful death lawyers. Call toll-free 813-264-1500 to speak with one who cares.
Wrongful Death Proof
In Florida the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of your loved one’s death. Failing to meet this requirement may prohibit all further considerations.
All wrongful death cases are based on negligence – failing to use reasonable care in any situation. So, in order to prove negligence in a wrongful death case, you must first establish that the defendant was acting carelessly. You also must establish a direct link between their negligence and your loved one’s death.
This usually is a complex process, amplified by a defending side – usually an insurance company – that strongly wants to avoid financial expenditures. You obviously need the skill of an experienced wrongful death attorney who can link together all the elements and witnesses in a convincing way to help you receive the financial compensation you need to cover your losses.
Your timely call to Chadwick & Chadwick will be your next wise step in resolving the wrongful death that has devastated your entire family. Call 813-264-1500 to schedule a free case evaluation in the Tampa Bay region with one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys.
Wrongful Death Compensation
While no amount of finances can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, receiving a financial payment can help by knowing irresponsible parties have been brought to justice, a sense of closure has been strengthened and you are able to meet obligations caused by this wrongful death.
Factors courts consider in determining the amount of compensation you may receive:
- Amount of money earned by the deceased
- Savings of the deceased
- Degree to which survivors were financially dependent on the deceased
- Expenses incurred by survivors for medical and funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
Tampa Bay Wrongful Death Attorney
In all of our wrongful death cases, we take time to get to know your deceased loved one – what this person meant to his family (financially and emotionally), the occupation of your loved one, what future prospects this person may have had, favorite hobbies and community activities the deceased participated in.
This process may be difficult for the family, but we try to make it part of the healing process and not an additional burden. We trust you will understand our intentions in being the voice of one who cannot now speak to those who determine wrongful death financial compensation.
