Wrongful Death FAQs

Ask a Fort Myers Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have recently lost a loved one in an accident caused by another person's negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you probably have many questions. The following information provided by our firm will give you answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wrongful death.

• What constitutes a wrongful death?
• Who is eligible to pursue a wrongful death case?
• What type of damages can be recovered?
• How will the value of my claim be determined?
• Will I need an attorney to represent me in a wrongful death case?
• Does Florida have a statute of limitations on filing wrongful death claims?

What determines a wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when if one individual's negligent behavior, reckless actions or blatant disregard for the safety of others causes another person to lose his or her life. If you believe another person can be held legally liable for your loved one's death, we advise you contact our firm at once so that one of our skilled attorneys can review your claims and begin preparing your case.

Who is eligible to pursue a wrongful death case?

In Florida, only the personal representative of the deceased's estate is eligible to pursue a wrongful death case on behalf of his or her spouse, children, grandchildren, parents of other immediate relatives according to statutory preference. In cases where there is no will or statute to determine who the personal representative will be, the surviving spouse, parent or other close relative may be that right. If you are unsure of your eligibility, we advise you consult with an experienced attorney before moving forward.

What type of damages can be recovered?

In a wrongful death lawsuit or claim, you may be able to pursue damages to cover the deceased's medical expenses and burial costs, loss of support, future earning capacity, lost insurance coverage or pension benefits, loss of companionship, as well as loss of protection and care. In certain cases, the court may be willing to award punitive damages if the cause of death was particularly egregious

How will the value of my claim be determined?

There are a number of factors which will need to be taken into consideration when determining the value of a wrongful death claim. We are committed to aggressively fighting to help you recover the maximum financial compensation you are eligible to receive after having suffered such a loss.

Will I need an attorney to represent me in a wrongful death case?

Wrongful death cases can be extremely complex. The last thing you need to worry about during this difficult time is the legal aspects of your loved one's death. Let our firm worry about building a compelling case so that you can have the time and space necessary to go through the grieving process. Hiring an attorney to represent your interests will also significantly increase your chances of us being able to prove a wrongful death and recover all of the compensation you are eligible to receive.

Does Florida have a statute of limitations on filing wrongful death claims?

The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in our state is two years. Failure to initiate legal action within that time period will result in your right to pursue damages being denied. There are extenuating circumstances which could mitigate the time limit for filing such a claim, so it is advise you hire an attorney as soon as possible following your loved one's death.

Seeking Justice for Families Affected by Wrongful Death

At Pittman Law Firm, P.L., our attorney is focused exclusively on providing representation in personal injury cases. We do not handle other types of case, as our knowledge and skill lies in the field of personal injury law.

With close to two decades of experience and having recovered countless substantial settlements on behalf of our clients, including many valued at six- or seven-figures, there is no question that we are the unrelenting advocates you want fighting on your side. If you believe another person's acts of negligence resulting in the wrongful death of a loved one, an attorney from our firm can help you get the justice you seek.