How to move forward after the loss of a loved one

Losing a loved one unexpectedly can devastate your Florida family. Whether your loved one died in a car accident or as the result of a medical malpractice incident, it can leave you dealing with emotional duress and financial loss. You may be wondering how you will ever pick up the pieces and move forward from this point.

In your time of grief, you may not be aware that your family could have legal options, including the right to move forward with a wrongful death claim. If you suspect that your loved one’s death was the result of the actions of another person, you may have a case. These cases are time sensitive, and it can be beneficial to move forward with learning more about this option as soon as possible.

How do you know if you have a case

The death of a loved one is the most basic element of a wrongful death claim, but that is not the only thing you will need in order to have a successful claim. Not every death is a basis for legal recourse, but it may be in your situation if you also have the following:

• Evidence the death of your loved one was the result of the reckless, negligence or intentionally harmful actions of another person
• Evidence your family is suffering financial harm because of the death

In addition to these things, your family will also have to appoint someone to act as the representative of the estate. Wrongful death claims may follow a fatal car accident caused by a reckless, distracted or drunk driver, but medical malpractice, criminal activity and occupational exposure may also give rise to circumstances that are grounds for this type of claim.

Through legal action, you may be able to secure compensation for your financial losses associated with medical bills, emergency room expenses, funeral costs and more. You may also be able to seek damages for your emotional duress, loss of companionship and loss of financial support.

Guidance for your grieving family

It is not always immediately clear what circumstances led to your accident or what your legal options may be. It is helpful to seek a complete evaluation of your case in order to understand if a wrongful death claim is an appropriate course of action. The aftermath of losing a loved one is confusing and overwhelming, but you do not have to walk through it alone.