Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Naples

If you're wondering why you should care about wrongful death claims in Naples, then it's important to understand how a wrongful death claim works and why it can be beneficial.

A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to recoup some of the lost wages and expenses after their close family member has passed away due to someone else's negligence or misconduct. It is an attempt to recover some financial losses inflicted on the family during their grief and loss.

Filing a wrongful death claim is about seeking justice for your loved one's death—holding those responsible accountable for their negligent or intentional acts. When filing a wrongful death suit in Naples, here are a few key considerations:

  • Damages: You may be able to collect damages based on the expected future earnings of your deceased loved one and medical bills incurred before the death, funeral expenses, or expenses related to counseling or therapy for surviving family members struggling with emotional distress.
  • Time Limit: In Florida, you have up to two years from the date of your loved one's passing to file a wrongful death claim; this deadline is known as the "statute of limitations," and if you miss it, then you might not be able to pursue financial compensation in court.
  • Representation: You will need an experienced Naples lawyer specializing in wrongful death claims and understanding all relevant state laws—from filing documents correctly and on time- to

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim can be difficult, but understanding and being aware of everything that goes into it can make all the difference for your family

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

If you're looking for information about wrongful death claims in Florida, you'll want to know who can file a claim. In most cases, when someone dies due to the negligence of another person or entity, the deceased's family members can file a wrongful death claim.

The legal system recognizes the emotional and financial hardship accompanying an unexpected life loss. Because of this, certain family members can take legal action against the responsible party under Florida law. Those eligible to file a wrongful death claim in Florida are a deceased person's:

  • Spouse
  • Children (including adopted and stepchildren)
  • Parents
  • Personal representative
  • Any other survivors who can show they were dependent on the deceased financially.

It is important to note that each state has its laws and regulations regarding wrongful death claims, so it is best to consult with an experienced attorney in your area if you have any questions or concerns regarding your rights and options in filing a claim.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Wrongful Death Claim In Florida?

It's important to know the statute of limitations when filing a wrongful death claim. In Florida, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. The period may be extended if a defendant acts fraudulently to avoid liability or if the plaintiff is a minor.

To file a successful wrongful death suit in Florida, you must prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence. This means establishing that, more likely than not, the defendant is legally responsible for the death.

It's important to back up this claim with facts and specifics about the circumstances surrounding the decedent's demise. Gathering witness testimonies and medical records can help to build your case and prove that the defendant was at fault for the death.

You'll also need to demonstrate your relationship with the deceased and how their passing has affected you financially and emotionally. This could include providing proof of economic loss like funeral expenses or lost wages from no longer being able to work with or without pay due to grief from losing a loved one.

It's important to remember that missing deadlines may cause you to be unable to file a valid claim or recover damages in court—so stay on top of all relevant dates to preserve your legal rights.

What Factor Can Hinder the Success of My Claim?

If you've suffered a wrongful death in Florida, you may be wondering what key factors can affect the success of your claim. It's important to understand that wrongdoers are often well-equipped to defend themselves against claims of wrongdoing, and the success of your claim depends on multiple factors.

First, the details of your case must be collected and documented accurately. Without reliable evidence that supports your case, it could be difficult to establish sufficient proof that the wrongdoer was responsible for the damages incurred.

Additionally, you must accurately understand Florida laws to understand your rights under such a claim and specialize in wrongful death law to ensure that all potential benefits are maximized.

Finally, taking action immediately after a wrongful death incident in Florida is important. Wrongful death claims come with time limits determined by state laws, and the statutes of limitations often depend on how much time has passed since the incident occurred.

How To Select the Right Lawyer for My Claim?

When it comes to wrongful death claims in Florida, having the right lawyer on your side is essential for a successful outcome. But how do you know if you've found the right lawyer for your claim? Here are a few things to consider when selecting an attorney:

  • Experience: Your wrongful death attorney should be knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with legal matters related to wrongful death in Florida. Ask them how many cases they have handled like yours, and inquire about their track record of success.
  • Communication: Choose an attorney who is easily accessible and communicates quickly and accurately. Make sure they are willing to explain every aspect of the case to you in a way that's easy to understand.
  • Strategy: Ask what strategies they plan to use while representing you and their approach towards settlement negotiations or trial proceedings. You should feel confident that they understand your interests and goals and will actively pursue the best outcome for your case.

By carefully considering each of these factors before choosing a lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that someone with the necessary skill set is defending your rights.

What Is the Burden of Proof in A Wrongful Death Case in Florida?

When it comes to a wrongful death case in Florida, there are certain things you need to know. One of the most important is the burden of proof.

This is the responsibility of either you or your lawyer to show that death was due to negligence or unlawful acts. Understanding that burden is important because it affects whether your claim will succeed.

In legal terms, the burden of proof falls on the party who initiates a lawsuit—in this case, it would be you or your representative. To prove wrongful death in Florida, you have to show that:

  • The death was caused by someone's negligence or wrongful act
  • The negligence or wrongful act was the legal cause of death
  • The victim's survivors suffered financial losses
  • Those losses can be recovered through damages

It's also worth noting that in Florida, cases must meet a certain standard to qualify as a wrongful death action: clear and convincing evidence. This means that proving liability will require both facts and circumstances that paint a picture of what happened and make it more likely than not that someone else's negligence caused an alleged injury—this is far more stringent than just "a preponderance of the evidence."

What Is the Role of The Executor in a Wrongful Death Case in Florida?

If a loved one has died due to the wrongful act of another in Florida, the executor of the deceased's estate is crucial to filing and pursuing a wrongful death claim. This is because they are responsible for filing any legal claim on behalf of the deceased's estate, including wrongful death claims.

The executor is essential in a wrongful death case in Florida, as they have several important roles:

Filing the Claim

The executor is responsible for filing the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased's estate. To do this, the executor must gather all pertinent documents, such as medical and police reports and any proof of financial loss due to the deceased's death. They must then file all documents with the court.

Representing the Interests of Beneficiaries

The executor will also represent identified and unidentified beneficiaries throughout the legal process. This includes notifying them of their rights and representing their interests during settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

Managing Funds

Lastly, once a settlement or jury award is finalized, it is up to the executor to distribute funds appropriately among identified and unidentified beneficiaries according to state law regulations.

What Is The Role Of The Probate Court In a Wrongful Death Case?

If you're looking to file a wrongful death claim in Florida, you might be wondering what the role of the probate court is. In a nutshell, the probate court plays an important role in handling wrongful death cases, as it is responsible for determining who has the right to file a claim and verifying that all claims are distributed in accordance with state law.

Here are some things to keep in mind about the role of the probate court when it comes to wrongful death claims in Florida:

  • The probate court investigates who has the legal claim to file a wrongful death suit.
  • It will also review any documents related to the case from family members or other parties.
  • The probate court will ultimately decide who can legally pursue a wrongful death suit and receive any potential settlement funds.
  • It also oversees settlements and ensures that all proceeds are properly distributed based on state law.
  • If necessary, the probate court may appoint an administrator or guardian ad litem on behalf of an incapacitated party or minor child involved in the case.
Can a Wrongful Death Case Be Filed for a Death That Occurred Outside of Florida?

If a fatal accident occurred outside of Florida, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot file a wrongful death action in Florida. This can happen if the deceased person was a resident of Florida and the responsible party is a resident of Florida or has substantial contacts with the state.

For example, if someone visiting Florida dies as a result of another person's negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death case in Florida. However, it is important to remember that each state has its own set of laws and rules related to wrongful death cases.

So it is best to consult with an experienced local attorney who can advise you on whether or not filing outside your home state makes sense for your particular case.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Wrongful Death Case?

A wrongful death lawsuit may be initiated if someone has been killed due to another individual's negligence or intentional act. This is distinct from a criminal case, however. A successful criminal trial can result in penalties like prison time or fines for the perpetrator, but a wrongful death civil suit seeks to compensate the surviving family of the victim for their loss.

Criminal cases are pursued by prosecutors representing the state, while family members file wrongful death suits on behalf of the deceased. A wrongful death suit will consider tangible losses like medical bills and funeral costs incurred by the family and intangible losses such as mental anguish, pain, and suffering.

To win a wrongful death suit, you will need to prove that:

  • The defendant had an obligation to act with care toward the deceased
  • The defendant failed to do so (either through negligence or intentional conduct)
  • That conduct caused harm to the deceased
  • That harm resulted in the death
  • The family has suffered financial damages from this loss
What Are the Steps Involved in Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?

So, you're interested in filing a wrongful death claim in Florida? Here's all you need to know about the steps involved when filing a wrongful death claim and what you can expect.

Who Is Eligible

Firstly, knowing who is eligible when filing a wrongful death claim in Florida is important. Generally speaking, this consists of the deceased person's surviving spouse, children, parents, or other legal representatives of the deceased's estate.

Start Your Claim

Once you have established who is eligible to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased, then you can start the process by notifying the defendant and their insurance companies. It is important to understand that any and all paperwork needs to be filed within two years of the date of death, or else your case won't be heard.

Identify Damages

The next step is to identify what type of damages can be recovered through your wrongful death claim. This could include economic losses for medical bills, funeral expenses, and even lost income due to the death and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering or mental anguish.

Hire an Attorney

Finally, it's important that if you want the best possible outcome from your case, then you should consider hiring an experienced attorney who specializes in wrongful death claims in Florida. Your attorney can help build your case, advise on damages, and help negotiate with defendants on your behalf for maximum compensation for your loss.

Who Can't Be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Claim?

A few situations in Florida where an individual can't be held liable in medical malpractice claims. So, if you're considering filing a claim, ensure you understand all the applicable conditions.

Good Samaritans

Good Samaritans—unlicensed individuals performing a service, such as first aid or CPR—are generally exempt from liability. For instance, if someone gives you CPR and makes a mistake, they likely won't be liable for it.

Off-duty Medical Professionals

Furthermore, off-duty medical professionals aren't typically held liable in cases involving wrongful death unless they propose to assist or provide treatment that was not provided in good faith.

Unlicensed Individuals

Unlicensed individuals (outside of Good Samaritans) who only render assistance or advice in good faith can also not be held liable for a wrongful death case. The same applies to volunteers who provide non-medical services voluntarily and emergency medical dispatchers who offer pre-arrival instructions over the phone to individuals at the scene of an emergency.

It's important to consider all these factors when filing any medical malpractice claim and understand that certain parties may be exempt from liability depending on the circumstances.

Contact Frankl Kominsky Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Naples

If you've experienced the heartbreaking loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence or reckless behavior, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim in Florida. If you have questions about wrongful death claims or need help getting justice and compensation for your family, contact Frankl Kominsky's wrongful death lawyers serving Naples immediately.

We understand how devastating these cases can be, which is why we're committed to getting you the justice you deserve. At Frankl Kominsky, we specialize in providing our clients with top-notch legal representation and compassionate support.

Our wrongful death lawyers are highly experienced in all areas of wrongful death law in Florida and will provide the guidance and support needed to ensure your case is handled properly.

We understand that no amount of money can bring back a loved one lost to wrongful death, but we will do everything we can to ensure your family receives justice and compensation for their loss. We have successfully helped countless families resolve their cases and are here for you.

Call us today at (561) 800-8000 to begin your journey toward getting justice. We are here for you 24/7 and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have had experience in the past using other attorneys and law firms however the attorneys and staff at Frankl Kominsky are by far the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for everything this law firm has done. I recommend this law firm to everyone. By Bruce
★★★★★
This was an amazing injury law firm. Steven and his staff was available when I needed him and were always following up with me. I felt very fortunate that I found them. It is true that this law firm will never settle for less! I fully recommend this law firm to anyone that needs a hardworking and results oriented law firm. By Consuelo
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl came very highly recommended by two separate peers. I had a handful of lawyers to choose from and I chose him. He moved quick, no nonsense, and very effective. Before I knew it everything was handled and I had a serious burden lifted. If I ever have a problem again, I am going straight to him. It is that simple. By Kelly
★★★★★
I called Mr. Frankl and his firm about a motorcycle accident case and he helped me through the entire process. Mr. Frankl made me feel like my situation mattered to him and didn't treatment me like just another file in a file cabinet. He is smart, energetic and a true fighter. I am glad to call him my lawyer and I highly recommend Frankl Kominsky for your personal injury case. By A Personal Injury Client
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl was such an asset to have on my team while I picked up the pieces following an accident. Right from the beginning he assisted handling the insurance companies, rental car companies, auto body shops, police reports, it was incredible. His guidance allowed me to focus on the most important thing and that was my medical condition & recovery. Should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation do yourself a favor & trust this man & his expertise. By Damon