The Florida Wrongful Death Act specifies which family members of the deceased may bring a wrongful death claim. Those who are eligible to recover monetary damages for a wrongful death are known as survivors or beneficiaries.
If you have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligent or reckless actions, we can explain your options and help you obtain the financial compensation you need to move forward. Attorney Michael L. Morgan is an experienced, compassionate trial lawyer who is committed to helping grieving families hold wrongdoers accountable. Contact him here.
Under Florida law, the following family members of the deceased may bring a wrongful death claim:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Biologically related dependents
- Dependent adoptive siblings
- A deceased mother's child born out of wedlock
- A deceased father's child born out of wedlock if the father formally recognized the child as his own and was responsible for the child's support
For a free consultation with a wrongful death attorney, contact us today. We advise and represent clients in Sarasota and Bradenton and throughout southwestern Florida.
What Types of Compensation Are Recoverable?
The surviving family members of the deceased may be able to recover a variety of types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of services
- Losses suffered by the deceased person's spouse
- The decedent's pain and suffering
While no amount of financial compensation can erase the harm caused by a wrongful death, compensation can help ease the family's financial burdens resulting from the loss of a loved one.
Must the Wrongdoer Be Convicted of a Crime?
Wrongful death claims are handled through civil proceedings, not criminal court proceedings. That means the wrongdoer does not have to be convicted of a crime for the decedent's family to bring a wrongful death claim. A criminal conviction may still happen — for example, in the case of a fatal drunk driving accident — but a conviction is not necessary for the family of the deceased to hold the wrongdoer accountable in civil court. In fact, a wrongful death claim may be the only way surviving family members can obtain the compensation they need to move forward.
Arrange a Free Consultation
At Michael L. Morgan Law Group, we offer free initial consultations to grieving families who have lost loved ones to wrongful death. Complete our contact form or call us at (941) 928-5959 in Sarasota to schedule your free consultation with attorney Michael L. Morgan. Our law firm advises and represents clients throughout southwestern Florida.