The unexpected death of a beloved family member can have a devastating impact across multiple generations. It can affect you emotionally and financially depending on all the ways you relied on that person during their lifetime. However, when these deaths occur due to negligence, you may have a way to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. A Florida wrongful death lawyer with the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine can advise you of your options.
A successful lawsuit cannot undo what happened or erase your pain but can provide a measure of justice. Monetary compensation will also cover the unexpected financial consequences of losing the family breadwinner. Our firm has strongly advocated for the surviving family members in these cases since 2005. Let an Alachua personal injury lawyer pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to get started.
Who Can File A Wrongful Death Action In Alachua?
In many states, the relatives of a deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, that is not the case in Alachua. According to Florida law, only the personal representative of the estate can sue for wrongful death.
Your loved one’s will might name the personal representative, or a probate judge will appoint one. The personal representative will have many responsibilities related to the decedent’s estate.
While the personal representative of the estate has the power to file a lawsuit, any proceeds will go to the deceased person’s surviving relatives. In some cases, the court will appoint a family member entitled to recover these damages to the role of personal representative.
How Much Is A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a wrongful death action is impossible to predict with certainty. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome, but many variables go into these cases.
A potential award also depends on your relationship with the deceased. Generally, the closer your relationship, the greater the impact their death will have on you, and the larger your potential settlement might be. Some of the types of compensation may include the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional pain and suffering
- The loss of future support and services
- Loss of parental instruction and guidance
Determining what each of these damages is worth requires a careful evaluation of how your family member’s death has permanently changed your life. Many of these losses are also subjective, meaning a judge or jury might see things very differently from how you view them.
What Does It Cost to Hire an Alachua Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This payment arrangement means we keep a percentage of anything we recover on your behalf as our fee. We will not charge any legal fees upfront, allowing you to pursue your case regardless of your financial situation.
This fee structure also means you are never at risk of paying for an attorney, only to walk away without any compensation. We only get paid if you do.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is here to help you navigate this difficult process. We can answer any questions you might have about the viability of your case and how much compensation you might recover. Let an Alachua wrongful death lawyer advocate for you throughout this process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
There Is A Time Limit On Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Alachua, FL
The right to file a wrongful death action will not last forever due to the legal deadline known as the statute of limitations. This deadline exists to prevent plaintiffs from waiting for years to file a lawsuit, making it difficult for the defendant to investigate the allegations or identify evidence.
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file your lawsuit. The clock starts to count down on the day of your family member’s passing. It is critical to remember that this could differ from the two-year anniversary of the incident that caused their death if they survived for some time.
Courts strictly enforce the statute of limitations, and any failure to comply could cost you the chance to recover any damages. A judge often must dismiss a case with prejudice when it is filed after the deadline—no matter how compelling the evidence in the plaintiff’s favor might be.
You Can Learn More About Working With The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine During a Free Consultation
The sudden and unexpected death of a family member can be one of the most traumatic moments in a person’s life. And if your loved one died due to someone else’s negligence, you might be left confused about how to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. You likely have a lot of questions, and our attorneys have the answers.
We understand how challenging these situations can be, and our team is here to help. Our firm offers free consultations during which you can learn about your legal rights and better understand the court system in general.
There is no obligation to hire our firm after your case evaluation, but we are confident you will leave with a clear picture of how our compassionate approach can work for you. Testimonials from our past clients also show how our approach has worked in the past.
Talk to an Alachua Wrongful Death Lawyer Right Away
No one should have to navigate the complicated and confusing process of filing a wrongful death action alone. We can advise you of your rights and protect them against insurance companies that work for the at-fault party’s interests, not yours.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine takes pride in fighting for those who have lost a loved one under trying circumstances. Our Alachua wrongful death lawyer will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf and remove the stress of handling your case from off your shoulders. Contact us today for a free consultation.