Losing a family member because of another person's negligent, intentional or reckless actions, can turn your life upside down and leave you dealing with severe emotional trauma and significant financial losses that can create numerous hardships for the family.
However, following this tragic ordeal, you should not have to deal with all these debilitating repercussions by yourself. Instead, you should be able to go after the wrongful party that caused your loved one's death and hold them liable for the damages and losses you endured.
Thankfully, when you hire an experienced Tallahassee wrongful death lawyer from the Dolman Law Group, you will not have to take on this complex legal battle alone. Rather, these attorneys can handle this fight and help you go after the justice and financial recovery you need.
Table of Contents
- Tallahassee's Wrongful Death Law Firm
- What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
- Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in Tallahassee
- What You Have to Prove in a Wrongful Death Claim
- Financial Compensation Following a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Accident
- Actions to Take Following a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Accident
- Contact a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA—Tallahassee's Wrongful Death Law Firm
At the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our Tallahassee personal injury attorneys not only want to help you win your case, but we also want to provide you with world-class services, ensuring you feel supported at every stage.
As a result of this dedication to our clients, our firm has received national recognition, including the Top 100 Lawyers National Trial Lawyers award and the "Clients Choice for Personal Injury" title according to AVVO.com. More importantly, we have also earned a reputation for vigorously fighting for our injured clients and doing everything we can to get them the justice they deserve.
That is why, since our founding, we have helped countless clients and secured millions of dollars on their behalf through settlement negotiations and jury trials, including the following recent judgments:
- $6,700,000 for wrongful death, and
- $1,000,000 for a rideshare accident that resulted in a father's death.
Note that these are only past results and no guarantee of success in call claims.
If you suffered harm following an accident or lost a loved one due to another person's wrongful actions, reach out to the Dolman Law Group for a free case evaluation. Our firm can meet with you virtually or at one of our conveniently located offices, including our Tallahassee location, right off Killarney Way.
What Exactly Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Florida, a wrongful death results when a person dies due to another individual's or entity's wrongful actions, default, negligence, or breach of contract or warranty. However, as a result of this death, the state also allows certain individuals, as enumerated by the state's statute, to file a legal claim against the party that caused the death and go after specific monetary damages.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in Tallahassee
While a wrongful death can occur for many reasons, in Tallahassee, these tragic situations typically arise from the following types of accidents:
- Car crashes
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Property accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Defective goods and products
- Workplace fatalities
- Intentional actions, such as a crime
Yet, if you lost a loved one because of another person's wrongful actions for a reason not indicated above, you should still reach out to an experienced wrongful death attorney from Dolman Law Group. These lawyers can review the facts of what happened, determine if you and your family have a valid wrongful death case, and help you go after the justice and financial damages you deserve.
Bringing a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Claim—What You Have to Prove
In Tallahassee, a successful wrongful death claim requires establishing:
- Your family member passed away.
- The death of your family member was the result of the wrongful act of another person or entity, and
- The situation in question would have entitled the decedent to maintain a legal action and recover compensation for their injuries if the death had not happened.
For these reasons, following the passing of your loved one, it is beneficial to reach out to an experienced Tallahassee wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers can promptly get to work, securing evidence to prove each of these elements and then going after the successful resolution to your wrongful death case.
Local Information You Should Stay Aware of When It Comes to a Wrongful Death Claim in Tallahassee
While a wrongful death accident can occur anywhere, certain areas in Tallahassee can result in these devastating accidents more frequently than others.
For instance, the following roadways and intersections in Tallahassee are known for their catastrophic accidents, severe injuries, and numerous fatalities:
- West Tennessee Street and Ocala Road
- Orange Avenue and Springhill Road
- Monroe Street and Orange Avenue
- Capital Circle and West Tennessee Street
- Capital Circle and Apalachee Parkway
- Tennessee Street and High Road
The Statute of Limitations to Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Tallahassee
Another local issue individuals should keep in mind when it comes to a wrongful death claim is the time limitations involved with these cases.
According to the statute of limitations, which is a law that sets the maximum amount of time an individual has to file a claim after an alleged offense, parties in Florida only have two years after their loved one's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If these individuals fail to file their suit within this deadline, they cannot pursue legal action to collect compensation.
That is why individuals are encouraged to speak to an experienced Tallahassee wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. At the Dolman Law Group, for instance, our attorneys can determine exactly how much time you have to file your wrongful death claim. We can also file your legal motions with the appropriate court before this deadline expires.
In addition, just because you may have years to file your claim, you should not wait long to pursue legal action. In many instances, the longer you wait to file a lawsuit, the higher the likelihood is of evidence disappearing, memories of the incident fading, and witnesses no longer being able to testify: All factors that can impact your chance of succeeding in your claim.
Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tallahassee?
While most states usually allow a decedent's relatives to file a wrongful death claim, Florida is not one of them. To pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in the state, a personal representative or executor of the decedent's estate must file the claim.
However, when these individuals file this claim, they act on behalf of the decedent's surviving family members and the estate. These personal representatives must indicate all the potential beneficiaries when filing the case.
Executor Qualifications
To qualify for the role of the personal representative or the executor, the individual needs to be at least 18 years old and be mentally and physically capable of serving this role. These individuals also cannot have any felony convictions on their record.
Financial Compensation Following a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Accident
If you lost a loved one because of another person's wrongful actions, you might be entitled to certain monetary damages meant to compensate for this death. Under Florida's laws, these damages fall into two categories: monetary damages awarded to the decedent's family and damages awarded to the decedent's estate.
Damages Awarded to the Family
These financial damages typically include compensation for:
- The family's mental pain and suffering
- The family's loss of parental companionship, guidance, and instruction
- The loss of support and services the decedent provided their family members
- The loss of the decedent's companionship and protection
- Funeral, burial, and medical expenses paid for by the surviving family members
Damages Awarded to the Estate
In addition, the decedent's estate may also recover certain types of damages, which generally include:
- Lost wages, earnings, and other benefits from the date of the decedent's injury to the date of their death
- Funeral, burial, and medical expenses paid for directly by the estate
- The value of benefits and earnings the deceased could have reasonably earned and left as part of the estate if they had lived.
However, to determine what compensation you and your family may be entitled to following the loss of your loved one, you should speak with an experienced Tallahassee wrongful death attorney at Dolman Law Group. These lawyers can help you figure out not only which of these damages apply to your case, but they can also help you go after the maximum compensation you need.
Does the Insurance Company Help You Obtain Compensation Following a Wrongful Death Accident in Tallahassee?
Insurance companies may cover various parts of the wrongful death claim depending on the type of accident that led to the wrongful death. However, just because the insurance company may cover some of these monetary damages, it does not mean obtaining this money will be easy. In truth, securing this compensation can be an uphill battle.
The insurance company is a business, and like other businesses, they want to make a profit. By offering you less money for your claim, the higher their profits will be. As a result, these insurance companies and their adjusters will try to find anything to justify paying you less.
That is why before you talk with the insurance company following a family member's wrongful death, you should speak with an experienced Tallahassee wrongful death attorney about what happened. Our lawyers can fight the deceitful practices that the insurance company may try on you. We can handle these conversations for you, ensuring you do not say anything that can hurt your case and prevent you from getting the money you and your loved ones need.
Actions to Take Following a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Accident
If your loved one died because of another person's careless or reckless actions, you may take legal action against the wrongful party to obtain compensation for your losses. However, while gathering evidence after the incident may not be a top priority, the things you do not only will help your attorney prepare a solid legal case but also improve your chances of securing the justice you and your family deserve.
For these reasons, following your loved one's wrongful death in Tallahassee, you should consider doing the following:
Obtain the Death Certificate
Following the death, you want to obtain the death certificate, as you will need proof of death to proceed with a Tallahassee wrongful death claim.
Check for Witnesses
If there were people present at the accident that killed your loved one, see if you can get their names, phone numbers, and even email addresses. These witnesses can often provide your attorney with helpful details regarding what happened and even offer valuable testimony that can substantiate your case.
Gather Evidence From the Accident and Give It to Your Wrongful Death Attorney
If possible, collect as much evidence from the accident as you can. This should include photos from the accident that led to your loved one's death, police reports, medical reports, bills and receipts that resulted from the wrongful death, and any other information related to your loved one's passing.
When you meet with your attorney, you will want to provide them with all this evidence, so they can use it to prove what happened, who was at fault, and the extent of your damages.
Contact a Tallahassee Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Following the loss of a loved one, do not wait to reach out to an attorney and get the legal help you need. Instead, contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA., today at 850-790-5830 for your free case consultation, and let our knowledgeable legal professionals help you fight for your rights and the outcome you deserve.
Tallahassee Office
2707 Killarney Way, Suite 205
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-790-5830
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