Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s actions can be overwhelming and painful. If you’ve lost a family member in an accident caused by another party, pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit can help you get the financial compensation you need to cover funeral expenses and make it through this difficult time. Fortunately, a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer can help.

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we are here to help you after the death of a loved one. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can provide the legal advice and advocacy you need to make your lawsuit as successful as possible.

Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team. We have over three decades of experience helping victims and their families.

Understanding Wrongful Death in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Losing a loved one is always difficult, but it can be even more devastating when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. Wrongful death refers to a situation where someone dies as a result of another person’s misconduct or negligence. It can occur in circumstances such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or even intentional acts of violence.

In a wrongful death case, the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their loss. While no amount of money can ever replace the person they have lost, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide some measure of justice and financial support for the family left behind.

Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally challenging, which is why it is important to hire a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal process on your behalf, gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, and building a strong case. They can also help you understand your rights and recover fair compensation.

How a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Take Legal Action

If you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, gather with family members and submit to the grieving process. An experienced wrongful death attorney in Fort Lauderdale can handle your case, so you have the time to process your loss. Our law firm can help take care of all the legal aspects.

Identify the Liable Party

First, your attorney must find out who is to blame for the accident in which your loved one was killed. To do so, they’ll investigate the incident and collect evidence like police reports, photos and footage, witness testimony, medical documents, and other records.

Once your lawyer has determined who should be held accountable for your family member’s passing, they can file a lawsuit against them. If your suit is successful, you could receive the compensation you deserve for the loss of your loved one.

Calculate How Much Financial Compensation You’re Owed

Depending on your knowledge of wrongful death claims, you might be unaware of some of the damages you’re entitled to recover. Luckily, a wrongful death lawyer in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area can assess your situation and advise you on the forms of financial compensation you’re eligible to receive.

You could obtain any of the following types of damages from a successful wrongful death claim:

• Compensation for the deceased person’s medical bills, funeral costs, and other end-of-life expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future

Represent You in Court

Filing a lawsuit and pursuing compensation in court might sound like a nerve-wracking experience, but with a skilled attorney by your side, you won’t have to worry. Our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorneys have secured countless favorable case results and jury verdicts in the past, so you can be sure we have the skills to win your case.

Proving Liability

When pursuing a wrongful death case, one of the most important aspects is proving liability. This involves establishing that the negligence or wrongful act of another person or entity caused the death. Proving liability requires a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence.

To establish fault, your wrongful death lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will need to demonstrate that the responsible party had a duty of care to the deceased, that they breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the death. This can involve collecting and analyzing medical records, accident reports, witness testimonies, expert opinions, and other relevant evidence.

Additionally, your lawyer will need to establish that the negligence or wrongful act was the proximate cause of the death, meaning that it was the direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s actions. This can be a complex legal concept, but an experienced lawyer will know how to present the evidence compellingly.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Fort Lauderdale?

There’s a limit to how much time you have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, and this is known as the statute of limitations. According to Florida’s wrongful death statute of limitations, you have two years from the day of your deceased loved one’s passing to submit a civil lawsuit against the guilty party.

Preparing and filing a lawsuit can take an incredible amount of time and effort, so you should give your lawyer as much time as possible to get the job done. If you wait too long to hire a wrongful death attorney serving Fort Lauderdale, you’ll run the risk of going uncompensated for any financial burdens and suffering you’ve endured.

Furthermore, failing to hire a lawyer soon after your accident can result in delays in gathering evidence that can harm your case. If not collected promptly, crucial evidence can be lost or compromised. Additionally, any witness testimony you rely upon will be less valuable the further removed from the date of your loved one’s passing.

Use Caution When Dealing With an Insurance Company Following the Wrongful Death of a Loved One

Following the death of a loved one, an insurance adjuster may reach out to you quickly with a settlement offer. While they will likely act as though they are being proactive to help you through this difficult time, the truth is that they are hoping you will accept the offer before you know the full extent of your losses.

Accepting an insurance settlement means you will be barred from pursuing further compensation once the full extent of your losses is clear. The best way to protect yourself from this and other tactics used by insurers to deny or devalue valid claims is by declining to speak with any insurance representative until you have retained legal counsel.

Once you have an experienced Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney on your side, the liable party will be blocked from contacting you directly. Forcing them to work through your lawyer levels the playing field, significantly improving your chances of recovering fair compensation.

Types of Wrongful Death Cases

When it comes to wrongful death cases, there are a variety of circumstances in which someone’s negligence or wrongful act can lead to a devastating loss. These cases can vary greatly, but some common types of wrongful death cases include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and intentional acts of violence.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of wrongful death. Whether it’s due to a drunk driver, distracted driving, or reckless behavior on the road, these accidents can result in tragic consequences for innocent victims and their families.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is another common type of wrongful death case. When healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected of them, it can lead to fatal consequences. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or negligence during childbirth.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can also lead to wrongful death claims. Construction sites, factories, and other hazardous work environments can be dangerous if proper safety protocols are not followed. If a loved one dies due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit may be necessary.

Violence or Criminal Acts

Finally, intentional acts of violence, such as assault or murder, can also result in wrongful death cases. These situations are not only tragic but also criminal. Seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Steps to Take After a Loved One Passes Away

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult and overwhelming experience. The grief and sadness can consume you, making it hard to know what steps to take next. While everyone copes with loss differently, there are some important steps you can consider after the loss of a loved one to help you deal with this challenging time, including:

• Prioritizing your well–being: Allow yourself to feel the emotions and process the loss in your own way. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones who can provide comfort and understanding during this difficult period.
• Handling practical matters: It may be necessary to handle practical matters such as notifying relevant authorities, arranging for the funeral or memorial service, and dealing with the deceased’s estate. This may involve consulting with an attorney or executor of the will to ensure all necessary legal and financial obligations are addressed.
• Seeking therapy: Grief counseling can provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and receive guidance on how to cope with the loss. Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
• Gathering documents and evidence: This can include medical records, accident reports, and any other documentation that may support your case. This information can be valuable when seeking legal assistance and pursuing a wrongful death claim.
• Contacting our firm: We can provide the guidance and support needed to handle the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case. A skilled lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
• Taking care of yourself: Eat nutritious meals, engage in regular exercise, and prioritize self-care activities that bring you comfort and peace. Surround yourself with a strong support system and lean on them during this challenging time.

Benefits of Working With an Attorney Serving the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area

When you work with the Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers from The Schiller Kessler Group, you’ll enjoy several benefits and advantages that other firms can’t offer.

Client-Focused Legal Services

Our firm believes that the client is the most important aspect of personal injury law. That’s why we provide personalized attention for every client we work with.

We’re also committed to clear and honest communication. Whether it’s updating a client on the progress of their case or making ourselves available to answer client questions and concerns, we always look for ways to improve our communication with clients.

Aggressive Representation

Our team is not afraid to demand the compensation that our clients are owed. Whether we’re representing you in insurance negotiations or advocating on your behalf in court, we’ll fight for the outcome you deserve.

Experienced Advocates

Our firm has represented grieving family members since its establishment in 2004. We’ve handled countless cases like yours and delivered impressive results. You can trust that our wrongful death attorneys in Fort Lauderdale have the experience and legal knowledge to file a winning lawsuit.

No Fee Unless We Win

We don’t believe in charging our clients unless our services are effective. That’s why our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis instead of charging a traditional attorney’s fee. If you haven’t heard of contingency fee representation, it’s when an attorney takes a percentage of the compensation you receive from your claim instead of charging you out-of-pocket.

If your attorney doesn’t win your case and you don’t receive any compensation, you won’t have to pay anything. Representing clients in this manner means we can offer our services to anyone affected by the wrongful death of a loved one, regardless of financial means.

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Now

At The Schiller Kessler Group, we understand how hard it can be to lose a loved one. If you’re dealing with a tragic loss caused by the reckless action of another party, you can turn to our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers to get the compassionate legal counsel you need to make it through this painful time.

To learn more about your legal rights following an accidental death, contact our firm and schedule a free initial consultation. You’ll discuss your loved one’s fatal incident and explore your legal options. Contact us today.