Cocoa Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Often held up as the quintessential American beach town, Cocoa Beach is located on a strip of sand between Orlando on the west and Florida’s beautiful Space Coast on the east. Whether it’s visiting the space sights at Cape Canaveral, deep sea fishing, soaking up the sun on the beach, playing a round of gulf, taking in a museum or historical attraction, shopping, windsurfing or enjoying an evening cocktail – Cocoa Beach is a leisure paradise.

Until it’s not.

A motor vehicle accident during a family vacation can instantly turn excitement into tragedy. And with motor vehicle related fatalities on the rise across Florida, more and more Cocoa Beach car accidents are leaving victims dead.

Trying to deal with both the emotional and administrative stress of a death that happened while on vacation is complex – particularly if you live in a different state. This is why it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer. For over three decades the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have been helping the family members of Cocoa Beach accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Although we truly understand that no amount of money will ever come close to making up for the death of a loved one, it can go a long way in helping to cover such expenses and financial concerns as:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Loss of anticipated future earnings (up to time of retirement or death)
• Loss of such benefits as retirement pension or medical insurance
• Loss of inheritance
• Pain and suffering and mental anguish
• Loss of care, protection and companionship
• General and punitive damages

Florida’s Wrongful Death Law

To get this compensation you must file a wrongful death law suit. In Florida, such a lawsuit is a civil action and must be filed by the decedent’s estate in the name of the surviving family member or members. According to the law, a family member includes a spouse, children and parents and, depending on the level of support provided by the decedent to the family member, other blood relatives such as siblings.

In order to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must be able to prove that your loved one’s death was caused by the negligent, reckless or illegal act of another. For example, if the other driver was driving while intoxicated and that intoxication is the cause of the accident and the accident is the cause of the death, than this requirement will be considered met. In addition, one must also show that they qualify as a family member according to the law and that the death of the loved one in fact caused the damages being claimed. For example, if the surviving spouse is a stay at home mom of three young children who all depended on the deceased father’s income, than they can claim a loss of future earnings and benefits.

Your Wrongful Death Attorney

Florida wrongful death actions are complex and stressful. To discuss the unique circumstances of your case and how the Florida wrongful death statute may apply, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today.