Fort Meade Wrongful Death Lawyers

The city of Fort Meade, Florida, located just outside the Lakeland Winter Haven metro area, is a popular destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiast alike. As this oldest city in Florida’s Polk County, the city boast such historical buildings as the Old Fort Meade School House Museum, Reid House and the W.O. Williams/R.C. McClellan House. For those who prefer to spend their time exploring the great outdoors, the Streamsong Resort and Patterson Park are excellent options for kayakers, canoers and hikers.

Like all of Florida, Fort Meade has its fair share of automobile accidents. With US Highways 98 and 17 crisscrossing the city, sometimes these accidents can be deadly. When someone is killed by the negligent or reckless driving of another person, the surviving family members can seek compensation for their loss via what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit.

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death law suit allows family members to seek compensation from the other driver for the damages they have suffered as a result of the loss of a loved one. In Florida, a family member is generally defined as a surviving spouse and/or children. However, in some circumstances this definition can be extended to include surviving parents and siblings. Typically a court will extend the definition when these other family members were somehow dependent on the deceased and thus have suffered a loss as a result of his or her death.

What Can I Get Compensated For?

Although no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, its purpose is to help the surviving family members to cover unexpected expenses and financial losses. Thus, typical damages available in a wrongful death suit include:

What About the Statute of Limitations?

Florida has a strict statute of limitations, meaning that you must file your wrongful death law suit within four years of the date of the accident that caused the death. Failure to do so will disqualify you from seeking compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the deceased survived some time following the accident only to pass away later from the injuries sustained during the accidents, the statute of limitations does not start until the date of death.

What Do I Do Now?

If you have lost a loved one due to a Fort Meade motor vehicle accident, it is important that you seek the services of an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney. For over three decades, the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have been helping Fort Meade victims navigate the complex legal landscape of a wrongful death lawsuit. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today and schedule your free initial consultation.