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Altamonte Springs Wrongful Death Lawyers

The Orlando, Florida suburb of Altamonte Springs is an attractive community for residents of all ages to call home. Being just outside the tourist hotspot of Orlando, Altamonte Springs offers all of the big ticket benefits of Orlando without the crowds. From Altamonte Springs once can easily spend the day enjoying Orlando’s amusement parks, theater and attractions before returning home for an enjoyable dinner in uptown or an evening stroll in Cranes Roost Park or around Cranes Roost Lake.

But even in tranquil communities such as Altamonte Springs, disaster can happen. Just as with any Florida metro area, accidents can happen. When they involve a death of a loved one, the tragedy can become life-altering for the surviving family members. Although no amount of money will ever come close to making up for the loss of a family member or loved one, sometimes it can help. For example, you may be facing a range of expenses relating to the accident and death. On top of this, you might also be struggling to figure out how you can cover your bills and expenses without the income of the deceased. Depending on your circumstances, you could be facing such unexpected expenses and losses as:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Hospitalization, ambulance transportation and other medical expenses
  • Loss of care, nurturing and guidance
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of expected salary
  • Interest
  • Loss of health insurance
  • Loss of retirement benefits
  • Treble damages
  • Attorney fees

What is a Wrongful Death Action?

To help you cover some of these expenses and losses, Florida law has what is called Wrongful Death action. According to Florida Statute 678.18, when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, default or breach of contract of another person or some other entity, the estate of the deceased person may seek legal remedy for that death and the losses stemming from it via the filing of a civil lawsuit.

Who can Sue?

According to Florida Statute 678.18, a wrongful death suit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and any surviving family members. The law limits ‘family members’ to a spouse, children, parents and “any blood relative or adoptive sibling who is partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services”.

Available Damages

Florida statute 768.21 states that the type of damages available to surviving family members includes:

  • Value of support and services that the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of companionship, guidance and protection
  • Mental and emotional pain and suffering
  • Medical or funeral expenses

Watch the Time Limits!

Florida has a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death suit, meaning a claim must be filed within four years of the date of death. If this statute of limitations is missed, there is a good chance that the wrongful death suit will be thrown out and you will not be able to recover any damages.

The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A.

Clearly, Florida wrongful death lawsuits are complex matters. To ensure you meet all deadlines and get the compensation you deserve for your loss, it is highly advised that you seek the advice of an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today.

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  • 5 StarsMr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.

    I would and have recommended Mr. Cunningham as an attorney. I am extremely happy with the service he has provided for me and my family. I will definately use Mr. Cunningham in the future if I ever need an attorney again.

    - John, a Personal Injury client