Longwood Wrongful Death Attorneys
The suburban city of Longwood, Florida is part of the Orlando Kissimmee metro area. Mainly a commuter town, Longwood does have a handful of attractions and a pristine downtown historical district. Attractions include the Bradlee-McIntyre House, the Longwood Hotel, the Longwood Rail Station and the Senator tree. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Spring Hammock Preserve and the Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area, along with the numerous lakes and ponds in the area.
Being just off an exit of the always busy Interstate 4, Longwood does see its fair share of motor vehicle accidents. When a car accident turns fatal, a family’s world is turned upside down. Not only does one have to deal the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one, there’s also the stress of paying for medical and funeral expenses and trying to figure out how to make ends meet without a spouse’s income.
Although no amount of money can even come close to filing the hole left by a loved one killed in a motor vehicle accident, it can help with these financial issues 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
The Details of a Wrongful Death Action
In order to collect this compensation, one must file a wrongful death lawsuit. According to Florida’s wrongful death law, which is governed by Florida Statute 678.18, when a person’s death is caused by the negligent or wrongful act of another person, the estate of the deceased person can seek compensation for that death and the losses caused by it by filing a legal action. The statute further states that the lawsuit must be filed by the “personal representative of the deceased person’s estate” on behalf of his or her surviving family member(s). A surviving family member is considered to be a spouse, child/children, parents or “any blood relative or adoptive sibling who is partly or wholly dependent on the decedent for support or services”.
In order to receive compensation, the surviving family member must prove several specific elements.
- The other driver was acting negligently (i.e., driving carelessly) or illegally (i.e., driving while intoxicated)
- That the negligent or illegal act was the cause of death
- That the petitioners are in fact surviving family members per the legal definition
- That the surviving family members suffered a monetary loss as a result of the family member’s death
Let Us Help
As Florida wrongful death lawsuits are complex and stressful, it is highly advised that you seek the services of an experienced Longwood wrongful death attorney. For over three decades that lawyers at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have been representing surviving family members and ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. To talk to one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys, contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation.
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- Mr. 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
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