Wrongful Death Lawyer

If a person was accidentally killed through someone else’s negligence or if they died through another’s misconduct (such as murdered), the members of the deceased’s family can sue the offender for a wrongful death. Thus, someone might not be found guilty of murdering a deceased person, but it is possible that they could be found guilty of wrongful death if their actions furthered the chances of the deceased’s passing. Getting the right legal help for your wrongful death case can make a world of difference for the deceased’s surviving family members, attorneys are here to help you.

How Does a Wrongful Death Suit Arise?

There are many causes of a person’s wrongful death and sadly it can take on many forms. The causes that a person might be most familiar with are:

  • Getting into an automobile accident
  • Being the victim of some sort of crime
  • Exposure to hazards or being killed at their place of work
  • A doctor or hospital’s medical malpractice

Clearly, there are many situations that can cause the wrongful death of a person, and it can happen intentionally or unintentionally.

Four Main Elements of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

When pursuing a wrongful death claim, we help our clients identify four elements that must be present when moving forward with this suit. These elements are:

  1. The death of your loved one occurred.
  2. Another person’s intention to cause harm or their negligence caused the person’s death.
  3. The surviving family members are seeking damages to compensate for economic or non-economic reasons.
  4. There is a person appointed as representative for this claim.

What Damages Are Available To Surviving Family Members?

As with many cases—like a personal injury case—there are three types of damages that surviving family members typically seek. These are:

  • Economic
  • Non-Economic, and
  • Punitive

Economic. Economic damages that a family seeks would be things like loss of income, loss of benefits, loss of future earnings, and expenses tied to medical costs if the was in the hospital before they passed away.

Non-Economic. Non-economic damages would be a loss of love, a loss of companionship, a loss of parental guidance, and a loss of consortium.

Punitive. Court’s do not award punitive damages as commonly as the two aforementioned types of damages. However, a jury will award them if the defendant’s actions during the deceased’s time of death were particularly egregious or disturbing. These damages serve both to punish the defendant and issue a warning for others not to behave in a similar fashion.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Wrongful Death Case?

Wrongful death cases can quickly become complex, and a wrongful death lawyer Orlando relies on can go above and beyond to ensure they examine every facet of your case to bring justice to your loved one’s wrongful death.

 

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their insight into wrongful death claims. 

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Ethan Kern
Ethan Kern
2024-08-05
Ward & Ward are consistently thorough and professional in product, as well as genuinely pleasant to work with as people.
 
Davis Edward
Davis Edward
2024-08-05
Charlie and his team were outstanding. They truly seek to educate not just provide answers to questions. I felt like he and his team really cared about my needs and were sincere about the information that they provide. The time that he took spending with me made me feel comfortable and appreciated, not just an appointment spot on his calendar.
 
Kevin Janowicz
Kevin Janowicz
2024-08-05
I was referred to Charlie Ward by a close friend of mine. I found Charlie and his administrative assistant quick to respond, professional and personable.

Although his main practice is geared towards "personal injury'" cases, he assisted me in establishing a Will and related legal documents at a very reasonable cost based on his belief that he views this as a type of public service, and that these documents are important for everyone to have.

While we were signing off on documents in the office. he provided some additional advice around insurance coverage based on his experience working with other clients.

The short of it: I would recommend Charlie to any of my friends or family.
 
Phyllis Dennis
Phyllis Dennis
2024-07-31
I'm a retired Army Veteran who met Charlie Ward through my parents. He was their lifelong attorney and family friend until their death's. When I retired, I need an attorney to handle all of my affairs, and my mother said it would be the Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers. I wanted to get all my death paperwork in order and Charlie Wards firm helped me handle those affairs. The firm treats my family to which is my sister, nieces and nephews with the utmost respect and as a part of their family. He makes sure he calls us every year on our birthdays and send Christmas Cards. He makes himself available when we need him. Love him to death and you will too.
 
Carolyn Jacobs
Carolyn Jacobs
2024-07-17
He is the best in the world--appreciate your help and your kindness.
 
Sincere Mendoza
Sincere Mendoza
2024-07-10
Outstanding customer service! Although this firm couldn’t help me with my issue. I so appreciate the attorney giving me a call back. I can see why this firm has 5 stars! My initial conversation from the receptionist to the attorney providing me with resources was just outstanding. Thank you attorney! Muriel C. Mayes
 
Shirley
Shirley
2024-05-15
Very professional Services!!!!
 
Maureen May
Maureen May
2024-05-03
I have know Don Ward for 60 years and his son Charlie for 35 years. Their service, integrity and honest representation are nothing less than stellar
 
Tammy Green
Tammy Green
2024-05-03
Charlie and his team were extremely knowledgeable, helpful and responsive. He provided guidance, answered all my questions and perhaps most importantly, made me feel comfortable through the process. With Charlie’s extensive experience in law, he asked thought provoking questions that highlighted other options to consider. He, and Dina, were so easy to work with and provided the BEST service. Highly recommend!!!!!
 
Robert Baldonado
Robert Baldonado
2024-05-02
Ward and Ward was great help with all my family’s “Lawyer” related needs