All fifty U.S. states have wrongful death laws. Though they differ from state to state, in general they provide an opportunity for the beneficiaries of the deceased to sue because of a death caused by wrongdoing or negligence by another. For instance, the following circumstances may support a wrongful death claim: deaths caused by persons driving while intoxicated, construction of an unsafe building or structure, the manufacture of defective or dangerous products, or the failure of a health care professional to diagnose a deadly disease or condition.

A successful plaintiff will often be able to recover damages in a wrongful death suit, but the types of damages available vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The following types of damages may be available:

• Costs related to the death, such as hospital bills and funeral expenses
• Loss of anticipated earnings the decedent would have provided in the future
• Lost benefits due to the death, such as retirement or pension benefits
• Loss of inheritance due to an untimely death
• Pain, suffering or mental anguish suffered by the survivor of the decedent
• Loss of companionship, care or protection
• Punitive damages, meant to punish wrongdoers and prevent them from doing harm to others

If you live in the South Florida area and a loved one has died as a result of a wrongful act or negligence of another, you may be eligible to receive compensation under the law. Call us at 954-961-2055 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.