The death of a loved one is always a tragedy, but when the death is caused by someone else's negligence, it can be especially devastating. If you have lost a family member in an accident or due to another person's wrongful act in Stuart, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.
At The Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, PA , their Stuart wrongful death lawyers understand how difficult this time is for you and your family. They are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing and moving forward.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family members of someone who died due to another person's negligence or wrongful act. In order to succeed in a wrongful death claim, the family must be able to show that:
The death was caused by the defendant's negligence or intentional wrong-doing;
The surviving family members have suffered financial damages as a result of the death; and
There is a personal representative appointed to represent the deceased person's estate.
Wrongful death claims are typically filed against the person or entity responsible for the death, but in some cases, they may also be filed against a government agency. To file a wrongful death claim contact The Law Offices of Keith Bregoff, PA a Stuart personal injury law firm. They have plenty of experience in handling these kinds of cases.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?
The damages available in a wrongful death claim will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. However, in general, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for:
The deceased person's medical expenses incurred prior to death;
Funeral and burial expenses;
The loss of income and benefits the deceased person would have earned if they had not died;
The loss of love, companionship, and support; and
The pain and suffering the deceased person experienced prior to their death.
In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendant for their wrongful act and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.