Hawthorne Wrongful Death Lawyer

Ready to Help You During This Difficult Time

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. At Schackow & Mercadante, we understand the overwhelming grief and uncertainty that follows such a tragedy. As your trusted Hawthorne wrongful death attorney, we are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time. Our goal is to seek justice for your loved one and help your family obtain the compensation you all need.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (352) 261-6767.

What is Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These cases often stem from a variety of incidents, including:

• Car accidents caused by reckless or distracted driving
• Medical malpractice resulting from a healthcare professional’s negligence
• Workplace accidents due to unsafe conditions or employer negligence
• Defective products that lead to fatal injuries
• Violent crimes like assault or homicide

In Florida, wrongful death claims are governed by the state’s Wrongful Death Act, which allows the deceased person’s family to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, surviving family members can seek justice for their loved one’s death and secure compensation to help with the financial burdens left behind.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida law outlines specific guidelines for who is eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, the lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members.

The following parties may be eligible to recover compensation in a wrongful death case:

• The deceased person’s spouse
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased
• Other dependent relatives, such as siblings or adopted family members, who relied on the deceased for financial or emotional support

It is important to note that wrongful death claims in Florida must be filed within the state’s statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of death. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Compensation for Grieving Families

While no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one, wrongful death lawsuits are designed to provide financial relief to families facing emotional and financial hardships after a tragic loss.

In Florida, eligible family members may be able to recover the following types of compensation:

• Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance that the deceased offered to their spouse or children
• Mental pain and suffering endured by surviving family members
• Loss of parental instruction and care for surviving children
• Punitive damages, in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional

How a Hawthorne Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help

Pursuing a wrongful death claim is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of Florida’s laws and the ability to gather and present compelling evidence. At Schackow & Mercadante, our experienced attorneys are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to build a strong case on your behalf.

Here’s how we can help:

• Investigating the Circumstances of the Death: We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your loved one’s death, working with experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts to uncover all contributing factors.
• Establishing Liability: We will gather evidence to prove that the at-fault party’s negligent or wrongful actions directly led to your loved one’s death. This may include obtaining medical records, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, and more.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in wrongful death cases. Our legal team will handle all communications with the insurers and fight to ensure that your family receives the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
• Litigating the Case in Court, if Necessary: While many wrongful death claims are settled outside of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Why Choose Schackow & Mercadante?

At Schackow & Mercadante, we are dedicated to providing compassionate legal representation to grieving families in Hawthorne and the surrounding areas. We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time, and we are here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling wrongful death cases and are committed to delivering personalized attention to each client. We will take the time to understand your family’s unique circumstances and help you during one of the hardest times in your life.

Call(352) 261-6767 or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.