Lake City Wrongful Death Lawyer

Let Our Firm Fight for You & Your Family

At Schackow & Mercadante, we understand that losing a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure, especially when the loss is caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help you seek justice and financial recovery in the wake of your tragedy. As a trusted Lake City wrongful death lawyer, we are committed to guiding you through every step of this difficult process, ensuring your rights and the memory of your loved one are protected.

Let our firm help you and your family through this trying time. Call (352) 261-6767 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when an individual dies as a result of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. Unlike criminal cases where the goal is to punish the wrongdoer, wrongful death claims are civil lawsuits aimed at providing financial compensation to the surviving family members. These cases often arise from situations such as:

• Car accidents due to negligent drivers
• Medical malpractice or healthcare provider errors
• Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions
• Defective products causing fatal injuries
• Premises liability cases, such as slips and falls

A wrongful death claim seeks to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions while also helping surviving family members cope with the financial and emotional hardships caused by the untimely loss of their loved one.

Who Can File for Wrongful Death in Florida?

In Florida, the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit is governed by strict laws that dictate who may pursue legal action. According to Florida Statutes section 768.20, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the survivors. This personal representative is typically named in the deceased person’s will or estate plan. If no representative is designated, the court will appoint one.

The personal representative files the lawsuit, but the damages sought are for the benefit of certain surviving family members, which can include:

• Spouse – A surviving spouse has the right to seek compensation for loss of companionship, emotional pain, and the financial contributions of the deceased.
• Children – Minor children, or adult children if no spouse survives, can seek compensation for loss of parental guidance, companionship, and emotional suffering.
• Parents – Parents may seek damages in cases where the deceased was a minor or an adult child who had no other immediate survivors.
• Other Dependents – In some cases, other relatives or individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased may also be able to recover damages.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Lake City wrongful death lawyer to understand whether you qualify to file a wrongful death claim and to ensure your case is filed within Florida’s statute of limitations, which is typically two years from the date of death.

Compensation Available in Wrongful Death Claims

While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, wrongful death claims seek to provide financial support to surviving family members who are left facing both emotional and financial challenges. The compensation available in a wrongful death claim can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but common types of damages include:

Economic Damages

These are the financial losses suffered by the surviving family members due to the death of their loved one. They can include:

• Medical expenses incurred prior to the death, such as hospital bills or emergency care.
• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Loss of income and benefits that the deceased would have provided, including future earnings.
• Loss of inheritance due to the untimely death of the loved one.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the intangible losses experienced by family members, such as:

• Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members due to the death.
• Loss of companionship and protection for a spouse, children, or other dependents.
• Loss of parental guidance and care for children of the deceased.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the wrongful death was caused by particularly egregious or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended not to compensate the survivors but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.

At Schackow & Mercadante, our team is committed to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of the families we represent. We thoroughly investigate every case to ensure that no detail is overlooked, and we build strong, compelling arguments to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Why You Need a Lake City Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wrongful death claims can be legally complex and emotionally draining. Having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why you need Schackow & Mercadante to handle your wrongful death claim:

• Expert Guidance – Wrongful death cases require a deep understanding of Florida’s legal system. We have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of these claims.
• Thorough Investigation – Our legal team will conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Maximizing Compensation – We are skilled negotiators and litigators who will fight to secure the full compensation you and your family deserve. Whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation, we are dedicated to achieving justice for you.
• Compassionate Support – We understand that this is a challenging time for your family. Our team will provide compassionate legal representation, offering support and guidance while you focus on healing and remembering your loved one.

How Schackow & Mercadante Can Help

At Schackow & Mercadante, we believe that families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one deserve justice. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate, and skilled representation for wrongful death claims in Lake City, FL. We will work tirelessly to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Contact our experienced Lake City wrongful death lawyer team today for a free consultation. Let us help you begin the process of seeking justice and moving forward with your life.