Most Common Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
Wrongful death is a growing epidemic in Florida. At its core, wrongful death is a death that results from another’s wrongful actions or negligence – individual or business. These wrongful death cases are happening every day but only a small percentage result in a legal claim, simply because the surviving family members are unaware a claim should exist. Here are four most common wrongful death claims to be aware of in Florida.
Car Accidents
Just last year, there were over 400,000 vehicle crashes in the state of Florida – resulting in 2,925 fatal crashes. That is a staggering number. A wrongful death claim can be made against the driver of another vehicle, or, if the deceased is a passenger, the driver of the car in which the person died. Drivers have a responsibility to follow traffic laws, use caution and operate their vehicle without being under the influence of alcohol. If these responsibilities have been ignored, a wrongful death claim can and should be filed.
Medical Malpractice
Another major cause of wrongful death in Florida is medical malpractice. If a physician, member of medical staff or medical facility operates in a negligible manner or outside of the acceptable standard of practice, medical malpractice exists. If a patient dies as a result of medical malpractice, the victim’s family may open a claim.
Slip and Fall
Many slip and fall situations can be completely avoided with proper maintenance and repair. Property owners have the responsibility to ensure safety on site. If their negligence results in death a lawsuit may be filed.
Preventable Child Deaths
In Florida, a leading cause of child death is drowning. In fact, drowning is the number 1 death of children 5 and under within the state. This can result from the negligence of a caregiver, lifeguard or property owner.
If you have recently lost a family member and have questions about the conditions surrounding the incident, you need to get an attorney on your side. The sooner you consult with an attorney and file a claim, the better your outcome. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation discuss your options.
