Port Salerno Wrongful Death Attorneys

No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one. An unanticipated death brings unanticipated expenses, though, and filing a successful claim against any liable parties may help cover such costs.

In the state of Florida, certain surviving family members are entitled to financial compensation following the wrongful death of a relative. If you lost a loved one in a preventable accident, the wrongful death lawyers at Donaldson & Weston can evaluate the circumstances to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

We have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts. Call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate injury attorneys in Port Salerno.

There is always a lot to do in the wake of losing a loved one, so hiring a lawyer is probably one of your lowest priorities. But if you suspect the death was preventable and you want to hold the liable party financially accountable, it is wise to call an attorney as soon as possible.

There are four main reasons to seek legal counsel immediately following an unanticipated loss:

1. Gather Evidence While It’s Still Available: Critical evidence of liability may be time-sensitive or prone to being altered. For example, if the deceased sustained fatal injuries in a truck accident, you only have six months to obtain the driver’s logs or the vehicle’s black box data. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that such information will still be available because motor carriers are not required to preserve it for any longer. If your loved one was the victim of medical malpractice, on the other hand, the treating physician may alter or destroy medical records to cover up evidence of negligence.


2. Meet Important Deadlines: There are strict deadlines for filing formal wrongful death lawsuits in Florida. Claimants typically have two years from the date of death to bring a suit against the liable party; however, there are exceptions to this statute. For example, if you want to name a government entity in the suit, you may have to meet much shorter deadlines for notifying the appropriate agency in writing.


3. Avoid Mistakes: Seeking counsel from the start of the proceedings will prevent you from making mistakes early on that could jeopardize your case down the road. For example, your attorney will not let the insurance adjuster coax you into giving a recorded statement regarding fault or the extent of your injuries.


4. Avoid Unnecessary Delays: The sooner you seek legal counsel, the sooner you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move on with life.