Port St. Lucie Wrongful Death Lawyers
If a person dies due to the negligent or intentional act of another, surviving loved ones can bring a wrongful death claim for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other damages. The Port St. Lucie wrongful death attorneys at Donaldson & Weston can help you gather evidence, identify all liable parties, calculate your damages, and fight for a fair settlement.
We will make sure you are treated fairly throughout the entire claims process. Our wrongful death lawyers have many years of experience in complex settlement negotiations, and we are seasoned litigators who will take your case to trial if necessary. Schedule a free case review today by calling 772-266-5555.
We will make sure you are treated fairly throughout the entire claims process. Our wrongful death lawyers have many years of experience in complex settlement negotiations, and we are seasoned litigators who will take your case to trial if necessary. Schedule a free case review today by calling 772-266-5555.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
There are limitless scenarios that lead to wrongful death lawsuits, so it is important that you hire a skilled attorney who has an extensive background in these types of cases. The lawyers at Donaldson & Weston provide aggressive and compassionate representation in wrongful death cases arising from:
We will tailor our legal strategies to the unique facts of your case. Our Port St. Lucie wrongful death attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, compile evidence, interview witnesses, and possibly use testimony from expert witnesses to strengthen your claim. Our comprehensive approach to legal representation has resulted in several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients in complex, high-stakes cases.
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Injuries on Dangerous Premises
- Workplace Accidents
- Elder Abuse
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
- Pharmacy Errors
We will tailor our legal strategies to the unique facts of your case. Our Port St. Lucie wrongful death attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, compile evidence, interview witnesses, and possibly use testimony from expert witnesses to strengthen your claim. Our comprehensive approach to legal representation has resulted in several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients in complex, high-stakes cases.
Do I Have Grounds for a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the state of Florida, there are specific elements that must exist in order to file a successful wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. Those elements are liability, causation, and damages.
To prove liability, your Port St. Lucie wrongful death lawyer must demonstrate how the defendant is legally responsible for the damages being sought. In most wrongful death cases, liability is established by proving negligence, meaning that the defendant breached a duty of care owed to the deceased, and this breach resulted in the death; however, liability can also be established by proving intent—i.e. that the defendant intentionally killed the victim, or by proving that strict liability applies, in which case a finding of fault is not needed to establish liability.
To prove causation, your attorney will have to demonstrate that the negligence or intentional wrongdoing was the proximate cause of the damages being sought. If strict liability applies—for example, if your loved one died due to a product defect—your wrongful death lawyer will still have to prove the proximate cause of the death.
To prove damages, your attorney must demonstrate the types of losses incurred and their value. Examples of damages in wrongful death cases include loss of consortium, lost wages, medical bills, and funeral costs. At Donaldson & Weston, we know how to maximize the potential value of wrongful death claims by performing detailed investigations, gathering all available evidence, bringing in expert witnesses, and using proven strategies during settlement negotiations and any litigation that may follow.
To prove liability, your Port St. Lucie wrongful death lawyer must demonstrate how the defendant is legally responsible for the damages being sought. In most wrongful death cases, liability is established by proving negligence, meaning that the defendant breached a duty of care owed to the deceased, and this breach resulted in the death; however, liability can also be established by proving intent—i.e. that the defendant intentionally killed the victim, or by proving that strict liability applies, in which case a finding of fault is not needed to establish liability.
To prove causation, your attorney will have to demonstrate that the negligence or intentional wrongdoing was the proximate cause of the damages being sought. If strict liability applies—for example, if your loved one died due to a product defect—your wrongful death lawyer will still have to prove the proximate cause of the death.
To prove damages, your attorney must demonstrate the types of losses incurred and their value. Examples of damages in wrongful death cases include loss of consortium, lost wages, medical bills, and funeral costs. At Donaldson & Weston, we know how to maximize the potential value of wrongful death claims by performing detailed investigations, gathering all available evidence, bringing in expert witnesses, and using proven strategies during settlement negotiations and any litigation that may follow.
What Evidence Will My Port St. Lucie Wrongful Death Attorney Use?
During your free initial consultation, we will ask you a series of questions to determine if you have grounds for a claim and how to approach the subsequent investigation. These questions will help us identify the types of evidence that will be needed to support your case.
The most valuable evidence can vary from one claim to the next, but generally speaking, the following evidence often plays an important role in wrongful death cases:
The most valuable evidence can vary from one claim to the next, but generally speaking, the following evidence often plays an important role in wrongful death cases:
- The Official Police Report: If law enforcement attended the scene, it’s likely that an officer created a report that includes pertinent details about the incident. This report might help your attorney prove liability, causation, and damages, making it an especially valuable piece of evidence.
- Financial Documentation: If you intend to pursue compensation for lost wages, lost benefits, and other earnings, you’ll need documentation to prove the value of these damages. Such documentation may include paystubs, income tax returns, 1099s, contracts, and statements from banks and other financial institutions.
- Bills, Receipts, and Invoices: You may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses and other costs related to the death. Your attorney can use bills, receipts, and invoices to prove the value of these costs.
- Expert Witness Testimony: If there’s a disagreement regarding liability or damages, our Port St. Lucie wrongful death lawyers may bring in expert witnesses to assist with settlement negotiations and any litigation that may follow. It’s often necessary to bring in an economic expert to provide testimony regarding lost wage calculations.
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