Losing a loved one due to the actions or negligence of another person or party is heartbreaking. While the last thing you may want to do right now is worry about legal matters, the fact is that filing a wrongful death claim will allow you to obtain compensation for your expenses, emotional trauma, etc. If your loved ones died because of a negligent third party, contact a Dade County wrongful death attorney. 

Types of Wrongful Death Benefits

Depending on the situation and your losses, you may be eligible for a number of wrongful death benefits. In general, these fall into two different categories: compensatory and punitive.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory benefits allow you to receive compensation for your losses, whether they are financial or emotional, and include:

• expenses for the hospitalization and treatment of your loved one;
• funeral costs;
• loss of your loved one’s future earnings;
• loss of your loved one’s benefits (such as medical insurance, 401k, etc.);
• loss of inheritance;
• pain and suffering; and
• general damages. 

Determining how much these damages are worth can be a complicated process, which is why working with a Dade County wrongful death attorney is recommended. Your attorney will consult with experts to calculate how much you should be compensated for each item on the list. By providing solid proof of why you deserve the amount you are requesting, you can increase your chances of a successful resolution. 

Punitive Damages

When a person acts in a malicious or intentional manner, which results in the death of another, the victim’s family may be allowed to ask for punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the offender and may only be permitted if the liable person acted in an especially egregious way.

If punitive damages are allowed, the jury will typically decide on the amount; however, the judge may reduce the amount of the award if it is too high. An attorney can argue why punitive damages are warranted in your wrongful death claim. 

Contact a Dade County Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have recently lost a loved one in an accident caused by a careless or negligent party, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial and emotional losses. A qualified Dade County wrongful death attorney can handle your claim to ensure that the best interests of both you and your family are protected at this difficult time. For a free consultation on your wrongful death claim, please contact the Falk & Falk Law firm at 305-279-0999 today.