Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstances. That difficulty can increase tenfold if your loss was caused by the negligent or reckless behavior of another. If you have recently lost someone close to you in a Florida accident, you may be wondering how much a Florida wrongful death claim is worth.
Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
Unfortunately,
there is no easy formula for determining the value of a Florida wrongful
death claim. There are, however, specific damages for which you may seek compensation.
Understanding these damages and how they apply to your claim may give
you a better idea of what your case could be worth.
Damages that could be awarded in a Florida wrongful death claim include:
- Actual and immediate costs associated with the death, including medical and funeral expenses;
- Loss of the victim’s anticipated future earnings, benefits and inheritance;
- The pain, suffering and mental anguish of the survivors;
- Loss of care, support, services, protection and companionship for survivors; and
- Punitive damages.
The facts of your case will determine whether all or any of these damages apply to your claim. For the best chances at achieving the maximum possible compensation in your Florida wrongful death claim, consult with a Florida wrongful death attorney. No attorney can guarantee a victory for you, or promise a specific settlement, but they can help you to build a convincing case that will increase your chances for success.
Calculation of Future Damages and “Present Value”
The value of the lost future earnings, benefits and inheritance of the deceased is usually determined by a life expectancy table. In addition to accounting for pensions and other benefits that could have been available, a life expectancy table can be used to calculate the victim’s future earnings based on his or her wages at the time of death and the number of years remaining until retirement.
The court will not want to overcompensate you, however. For this reason, it is common practice to award the victim’s family the future earnings of the victim as reduced to “present value.” The “present value” is the total value of future damages caused by untimely death after this value has been reduced to a sum that will equal the original amount when conservatively invested.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, as the title would suggest, are damages awarded as punishment
rather than compensation. In a Florida wrongful death claim, the person
responsible for the Florida accident in question may be found liable for
some or all damages incurred.
Punitive damages are only applicable if it can be proven that the Florida
accident was caused by malicious, intentional or reckless acts.
If you have lost a loved one in a Florida accident, it would be in your
best interest to contact an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney
who can investigate who is responsible for your loss and the types of
compensation to which you and your family may be entitled. Call now to
schedule a
FREE
evaluation of your case
1-863-683-1111.