Coral Gables Wrongful Death Lawyer

The loss of a loved one is without a doubt one of the most painful, stressful events any of us will go through. Whether it’s due to natural causes or an accident, the catastrophic impact is hard to adjust to. But when the death was caused by someone else’s wrongful conduct, the impacts can be even more devastating. Wrongful death lawyers have the skills, know-how and empathy to ensure that the letter of the law is followed with the utmost respect to the deceased.

Surviving family members who have suffered a preventable death caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional conduct may be entitled to compensation for all of their losses. Wrongful death lawsuits help survivors recover their loved one’s lost income, funeral and burial costs, and other damages, like compensation for their pain and suffering. Yes, parents and siblings can sue for wrongful death.

If you or your close family members need a wrongful death lawyer in Coral Gables, call the offices of Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (786) 220-2990 for a no-risk consultation. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to help you seek restitution for the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have been injured in Coral Gables, call our office at (786) 220-2990 or contact us online at your convenience or visit us in person: 120 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Our Past Case Results

Some examples of our past successes include:

• $25,000 for a hit-and-run case involving a hospice nurse. Traveling on the Florida Turnpike, the client was sideswiped by another vehicle that left the scene. She was about to record the tag number of the other vehicle. After reporting the damage to the Florida Highway Patrol, SGF was able to settle out of court for damages and medical care due to injury caused in the crash.
• $1.3 million for a rear-end collision. After spending a day at Gatorland Zoo in Orlando, the client was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer while stuck in stop-and-go traffic. Worse, the truck driver’s license was under suspension. The wreck caused the client not only serious neck and back injuries that required emergency room care and exacerbated a pre-existing back injury, requiring multiple spinal injections and anterior cervical microdiscectomy. We were able to secure $1.3 million for the client’s substantial medical bills as well as a further $150,000 for his family’s suffering and stress.
• $11.1 million for a motorcycle accident hit-and-run. While leaving a bar after drinking for 11 hours, the defendant pulled into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver was found at home two hours later and, upon inspection of his automobile, found the cyclist’s glove between the truck’s brake line and frame. The driver’s Blood Alcohol Level was .221, almost three times the legal amount. We were able to secure $11.1 million for the wife of the cyclist, who’d suffered severe brain injury and multiple broken bones. The bar knew the defendant was an alcoholic but they served him for 11 hours and let him leave on his own accord. The verdict is the largest ever awarded in Okeechobee County.

Relentless Legal Representation for Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Coral Gables

A wrongful death lawsuit is a serious undertaking. Choose a firm that has a proven track record of gaining settlements for their clients. Steinger, Greene & Feiner has 40 attorneys and over 140 paralegals, assistants, and legal secretaries on hand, as well as access to court experts and other resources. The elements of a wrongful death case vary widely. The truth is, finding a wrongful death attorney with the experience is your best bet to winning the case.

Due to the extremely narrow criteria, wrongful death lawsuits can be very difficult to prove and can take some time to resolve. That’s where Steinger, Greene & Feiner comes in. Our attorneys have extensive experience and knowledge to explore all areas relating to the claim and the dedication to see it through to the end. Our Coral Gables personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly to achieve fair and equitable settlements and, when necessary, aren’t afraid to take a case in front of a judge and jury.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

Florida statute 768 says plaintiffs have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, apart from some extenuating circumstances that would give more time. The lawsuit is a claim brought against a third party. The third party caused the death of another due to actions outside of what a reasonable, careful person would do. This can include workplace accidents, medical malpractice, mass transit accidents, or exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

What Do Wrongful Death Lawsuits Cover?

A wrongful death lawsuit seeks two types of damages: Survivor and Estate.

In short, survivor damages are recovered by loved ones while estate damages cover property or belongings left to the beneficiaries of the decedent’s will.

Types of damages include:

• Loss of support and services. Loss of wages and property as well as familial tasks that would require hiring outside help (yard care, house cleaning, etc.).
• Loss of companionship and protection. This means the emotional effects survivors will have on the loss of the loved one.
• Mental pain and suffering. Only spouses, parents, minor children, adult children (where there are no other survivors), and siblings (minor or adult if there are no other survivors involved in the latter) can file for these types of damages.
• Loss of parental companionship, guidance, and instruction. This is only available to children under 25 or their representatives. For children over 25, it can apply if there’s no surviving spouse.
• Medical or funeral expenses that are left for the survivor.
• Loss of decedent’s net accumulated funds, such as future income from work, investments, etc.
• Loss of the decedent’s earnings that might have been made between their injury and their death.
• Medical and funeral expenses that are recoverable by survivors if paid out-of-pocket prior to the judgment.
• Pain and suffering of the victim between the moment of their injury and the time of their death.

Under Florida law, only specific family members can recover damages in a wrongful death case. They are:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Blood relatives or adoptive siblings dependent on the decedent

A representative may be chosen by the decedent as lined out in their will or estate plan. Or, one can be apportioned by the court to conduct a survival action claim seeking restitution of losses specific to the deceased before their passing.

However, in wrongful death claims, the representative is only able to oversee the affairs and isn’t eligible for wrongful death awards unless they are also an eligible surviving family member.

Why Choose Our Coral Gables Lawsuit Attorneys?

Wrongful death lawsuits are difficult. So is dealing with the death of a loved one, especially if that death is due to someone else’s negligence. If the death happens suddenly or after extensive hospital care, it can get very expensive very quickly.

The lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner know this is a difficult time, and we have what it takes to take the financial pressure off survivors’ minds. Give us a call today at 800-316-8514 for a free, no-risk consultation. We don’t get paid until you are awarded your compensation, so we fight for your right to restitution for the loss of your loved one.