Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Experiencing the death of a loved one is a traumatic event.  Wrongful death can bring additional feelings of guilt, anguish, anger, and helplessness for the surviving family.  While it cannot make up for the loss of a loved one, getting compensation when someone has unjustly lost their life can ease the financial and emotional burden of coping with a death in the family.  A reliable Palm Beach gardens wrongful death law firm can help guide the family of the deceased through this difficult process.

Filing a wrongful death lawsuit

Wrongful death lawsuits in Jupiter are filed by the deceased’s personal representative in order to recover compensation for the deceased’s survivors and estate.  The personal representative is designated in the deceased person’s will and is called the executor.  In cases where the deceased person did not leave a will or if the will does not name an executor, the court appoints a personal representative who may then file a West Palm Beach wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the survivors.

Survivors

In order to be eligible for compensation, one must be a survivor of the deceased.  In a Jupiter accidental death lawsuit, a survivor is defined as the decedent’s spouse, children, or parents.  Survivors can also be other blood relatives or adoptive siblings who are dependent on the deceased for support.  A child born out of wedlock to a mother who has suffered a wrongful death is also eligible for compensation.  This only applies to a child born out of wedlock to a father if the father had been providing monetary support for that child.

Awarding of damages

Upon resolution of an West Palm Beach wrongful death, damages are awarded separately to each survivor by the court.  The amount awarded to each survivor depends on that person’s relationship to the deceased individual and his or her level of dependence, both financially and emotionally, on the deceased. 

Hiring an attorney

If you suffer the loss of a loved one, consult a trusted and experienced Palm Beach gardens wrongful death law firm.  It is important to act quickly, as a Jupiter wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years and important evidence can be lost over time.  The attorneys at Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, P.L. can help you get the compensation you deserve during this very difficult time.  Contact us today for a free consultation.