The sudden loss of a loved one can be heartbreaking. On top of that emotional pain, you will be overwhelmed by medical bills and lost income in the family.
Taking the time to understand your options for recovery is crucial during this difficult time. This knowledge allows you to protect your household from the financial burdens caused by another person’s negligence while your family focuses on healing.
Economic and non-economic damages
Florida law allows survivors to seek recovery for both the tangible financial losses and the personal devastation following a death. These damages aim to provide the resources necessary to maintain your family’s standard of living and acknowledge the deep personal void left behind. Common forms of recovery include the following:
- Medical and funeral expenses: You can recover the costs for the medical care your loved one received before their passing, as well as the final costs for the funeral and burial.
- Lost support and services: This compensates you for the future income, benefits and household tasks your family member would have provided over their lifetime.
- Lost companionship and guidance: This covers the loss of a spouse’s companionship or the instruction and mentorship a parent provides to their children.
- Emotional pain and suffering: This addresses the intense mental trauma and grief that surviving family members endure after an unexpected loss.
The goal of awarding these funds is to bridge the gap created by the sudden loss of a provider or companion.
Punitive damages
In specific cases where a death results from intentional harm or extreme recklessness, a court may award punitive damages. These are awarded to the family not for a specific bill or emotional loss. It is awarded to punish the wrongdoer for their conduct.
Punitive damages serve as a public warning and aim to deter others from doing the same dangerous behavior. While these awards are only available in cases of gross negligence, they provide an additional layer of accountability for the most egregious actions.
Secure the compensation your family deserves
Pursuing a legal claim is a crucial way to honor your loved one’s memory. By taking this step, the financial consequences of the tragic loss do not fall entirely on the shoulders of your grieving family.