Did you know that nearly 225,000 deaths in the United States were due to unintentional injury? Of this figure, nearly 45,000 are caused by unintentional falls.
While many of these deaths are truly accidental, others are due to a company or individual’s negligence. These are considered wrongful deaths.
There are many causes of a wrongful death including defective products, medical malpractice, negligence, or even a crime. Read on to learn about Florida’s wrongful death statute of limitations. Explore how to file a wrongful death lawsuit near Orlando to get the justice your family deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim occurs when a lawyer files a lawsuit on behalf of a deceased individual and their family. Wrongful death comes in many forms.
It may occur when a medical professional takes an unnecessary risk or makes a mistake during surgery. Another example of a wrongful death occurs when a product fails due to a defect.
Fatal vehicular accidents are common sources of wrongful deaths. Negligence may be behind a wrongful death claim. For example, consider a person who slips and falls to their death because a safety railing was not installed.
The first step in the claims process is hiring a wrongful death lawyer. With an experienced attorney representing your deceased loved one, you can file an Orlando wrongful death lawsuit.
What Is the Orlando, Florida Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?
Filing a lawsuit from the distant past is considered legally unreasonable. Therefore, the government enacted legislation to put limits on when a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed.
Each state passes its own specific laws as it pertains to wrongful death. In most Floridian cases, the plaintiff has up to two years to file a wrongful death claim.
There are certain exceptions to the rule based on how the wrongful death occurred. For instance, a death caused by medical malpractice has wiggle room to file a claim after the two-year period expires.
The loophole for medical malpractice involves additional time for the discovery of wrongdoing or negligence. It is not always clear at the time of death whether a medical case was mishandled. In these cases, it may take time to collect and analyze medical reports that indicate a tragic mistake occurred.
What To Do After a Wrongful Death?
If you suspect foul play or negligence, it is imperative to act quickly. You should reach out to a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Your attorney can file a lawsuit for you before the statute of limitations kicks in. They will also provide consultation on the merits of your case and fight for a settlement that eases your personal loss.
Your Guide to the Statute of Limitations in Florida
You are now ready to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can get justice for your loved one killed by negligence or a defective product.
If you want to know more about the Florida wrongful death statute of limitations, contact us today to speak with a professional.