Emotional and Financial Impact of Losing a Loved One
Families dealing with wrongful death often find themselves overwhelmed, not only by grief but also by financial and legal aspects. As a wrongful death lawyer in Miami, Joseph M. Dobkin can help families through the process of seeking wrongful death compensation, ensuring all eligible damages – especially emotional and financial – are pursued and that the claim is filed within the statutory time limit.
Emotional Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
No amount of money can replace a life, but the law recognizes the deep emotional suffering families endure.
Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, surviving spouses, children, and parents may seek compensation for non-economic damages, which include:
- Loss of companionship and protection – Spouses may claim damages for the loss of love, comfort, and support.
- Pain and suffering – Children and parents may pursue compensation for the anguish caused by the loss of a parent or child.
- Loss of guidance and instruction – Minor children, in particular, can recover damages for the absence of parental advice and nurturing.
These damages reflect the human side of wrongful death claims – the grief, heartbreak, and void left behind when a loved one is taken too soon.
Financial Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Alongside emotional losses, families also face sudden financial burdens after a wrongful death. Florida law allows recovery for several types of economic damages, including:
- Medical and funeral expenses – If the family has paid these costs, they may be reimbursed.
- Loss of income and benefits – The decedent’s expected lifetime earnings, including wages, retirement benefits, and health insurance contributions, may be calculated and awarded.
- Loss of household services – Families can seek compensation for the value of services the decedent provided, such as childcare or home maintenance.
By pursuing these financial damages, families can find stability in the face of unexpected hardship.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Miami
In Florida, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate. This representative brings the claim on behalf of the surviving family members and beneficiaries.
Eligible survivors typically include:
- Spouses
- Children (minors and adults)
- Parents of a minor child
- Relatives who are financially dependent on the decedent
The claim must generally be filed within two years from the date of death, though certain exceptions may extend the timeline. Acting promptly ensures that families preserve their legal rights under state law.
Get a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Miami
If your family has lost someone due to another’s negligence in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach County, or the surrounding areas, you do not have to face this process alone. A wrongful death lawyer can provide the guidance you need to pursue accountability and secure the resources that protect your family’s future.
Call the Law Offices of Joseph M. Dobkin at (305) 661-7000 today to schedule your consultation.
