Wrongful Death Attorneys in Sarasota

Helping Families Seek Justice & Fair Compensation

The sudden loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. It can be even more devastating when the death was preventable and caused by someone else's negligence.

If you have lost a loved one due to another person or entity's careless, reckless, or intentional actions, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.

At Burnetti, P.A., our Sarasota wrongful death attorneys understand that no amount of money can undo the tragedy your family has faced. However, a successful wrongful death claim or lawsuit can help you secure the financial resources you need to move forward. Additionally, it can hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions, potentially preventing similar tragedies from happening to others.

We are here to help you seek justice for your loss.

Call our office at (941) 366-2838 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a member of our team.

We Get Results

At Burnetti, P.A., we have won millions for grieving families across Florida, including:

• $7.25 million verdict: Wrongful death resulting from a car accident
• $2 million settlement: Wrongful death resulting from a truck accident
• $1.9 million settlement: Wrongful death resulting from medical malpractice
• $1.9 million settlement: Wrongful death resulting from a truck accident

What Is a "Wrongful Death?"

Generally speaking, a wrongful death is one that is caused by someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. In other words, if a person dies as a result of another person or entity's wrongful actions, their surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.

Some examples of situations that may give rise to a wrongful death claim include:

• Car accidents: When a person is killed in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, their surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
• Medical malpractice: If a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional makes an error that causes a patient's death, the patient's family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Product liability: If a person is killed while using a defective or dangerous product, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of that product can be held liable.
• Premises liability: Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for guests and visitors. If a person is killed due to a property owner's negligence, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
• Workplace accidents: When a person is killed in a workplace accident, their surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
• Intentional acts: If a person is killed due to someone else's intentional actions, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. This includes situations involving assault and battery, homicide, and more.

These are just a few examples of the many situations that may give rise to a wrongful death claim. If you have lost a loved one and believe that someone else may be to blame, it is important to reach out to an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Sarasota to discuss your rights and options.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, only certain family members are eligible to bring a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

These include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents

When a person is killed and no spouse, child, or parent survives, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

In some cases, the at-fault party's insurance company may try to reach a settlement with the deceased person's surviving family members. It is important to remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. They want to settle your claim for as little as possible, and they will use various tactics to try to get you to accept a lowball offer.

Before accepting a settlement, it is crucial to speak to a wrongful death lawyer. At Burnetti, P.A., we can help you understand the full value of your claim and, if a settlement is possible, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of the person's death. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will almost certainly lose your right to recover compensation. This is why it is so important to speak to a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after your loved one's death.

What Types of Damages Are Available?

If you have lost a loved one in a preventable accident, you may be entitled to certain economic and noneconomic damages. Some of the most common types of damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit include:

• Medical expenses: If your loved one incurred medical expenses as a result of their injuries before they died, you may be able to recover those expenses.
• Funeral/burial costs: You may also be entitled to compensation for the costs of your loved one's funeral or burial.
• Loss of support and services: If your loved one provided for you and your family, you may be able to recover compensation for the value of their lost support and services.
• Lost wages and benefits: You may be entitled to compensation for your loved one's lost wages and benefits, including what they reasonably would have earned if they had lived a normal lifespan.
• Lost companionship and guidance: If you have lost a spouse or parent, you may be able to recover compensation for the lost companionship, guidance, and consortium you would have enjoyed if your loved one had not died.

In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Unlike economic and noneconomic damages, which are meant to compensate you for your losses, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their particularly egregious actions and/or to deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A.?

At Burnetti, P.A., we understand that the sudden loss of a loved one can be completely devastating. Our Sarasota wrongful death lawyers are here to help you and your family seek the justice you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, having recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients since 1994.

When you choose our firm, you can expect the following and more:

• Complimentary initial consultations
• Personalized legal services
• Open and honest communication
• Aggressive representation from start to finish
• No fees unless we recover compensation

Our wrongful death lawyers in Sarasota are available to take your call 24/7. Call (941) 366-2838 to learn how we can assist you during this difficult time.