Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Florida

In 2008, a University of Central Florida football player collapsed during a pre-season conditioning drill and later died. In a subsequent wrongful death lawsuit, a jury found the University of Central Florida Athletic Association guilty of negligence and ordered it to pay $10 million to the young player’s family. The University’s insurance company, Great American, is appealing the court’s decision.

A wrongful death lawsuit can arise from many situations, including car crashes and defective products. It is a civil action that ensures the wrongdoers are held responsible when there is a preventable death. The survivors must file the lawsuit within the period of the statute of limitations, which is two years. The surviving party must also be statutorily entitled to sue under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. Eligible parties include:

• Parents
• Children
• Spouses
• Blood relatives who depended on the deceased for support
• Adoptive brothers and sisters who depended on the deceased for support

Survivors are entitled to recover damages such as:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses
• Value of lost support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering

When a loved one dies too soon, no amount of money can make it right. However, a lawsuit isn’t always about money — it’s about justice. An experienced Florida wrongful death attorney can make the responsible parties accountable for their actions. At the Law Office of Paul B. Genet, P.A., our compassionate attorneys are committed to securing the compensation your family deserves. Call our office today.