What Types of Accidents Could Cause a Wrongful Death in Florida?
Accidents happen around the globe every single day. The World Health Organization states that almost 1.3 million lives are taken annually from road crashes alone.
These deaths are unforeseen and can inflict significant damage on the victim’s life and finances. Because of this, you must recover money from the responsible party.
Don’t let the other party escape with their negligence; let us fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our team of lawyers now for a free case consultation.
What Is Considered a Wrongful Death?
According to Fla. Stat. § 768.19, wrongful death cases involve deaths resulting from a negligent accident. A wrongful death case is a civil liability in most cases. However, the court may also impose a wrongful death in homicide cases depending on the nature of the crime.
Different Causes of Wrongful Death
By definition, any death resulting from an accident is eligible for a wrongful death case. We have outlined the most commonly reported accidents related to wrongful death cases:
1. Car Collision
Motor vehicle casualties are the most common cause of negligence-based death. Among the reported types of accidents on the road, car collisions contribute the most to the increasing death toll.
Drunk driving, inexperienced driving, and distracted driving are the leading causes of fatal car collisions. In a report released by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state reported 3,332 fatalities in 2020.
2. Pedestrian Accident
FLHSMV reported a total of 8,117 individual pedestrian cases in 2020. Among this number, 715 resulted in fatalities.
Many factors cause pedestrian accidents, but the most common is failure to yield the right of way. In most states, car drivers are obligated to give way to pedestrians to prevent fatal accidents. When they don’t yield, drivers are held liable for any accidents they cause.
3. Product Defect
Manufacturers must ensure that all commercially available products are reasonably safe to use or consume. Otherwise, victims can hold them liable for any injuries they sustain from a defective product.
There are two major classifications of defects in product liability cases: design defects and manufacturing defects. Manufacturing defects pertain to errors in product creation. In contrast, design defects are errors in product planning.
4. Workplace Accident
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (US-BLS) documented 275 workplace fatalities in 2020. Transportation incidents and fall accidents were the major contributors to work-related deaths in Florida.
According to a published report by the US-BLS, the construction industry reported the most occupation-related deaths. Workers from the moving and transportation industry had the next-highest rates of death.
Should You File a Wrongful Death Case?
Family members of the late victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim. Filing a case against the liable party is crucial to recover compensation for the expenses and suffering the surviving family members face.
According to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d), representatives of the victim can file a wrongful death claim up to two years after the victim’s death.
Find an Attorney and File Your Lawsuit Now!
Don’t let yourself suffer in silence from the death of your loved ones. Report the incident and file a case now! Call our top-notch lawyers at Avard Law Offices. Schedule your free consultation now by calling (888) 685-7930.
Our services extend throughout Florida. From Cape Coral to Fort Myers or Tampa, you can count on us!