Coping with the death of a loved one can be extraordinarily difficult. The idea of moving forward or seeking closure can seem all but impossible; the damage suffered by loss can be irreparable.
As difficult as it may be to see the options in front of you, it can be crucial that you not overlook the fact that you may be eligible to file a legal claim against the party responsible for the death. Unfortunately, there is a clock ticking on these claims and it starts long before you may feel ready to file a lawsuit. Because of this, it can be important not to wait too long before speaking with an attorney.
In Florida, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years after the death, though there are a number of exclusions and exceptions.
In many cases, it is relatively simple to determine when the statute of limitations begins. If, for instance, your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident, the two-year timeline would begin on the date of the accident.
However, in other cases, it is not clear when that clock started ticking. For instance, if your loved one died after battling cancer for months or years, it can be confusing to determine if the statute of limitations began on the day he or she died, the day he or she was diagnosed or the day he or she was exposed to elements that caused the cancer.
Failure to discuss your legal options with an attorney in time can mean that you are ineligible to pursue compensation that you may greatly need and deserve.
There is no amount of money that can replace a loved one. However, filing a wrongful death claim can allow survivors to hold the appropriate party accountable for a loss and seek compensation for the emotional, financial and physical damages they have suffered.
