Losing a loved one creates a silence as heavy as it is unrelenting. That ache is compounded when the silence stems from someone else’s negligence.
As a trusted Sarasota wrongful death lawyer, James Horne is here to help families find relief. At James Horne Law PA, we fight to ensure families receive the justice they deserve. With over $15 million in verdicts and settlements and a commitment to treating clients like family, we take on every case with the understanding that your loved one’s story deserves to be heard. Contact us today to begin the path toward justice and ensure your family’s voice rises above the silence.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or deliberate misconduct causes another person’s death. When wrongful death occurs, the Florida Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their financial and other losses.
Why Hire a Sarasota Wrongful Death Attorney to Handle My Claim?
Navigating a wrongful death case without legal guidance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, James Horne, a seasoned Sarasota wrongful death attorney, will handle your case with the precision and care it deserves. Let’s look at some of the ways he’ll help:
- Comprehensive case evaluation. We take the time to understand the unique circumstances of your loss, leaving no stone unturned in investigating the facts.
- Building a strong case. From gathering evidence to consulting experts, we craft compelling arguments to hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Fighting insurance company tactics. Insurers often seek to minimize payouts by disputing liability or undervaluing your claim. We understand these tactics, and we know how to counter them.
- Navigating legal complexities. Florida’s wrongful death laws involve strict filing deadlines and nuanced procedures. We ensure every detail is handled correctly.
- Proving negligence. Establishing that another party’s actions directly led to your loved one’s death requires thorough evidence and expert testimony. We are skilled at establishing liability.
- Calculating damages. We will meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages to ensure fair compensation.
- Negotiation and litigation. Whether through settlement or trial, we will fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for your family.
You shouldn’t have to face this process alone. James Horne can skillfully shoulder these legal burdens and get you a good result.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Wrongful death arises from tragic circumstances caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. The most common scenarios a lawyer sees include:
- Motor vehicle accidents—including reckless driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving;
- Medical malpractice—medical errors that can include a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or negligence;
- Workplace accidents—fatal accidents due to unsafe environments or inadequate training; and
- Product liability—when defective products cause fatal injuries, manufacturers, designers, and distributors may be held accountable for their negligence.
No legal action can bring your loved one back. However, working with a Sarasota wrongful death lawyer can help you attain a settlement that can help you cope with financial burdens and ensure accountability for the bad actor’s wrongful actions.
What Compensation Can Sarasota Wrongful Death Lawyers Help Me Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Florida law allows surviving family members to seek various types of compensation. Sarasota wrongful death lawyers typically fight for the following damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses incurred by surviving family members due to the wrongful death. These can include the following:
- Medical expenses—medical costs incurred before the loved one’s passing, such as emergency care or hospital stays, are recoverable;
- Funeral and burial costs—families can seek compensation for reasonable funeral and burial expenses; and
- Loss of income and benefits—these damages include the deceased’s expected earnings, benefits, and financial support they would have provided to their family.
These damages ensure surviving families can focus on healing from their loss without the added burden of financial insecurity.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages address the emotional and relational losses surviving family members experience and can include:
- Pain and suffering—compensation for the emotional anguish caused by the loss of a loved one; and
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection—surviving family members can recover for the absence of the deceased’s love, support, and care.
Essentially, noneconomic damages hold negligent parties accountable for the long-lasting non-physical impact on surviving families.
Punitive Damages
Courts award punitive damages in cases involving egregious misconduct or gross negligence. Their purpose is to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Although courts rarely award punitive damages, they are an important legal tool in cases where the responsible party’s actions were especially harmful or reckless. Punitive damages send a powerful message that society will not tolerate such conduct.
Why Choose James Horne Law PA As Your Sarasota Wrongful Death Lawyer?
At James Horne Law PA, we’re more than legal advocates. We’re partners in your journey toward justice. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Client-centered approach. You’re not just another file number at James Horne Law. We take the time to listen, understand, and provide personalized support every step of the way.
- Trial-ready representation. While many cases settle, we’re not afraid to take yours to trial if that’s what it takes to achieve justice.
- Proven results. With over $15 million in settlements and verdicts, we have a track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes.
- Compassionate guidance. We understand this is one of the hardest times in your life. Our goal is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible.
Our promise? To treat you with dignity, respect, and unwavering commitment while fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Take Action Today and Contact James Horne Law PA, for a Consultation
The road to justice begins with a single step. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. With no fees unless we win and a history of success in even the most complex cases, you can trust us to fight for you and your family. Visit us online to take the first step toward justice.