The wrongful death of a loved one is never easy, no matter the circumstances around it. When it happens without warning and due to someone else’s negligence, the grief can be unimaginable.

There are moments that the words don’t reach
There’s a grace too powerful to name
We push away what we can never understand
We push away the unimaginable

                                             – “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton

It’s okay not to know what to do; next, that’s completely normal. And we have a tendency as humans to push the hard stuff down the line, but in the case of wrongful death, that can create compound problems and prolong any outcomes. If you are dealing with the unimaginable, here are some steps you can take immediately.

Document Everything

As hard as it sounds, time is of the essence with wrongful death cases. You need to document everything as quickly as possible Make notes, gather information, and plan for your next steps. No detail is too small.

Attorneys will need information such as:

• The death certificate
• Police and autopsy reports
• Witness statements
• Pay stubs and tax returns
• Photographs or video of the accident and scene

Talk to an Attorney

Contact an attorney right away. They can walk you through what needs to happen next. Their investigators will assist with the case, find information through outside sources, get access to surveillance videos, and whatever else is necessary to make sure your case is solid.

Having documentation ahead of speaking with a lawyer can help get the process started quickly. For example, pay stubs and tax returns can show the financial loss or related medical expenses. Video or photo evidence needs to include time stamps.

File a Wrongful Death Claim

A wrongful death is considered when a person dies due to the legal fault of another party. (Fla. Stat. § 768.19 (2021).) The cause can be negligence, wrongful act, default, or a breach of contract or warranty. To file a wrongful death claim, you must be the personal representative or executor of someone’s estate. (Fla. Stat. § 768. 20 (2021).)

After all your conversations with your legal representatives and the collection of evidence and documentation, they will work with you to file the case in the state of Florida.

Honor Your Loved One

Throughout all of this, it’s essential to take time out to honor the life of your loved one. Lean on your support network to help you plan a funeral or memorial service. While grief is integral to this experience, don’t forget to celebrate the life of the person you loved.

Grief isn’t a clear set of steps from A to Z; it will take time for you to process your feelings over losing your loved one. This is especially true when someone else’s negligence causes a wrongful death. Your legal team will work hard on your behalf to help you find the answers, outcomes, and closure you deserve.

We are Committed to Compassion and Kindness

Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.