Approximately one year ago, a Florida college football player was shot and killed by a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer. In the time since that shooting, two other young, unarmed, men have died because of actions taken by a police officer.
A local news source reported that on September 14, 2013, the young football player crashed his car into the side of a house. The young man then went around the neighborhood trying to seek assistance. However, a neighborhood homeowner called the police because she believed that the young man was attempting to break into her home.
Police arrived shortly afterward, and one of the officers began shooting rounds at the young man. The man was killed after being shot ten times. The police officer claims that the man was running toward him.
The police officer will be taken to trial and prosecuted by the attorney general’s office. He has been charged with manslaughter in the death of the young man.
Wrongful Death in Florida
A wrongful death suit can be bought in Florida when the negligence of one person or entity causes the death of another individual. Generally, family members of the deceased person bring a claim to compensate them for their suffering and expenses related to the death.
Wrongful death suits can be brought following various circumstances and accidents, including:
- Police brutality
- Medical malpractice
- Vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents
Establishing Wrongful Death in Florida
A family member may bring a wrongful death suit when one of their immediate family members dies because of the intentional, negligent, or reckless act of another person. To prove a wrongful death occurred, an individual must establish that the actor owed the victim a duty of care, that what they did violated that standard, and that their action caused the death of the other individual.
Who Can Bring a Claim and For What?
In Florida, only certain individuals may bring a wrongful death suit. A parent, spouse, or sibling that was a dependent may bring a claim of wrongful death.
These survivors may be awarded monetary compensation depending on several factors, including:
- The income of the victim
- The relationship between the victim and the individual filing suit
- The life expectancy of victim and the survivor
The survivors may claim damages and be eligible for benefits for several different aspects of the death, such as:
- Mental anguish and suffering for the loss of a parent
- Lost companionship for the loss of a child or spouse
- Future losses of support
- Funeral Expenses
Have You Lost a Loved One Because of a Wrongful Death?
If you have lost a loved one because of the negligence, recklessness, or deliberate act of another, you may be able to bring a wrongful death suit against that individual. These cases can often be complicated so to ensure proper representation please contact one of our experienced attorneys at 352-387-8700 to set up a free initial consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Tampa Bay Attorney Dies in Boating Accident, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published August 20, 2014.
Tampa City Truck Driver Kills Toddler in Accident, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published September 12, 2014.