When Should I Call a St. Petersburg Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Losing a loved one is never easy. Beyond the overwhelming emotional trauma, you may also have to complete several complex administrative tasks. From planning the funeral to facilitating probate, there’s always a lot to do after a death in the family. This is especially true if the passing was unanticipated and the deceased was a primary income-earner for the family.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the loss, though, your family may be entitled to compensation for the damages incurred as a result of the tragedy; however, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Also, critical evidence may become unavailable if you postpone the initial investigation, so it’s wise to call a St. Petersburg wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible.
Entering contentious legal proceedings is probably near the bottom of your to-do list following such a grievous event, but contacting a lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes. Let’s examine some of the biggest reasons to schedule a consultation with a St. Petersburg attorney right away:
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To Meet Critical Filing Deadlines
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is usually two years. Under some circumstances—for example, if you want to bring the claim against a government entity—you’ll have to act even sooner. Two years might seem like a considerable amount of time, but it can take months to gather evidence and negotiate with the opposing party.
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To Obtain Time-Sensitive Evidence
Contacting a law firm right away will give your legal team the chance to gather evidence that may not be available indefinitely. If your loved one died in a truck accident, for example, and the wreck was captured by a passing dashcam or a nearby surveillance system, the footage will eventually be overwritten.
It’s also possible that valuable evidence could be altered or destroyed. For instance, it’s certainly not unheard-of for healthcare providers, trucking companies, nursing homes, and other parties to modify documents to cover up negligence. The sooner your lawyer can start compiling evidence, the better the chance it will still be available and unaltered.
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To Resolve the Matter as Soon as Possible
If the deceased supported your family financially, the damages are only going to increase with every passing day. The sooner you initiate the proceedings, the sooner your case may be resolved. Since wrongful death proceedings can last for well over a year, it’s wise to begin the process without delay.
Call (727) 821-1500 to Discuss Your Case with a Wrongful Death Attorney in St. Petersburg
If you want to file a wrongful death claim in Florida, turn to Emerson Straw for help navigating every stage of the proceedings. We’ve won numerous six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Call (727) 821-1500 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case evaluation with a wrongful death lawyer.