The Statute of Limitations is a set of laws that limit the amount of time a person has to seek compensation for a loss that they endured. This applies to all types of civil lawsuits, including personal injury cases and wrongful death. Florida limits people to two years from the time of the event to file a claim for compensation.
Wrongful death cases are just a little different. The two-year limit still applies. However, if the cause of death was not clear at the time of that death, a family member has two years from the date that they discovered that the death was caused by the negligent actions of another or considered wrongful.
The Statute of Limitations Is Very Important
It may seem a bit unfair to place a limitation on the time a person has to seek compensation for an event as significant as a negligent death, but this rule actually protects these victims. Over time people can forget important information or facts, witnesses disappear, the evidence is misplaced or destroyed, and the truth about the event becomes altered. By limiting the time frame to seek compensation, the victims are protected from these types of occurrences.
If you have lost a loved one to the negligent action of another person or entity, you should speak to Jacksonville wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible after the death has occurred. By acting quickly you avoid the risk of not meeting the Statute of Limitations and the event that caused the death will still be fresh in the minds of all those involved.
Jacksonville wrongful death attorneys understand that acting quickly may be difficult for many people. The loss of a loved one is very difficult and it takes the time to adjust to this loss and begin the healing process. Because of this, your attorney will show the utmost compassion for your situation and try to make the process as easy as possible so that you and your family can continue the healing process while they handle your legal work.
