Wrongful Death Law is Not Criminal Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orlando, Florida, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 18, 2012 -- When someone takes another person’s life, they may face criminal murder charges. If the taking of life was intentional, they may face first or second degree murder charges. If the taking of life was accidental, they may face third degree, or manslaughter, charges. In these criminal cases, the state seeks punitive damages to properly punish the perpetrator of the crime.

When someone takes another person’s life, the victim’s surviving family members will face an increased level of emotional and financial distress. Criminal cases do not take these into consideration. Only a civil wrongful death lawsuit can seek damages caused by the loss of a loved one’s life, and only an experienced wrongful death attorney can get your family the compensation you deserve.
Punitive vs. Compensatory Damages
Punitive damages seek to punish a person for criminal actions. Punitive damages may include jail time, fines, license revocation, community service, and probation. These punishments are intended to rehabilitate a criminal and prevent similar behavior in the future.
Compensatory damages can only be brought about in a civil trial. Compensatory areas of recovery in a wrongful death case may include:
• End of life expenses – includes medical expenses prior to death and funeral expenses

• Loss of income – includes present income and projected future income
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of financial contributions – includes mortgage, tuition, and inheritance
• Emotional pain and suffering – includes loss of companionship, loss of a parent, and loss of a spouse

A wrongful death attorney will look at both economic and non-economic damages and, working carefully with your family, attempt to put a dollar amount on your loss. While it is impossible for money to replace your loved one or ease your emotional burden, a wrongful death settlement will take into consideration future financial issues and help ease additional burdens brought about by such uncertainty.
When your loved one’s life is taken, you deserve justice. Even if a criminal trial found the other party innocent, you can seek compensatory damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Working with an experienced, aggressive, and compassionate wrongful death attorney as soon as possible after your loved one’s death is the best way to ensure your family’s needs are taken care of as you go forward.

If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s behavior in or around Orlando or Melbourne, Florida, please visit the website of the experienced wrongful death attorneys at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter for more information on your rights.

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