Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims Involving Shootings

Shooting Outside a Bar in Florida

Losing a loved one in a shooting is unimaginably painful. Along with the grief, families often face serious financial burdens from medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income. In Florida, wrongful death laws allow certain family members to seek compensation when someone’s careless or reckless actions lead to a fatal shooting.

If you have lost a family member in a shooting, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation from the negligent party who caused or contributed to your loved one’s death. Contact Zimmet & Zimmet for a free consultation today. Our wrongful shooting attorneys will help you understand your rights and options.

Why Hire Our Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys?

Zimmet & Zimmet has been helping Florida families seek justice since 1975. For nearly five decades, our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured and grieving Floridians. When you work with our wrongful death shooting lawyers, you benefit from our experience, resources, and commitment to your family’s well-being. As one satisfied client wrote:

“Dealing with all aspects of any accident, from medical to financial to legal, can be a confusing process. Ron Zimmet and his staff guided me skillfully through the whole process and made an overwhelming experience so much less so. A really wonderful group of people!” – Marjorie M.

When you hire our wrongful death attorneys, we will work tirelessly for your family by:

  • Investigating the circumstances of a shooting death and how the incident happened
  • Identifying all liable parties, including property owners, businesses, and security companies
  • Calculating your full losses
  • Submitting claims for economic damages and handling negotiations with insurers
  • Demanding accountability and taking your wrongful death lawsuit to trial if needed
  • Keeping you informed every step of the way

How Do Wrongful Death Claims Involving Shootings Work?

A wrongful death claim is a legal action that allows certain family members to pursue compensation when someone dies because of another person’s or a business’s wrongful actions. These civil claims are separate from any criminal charges the police department may file against the shooter.

In shooting cases, wrongful death claims often focus on whether a property owner, business, or other party failed to provide adequate security. Florida law requires property owners and businesses to take basic steps to keep guests, customers, and clients safe from foreseeable criminal activity.

When a property owner or business fails to take proper safety precautions, and someone or multiple people are killed as a result, a negligent party may be held legally responsible for the consequences.

The compensation available in mass shootings and wrongful death cases can include:

  • Medical expenses incurred by your loved one’s injuries before passing away
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost income and financial support your loved one would have provided
  • Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
  • Your loved one’s emotional pain and suffering before death
  • Loss of services your loved one provided to the household

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Florida law is specific about who can bring a wrongful death lawsuit after shootings. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate must file the claim. This person acts in the name of the surviving family members who are entitled to any compensation awarded.

Surviving family members who may recover money from a wrongful death claim include:

  • The surviving spouse
  • Children of the deceased person
  • Parents, if the deceased was a minor or had no other survivors
  • Any blood relatives who depended on the deceased for financial support

Survivors may be entitled to claim different forms of compensation based on their relationship to the victim. For example, a surviving spouse can seek compensation for the loss of companionship and financial support, while minor children can recover for the loss of parental guidance and protection they will be deprived of as they grow up.

A wrongful death shooting lawyer can review your specific situation and help you understand who is entitled to pursue compensation and ensure the claim properly represents all eligible family members.

Liability in Shooting-Related Wrongful Death Cases

To win a wrongful death claim after a shooting, your attorney will need to prove that another party failed to take sensible steps to prevent the violence. This requires demonstrating that the property owner or business was aware (or should have been aware) of security risks and failed to take action.

Parties who may be liable in mass shooting and wrongful death cases include:

  • Property owners and businesses that neglected to provide adequate security measures in high-crime areas
  • Security companies, if security guards failed to perform their duties properly
  • Event organizers who did not implement security measures appropriate for the size and nature of the event

Evidence that may support your wrongful death claim includes:

  • A history of criminal activity on the property
  • Prior complaints about safety concerns
  • Inadequate lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security cameras
  • Failure to hire security guards in high-risk areas
  • Lack of proper background checks on tenants or employees
  • Absence of security protocols for large events

Your wrongful death lawyer will investigate the factors and work with security experts to show that reasonable security measures could have prevented the loss of lives.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for a Deceased Loved One

The process of filing a wrongful death claim typically involves these steps:

  • Initial Consultation – Your attorney will review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
  • Investigation – Your legal team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and possibly consult with experts to build a wrongful death case.
  • Filing the Lawsuit – Your attorney will prepare and file all necessary legal documents on behalf of the estate’s personal representative.
  • Discovery – Both sides exchange information and evidence related to the case.
  • Negotiations – Your legal team will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies and liable parties.
  • Trial – If the insurer refuses to agree to a fair settlement, your attorney will be ready to present your case in court.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Wrongful Death Claims

Mass shootings and wrongful death cases are legally complex. They often involve multiple parties, large insurance companies, and challenging questions about liability and security standards. If your future is in question, you want to have a skilled wrongful death lawyer on your side.

Wrongful death claims require substantial evidence. Your lawyer will work with security experts, economists, and other professionals who can strengthen your case and help prove the full extent of your family’s losses.

Most importantly, having legal representation allows you to focus on grieving and supporting your family during this difficult time. Your attorney will handle the communications with insurance companies and legal procedures so you can focus on your family and future.

Contact Zimmet & Zimmet Today

No amount of money can bring back your loved one or erase the pain of your loss. However, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide the financial resources your family needs to move forward and hold those responsible accountable for their failures.

If your family member died in a shooting and you believe someone’s carelessness contributed to the tragedy, contact our office today. The attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet are ready to help your family fight for justice.