No one ever wants to think about losing someone they love in a wrongful death, but if you or someone you know is facing such a tragedy, an important question is how long does a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida take?
It can be overwhelming and complicated to try and figure out the state laws that apply and how long a lawsuit may actually take. Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety surrounding this already difficult situation—that’s why we have compiled key information into this blog post so you have all the resources you need as you prepare for a potential litigation process.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- 1Factors that can affect the length of a lawsuit include complexity of the case, available evidence, court scheduling and potential settlement negotiations.
- 2There are several stages to a wrongful death lawsuit including pre-litigation investigation/negotiation, filing of complaint, discovery, motion practice and potentially going to trial.
- 3It is critical to work closely with an experienced attorney who can guide through the legal process.
- 4Evidence gathering and preservation is key for building a strong case.
- 5The outcome of the lawsuit may have long-term impacts on plaintiff’s financial security and therefore important conversations should take place with an experienced lawyer.
- 6If considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, get in touch with Herman & Wells for compassionate legal support.
It’s crucial to have compassionate and experienced legal representation while pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. At Herman & Wells, our experienced wrongful death attorneys can help guide you through these complicated matters and build a case on your behalf. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal support and helping Florida families get justice. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you.
Factors That Affect The Length Of A Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Florida
Florida wrongful death lawsuits can take anywhere from months to years depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Factors that can affect the timeframe of a lawsuit include:
Complexity Of The Case
When the facts of a wrongful death case are complex, it can take longer to establish who is at fault. Florida wrongful death attorneys may need to investigate additional details and review more extensive evidence before they are in a position to file a lawsuit against any party responsible for the wrongful death.
Availability Of Evidence
In Florida, wrongful death attorneys must present evidence to prove the deceased person’s case. The availability of vital evidence can affect how long it takes to complete a wrongful death case. It may be necessary to subpoena documents or contact witnesses in order to gather the evidence needed for a successful claim.
Court Scheduling And Backlog
The Florida court system has a backlog of cases due to the sheer number of cases filed each year. This can affect the amount of time it takes for wrongful death lawsuits to be heard in court, as there are only so many available days on the court’s calendar.
Settlement Negotiations
If the defendant and plaintiff are able to come to a settlement agreement without going to court, this can speed up the process dramatically. An experienced attorney with real trial experience may be able to reach an out-of-court settlement that meets the needs of both parties in a fraction of the time it would take for a court case.