Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer
For families in Florida who have lost a loved one prematurely as the result of the negligent, reckless, or willful behavior of another, a wrongful death lawsuit can be a lifeline. The dedicated Florida lawyers at Meldon Law can help you determine if you are a candidate to file such a legal action.
Our Florida personal injury lawyers can handle your claim for money damages from start to finish so that you can focus on rebuilding your life after a major loss. Contact our law firm for a free consultation on your case. We won’t back down until your case is complete.
Our Wrongful Death Attorneys in Florida Can Help You Rebuild
The pain caused by the premature loss of a family member or spouse can be truly devastating. When the deceased person was not only a beloved member of the family but also a source of financial support, the grieving family may be at a loss as to how to make ends meet without that critical source of income.
If this is the situation you now face, Meldon Law is deeply sorry for your loss. Know that our Florida wrongful death lawyers are here to provide sensitive and responsive legal representation to people just like you.
Educating You About Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuits
At Meldon Law, we believe that there is nothing more important than educating our clients about their legal rights and responsibilities. Our wrongful death attorneys can work closely with you to:
- Explain the merits of your claim
- Make sure you understand all of your options, including the pros and cons presented by each one
- Answer whatever concerns and questions you have about seeking wrongful death compensation
- Give you additional materials that you can read to learn more about your case
Managing Your Wrongful Death Claim
A legal action like yours requires filing paperwork within strict deadlines, speaking with both the liable party’s team and the court, and working within the regulations that govern your case.
This is a lot of ask of anyone, especially when they are still dealing with the loss of someone they love. Our team can navigate the legal process by your side, no matter how long it takes, and make sure everything gets done in a timely manner.
Fighting Aggressively for Wrongful Death Damages
During our investigation into your case, we can identify and get in touch with the at-fault party. This is the person or organization whose negligence caused your loved one’s premature death.
Once we find this party, Meldon Law can push their insurance company to pay you fair compensation. This enables you to hold them responsible for their actions while recovering much-needed funds to pick up the pieces of your life.
Taking Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit to Court
While many cases like yours settle at the negotiating table, a few do end up at trial. If this happens, you do not have to speak on your own behalf: our legal team can handle the preparations and the presentation.
After years of representing accident victims, we understand the importance of fighting hard for our clients and do not accept less than you deserve in a settlement. Meldon Law’s trial attorneys have no fear of the courtroom and relish the opportunity to plead our clients’ cases before a court of law.
What Damages Are Available in Florida Wrongful Death Claims?
Your case could entitle you to financial compensation based on both your loved one’s suffering and the suffering of the deceased’s dependents.
Wrongful Death Damages for Your Loved One
Our wrongful death lawyers in Florida can seek compensation for the following types of losses on behalf of the deceased person’s estate:
- Medical costs that the deceased paid for their injuries or illness prior to their passing
- Lost income, both during any hospital stay before their death and what an expert projects the individual would have earned had they kept working
- Lost benefits, such as any retirement plan, medical benefits, or 401(k) benefits
- Pain and suffering that the deceased experienced prior to their passing
Wrongful Death Damages for the Deceased’s Dependents
Damages that can be sought on behalf of surviving family members include:
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of support and services provided by the deceased person, such as childcare, housekeeping, or other domestic services, both present and future
- Any medical costs or funeral expenses paid by family members
Evaluating the Worth of Your Wrongful Death Claim
This may sound like putting a “price tag” on your loved one’s life, but that is not what we do. Our lawyers want to:
- Establish how much you and your deceased loved one suffered because of the accident
- Determine the financial toll of the death on you and the deceased’s other dependents
- Hold the liable party accountable for everything they took away from you
Our committed team of injury attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a wrongful death. We use the evidence we collect, along with an intimate knowledge of regulations and caselaw, to build a solid case for your family’s entitlement to damages.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Per Florida Statutes § 768.20, only the personal representative of the deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative is normally named in a person’s will. If the deceased person did not create a will before they died, then the court has the authority to appoint a personal representative. This personal representative:
- Files the claim
- Seeks damages on behalf of both the deceased person’s estate and certain close relatives of the deceased person
- Sees to it that any proceeds from the lawsuit are fairly distributed among the victim’s spouse, children, parents, and dependent blood relatives
When Should You Start Your Wrongful Death Case?
Florida Statutes § 95.11 says that any legal action you take after a wrongful death must be started within two years of the time of death. Call Meldon Law today so we can assess your situation and get to work on your case before this deadline expires.
What Counts as a Wrongful Death in Florida?
When someone dies prematurely due to a mistake or wrongful act by another person or entity, this is considered a wrongful death under the law. By filing a wrongful death action, certain family members have a way to seek the compensation they are owed as the result of their loved one’s death.
One way to decide if a wrongful death lawsuit is an option is to ask whether the victim could have pursued a claim for damages had they survived the accident. If the answer is “yes,” there is a good chance that our legal representatives can seek damages on your behalf.
Essential Elements of a Wrongful Death Case
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, the victim’s family must prove that:
- Their loved one’s death was caused by the defendant
- The defendant had a legal duty toward the victim that they failed to uphold
- The surviving family members of the victim suffered a grave financial and emotional loss due to the victim’s death
Wrongful Death Cases Are Not Criminal Cases
Wrongful death lawsuits are not designed to act as a punishment for the defendant. If any basis for criminal charges exists, local prosecutors will pursue them. Rather, civil suits like yours provide a way for surviving family members to afford any outstanding expenses from the victim’s death and replace the loss of wages previously earned by the victim.
At Meldon Law, representing clients is more than our job: it is our calling. We can devote all of the time and effort necessary to manage your case while you focus on processing your grief.
Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents in Florida
Our Florida wrongful death law firm has handled cases involving all kinds of accident types. Common reasons for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida include:
- Car accidents (over 3,400 Floridians died in motor vehicles accidents in 2023, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [FLHSMV])
- Bus accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Slip and fall accidents based on premises liability
- Pedestrian accidents
We Hold Negligent Floridians Accountable for Wrongful Deaths
Wrongful deaths have many potential causes, so they also have many potential liable parties that you can take legal action against. Our attorneys can investigate the possible at-fault parties in your case, including:
- Vehicle drivers
- Bus or trucking companies
- Product or equipment manufacturers
- Local government agencies
- Maintenance teams
- Property owners
- Property managers
- Dog owners
Again, the key in your case is to prove that the liable party failed to uphold their duty of care toward your loved one. Meldon Law works hard to find the evidence our clients need to prove their cases and recover fair compensation.
Compassionate Representation for You and Your Family From Our Wrongful Death Attorneys
Meldon Law’s dedicated and compassionate Florida wrongful death lawyers are prepared to help your family. We take seriously the responsibility with which our clients entrust us when they hire us to pursue a wrongful death claim.
After the unthinkable happens, do not forget that help is available. Contact our legal team to discuss your legal options today. The initial consultation is completely free.
