Losing someone you love is always a difficult ordeal, but it can be especially difficult if their death was preventable. You may be struggling to cope with your grief and adapt to a loss of income at the same time. As victims of another person’s negligence, you and your family shouldn’t have to face these losses on your own.
A wrongful death attorney in Gainesville from Meldon Law will use their understanding of the law and the experience our firm has gained from previous successes to fight for your family as if it were their own.
Our Gainesville personal injury lawyers can fight to recover the compensation you need. We will pursue justice and serve your family with compassion and integrity. Call today to get started.
Why Choose Meldon Law to Help You After a Wrongful Death in Gainesville, Florida
After a tragedy, you deserve legal representatives who prioritize you above everything else and who make themselves available to answer your questions and concerns. Our wrongful death lawyers in Florida will be your source of hope and peace of mind.
Fear of the unknown may be a factor when you’re deciding whether or not to file a wrongful death claim. You may wonder what you can expect and whether or not it will be too stressful. Your Gainesville wrongful death lawyer will ease your fears by explaining your options and answering your questions.
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Call UsWe Can Provide Your Family Time to Grieve in Peace
One thing you can expect at every turn of the claims process is that we will be advocates you can turn to. We understand that after the death of a loved one, you are already grappling with a lot. You are most likely grieving while trying to cope with many unexpected stressors that are being thrown at you all at once. Our team will be there to take some of that burden off your shoulders.
We Will Prove Negligence and Liability
In wrongful death cases, we must establish that the party who caused the accident and your loved one’s injuries was careless or reckless in some way. For example, if your loved one was fatally injured in a car accident, the other driver’s failure to stop at a red light would be considered negligence. We can prove that negligence caused the accident using the evidence we gather.
Using the above example, your lawyer would have to demonstrate the following four elements to prove liability:
- Duty of care: As a motorist sharing the road with others, the responsible party owed your loved one a duty of care to drive safely and cautiously.
- Breach of duty: The other party failed to uphold their duty of care, and their actions led to injury or death. Traffic violations, like failing to stop at a red light, could serve as evidence of such a breach.
- Causation: The other party’s breach of duty must have caused your loved one’s injuries. Accident reconstruction services can help link the liable party’s actions to your loved one’s accident and fatal injuries.
- Damages: You must have suffered losses due to the other party’s actions. We will use evidence of your loved one’s medical bills, property damage, salary statements, and other losses to satisfy this requirement.
Some wrongful death cases, such as those involving defective products, do not require us to prove negligence. For example, if your loved one was fatally injured due to a product malfunction, the maker would be subject to the legal principle of strict liability and would likely be considered at fault, even though negligence may not have been involved.
An attorney from our firm can talk more about negligence’s role in your case.
We Have Outstanding Wrongful Death Claim Results in Florida
The following is a result we achieved for a client who filed a wrongful death claim. Keep in mind that no two wrongful death cases will be exactly alike, so the case results we secured for our clients do not mean your case will have the same outcome.
While no settlement can bring your loved one back or take away the pain of their loss, when you file a wrongful death claim and have a successful outcome, as these clients did, it holds the responsible parties accountable and protects other families like yours in the future.
We Work on Contingency
At Meldon Law, our Gainesville wrongful death lawyers provide families with accessible and compassionate legal representation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs or fees. Your wrongful death lawyer in Gainesville will only receive payment if they successfully recover compensation for your case, ensuring that justice remains within reach for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
We have an office right here in Gainesville on North Main Street, so we’re here when you need us.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
What Is Wrongful Death in Florida? Our Attorneys Explain
Wrongful death cases are not criminal cases. Even if the death was the result of a crime, these cases fall under tort law (in which another person’s negligent actions caused someone harm).
This means we must only prove that the negligent actions of another person were more likely than not the cause of your loved one’s death. While criminal penalties, such as jail time, are intended to make the offender pay restitution to the state, a wrongful death civil case can force the responsible party to pay damages, such as your loved one’s lost income and medical bills.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
According to Florida law, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death case. If the deceased did not name a personal representative, the court will appoint one.
Our experienced Gainesville wrongful death lawyers will help you deal with the complexities of wrongful death claims in Florida. We know the pain of losing a loved one due to negligence, and we’re committed to providing you with the legal support you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Gainesville?
In a Florida wrongful death case, your attorney may be able to recover compensation for losses suffered by the loved one prior to their passing and those incurred by surviving family members. Depending on the beneficiary (those who were financially dependent on the loved one), a wrongful death case may include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses incurred by the victim before their passing
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of the decedent’s care, companionship, and guidance
It can be hard to assign a dollar amount to personal loss. A Meldon Law wrongful death lawyer in Gainesville knows that no amount of money can make up for a valued relationship. However, we do want to pursue compensation that will help you and your family move forward.
You should not be saddled with financial insecurity while you grieve and recover from your loss. Contact Meldon Law for a free case evaluation. We will explain your options moving forward.
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How Much Is a Settlement for a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
The settlement amount for a wrongful death case in Florida differs, depending on the specifics of the case. The severity of the negligence, the circumstances of the death, and the applicable laws can all influence the final settlement.
Who Is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits in Gainesville, Florida?
According to Florida Statutes § 768.21, the following individuals may be entitled to benefits in a wrongful death claim in Florida:
- Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased person may recover damages for mental pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and loss of support and services.
- Children: The deceased person’s children, including adopted children and adult children, may be able to recover damages for mental pain and suffering and loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance.
- Parents: If the deceased person is a minor child, the parents may recover damages for mental pain and suffering. Parents of a deceased adult with no surviving spouse or children may recover damages.
- Estate: The deceased person’s estate may recover certain damages, such as lost earnings, medical and funeral expenses, and lost prospective net accumulations of the estate.
It is important to note that the specific damages available to each category of survivors may vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the relationship to the deceased person. We can help you understand your rights as a survivor and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Cases Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Handle in Gainesville, Florida
Any fatal injury caused by the negligence of another party may enable surviving family members to pursue compensation. Common accident cases we help with include the following:
- Auto accidents resulting from driver carelessness, recklessness, distraction, or intoxication
- Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers or other large commercial vehicles caused by driver error or employer negligence
- Motorcycle wrecks and bicycle accidents, often resulting from a passenger vehicle driver’s failure to check blind spots or yield the right-of-way
- Pedestrian accidents that occur due to driver distraction, speeding, and failure to yield
- Medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, emergency room errors, and prescription drug errors
- Faulty products due to defects in design or manufacturing
- Catastrophic accidents, work-related and construction accidents, often due to an unsafe work environment, improper training, or faulty equipment
- Premises liability accidents, in which an individual suffers fatal injuries due to a hazard on a property
If you’ve lost a loved one due to any of the circumstances above, you may be entitled to compensation. We will handle the legal process and seek justice for your tragic losses. With experience in managing a wide range of Florida personal injury cases, we are committed to advocating for your rights.
Wrongful Death Stats in Florida
How Much Time Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
The statute of limitations, or time limit, on wrongful death lawsuits is typically two years from the date of the individual’s passing, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. If you do not file your case within this time, you will likely forfeit your legal right to claim any compensation at all.
Your Gainesville Wrongful Death Lawyer Will Need Time to Investigate and Build Your Case
The statute of limitations is not the only reason to act quickly. Prior to filing your case, a wrongful death attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who was at fault for the accident and collect evidence to prove your claims. This is a crucial step, but it can also be a long process.
While it may not be necessary to file a lawsuit, we want to be prepared if settlement negotiations break down. We will prepare your case for litigation from the beginning to protect your right to compensation.
Get a Free Case Review Today
Losing a loved one is never easy, but a Gainesville wrongful death lawyer at Meldon Law can help you through this difficult time.
Our attorneys know how to determine who was at fault for your loved one’s death and how to prove it so you can pursue the settlement or court verdict that you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
Wrongful Death Claims and Lawsuits in Gainesville, Florida: FAQs
Is There a Money Limit on Wrongful Death Compensation in Florida?
Florida does not impose caps on economic or non-economic compensation in wrongful death cases. This means that there is no maximum amount that you can receive for medical bills or lost wages in a wrongful death claim. The amount of damages will depend on the specifics of the case.
What Can I Expect from the Legal Process When I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Gainesville, Florida?
As experienced wrongful death lawyers in Gainesville, we are here to guide you through this complex legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
- Determine the personal representative: Under Florida law, only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate has the authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If no one has been appointed, a wrongful death lawyer from our firm will assist you in petitioning the court to designate a personal representative, usually the executor named in the will or a close family member.
- Identify the beneficiaries: We will work with the estate to identify all survivors legally entitled to recover damages. Ensuring that all eligible parties are included is crucial for maximizing recovery.
- Gather evidence: We will gather key evidence such as the report from the Gainesville Police Department, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. We use this evidence to establish liability and prove the full extent of your family’s damages.
- File a complaint: As your legal representative, your wrongful death lawyer in Gainesville will prepare and file a formal complaint with the appropriate Florida court. This document outlines the facts of the case, the nature of the defendant’s negligent or wrongful conduct, and the specific damages being claimed on behalf of the estate and surviving family members.
- Serve the defendant: We handle the legal requirement of service of process, ensuring that the defendant is properly notified of the lawsuit. This step is essential to initiate the court proceedings.
- Engage in discovery: We will oversee the discovery phase, during which both parties exchange information and evidence. We conduct depositions, issue interrogatories, and request relevant documents, all aimed at strengthening your case and anticipating the defense’s strategy.
- Negotiate a fair settlement or prepare for trial: Many wrongful death claims are resolved through settlement. Our team will aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure a full and fair resolution without the need for a trial. However, if settlement is not possible, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to present your case before a judge or jury.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, our Gainesville team can help you through this difficult time with compassion, legal skill, and unwavering advocacy.
How Do I Find the Right Wrongful Death Lawyer in Gainesville to Represent My Case?
When searching for the right wrongful death lawyer in Gainesville, you want to choose a firm that not only has the legal skill to win your case but also the compassion to support you through one of the hardest times of your life. That’s why so many families turn to us.
Our team understands the emotional weight of your loss. We combine aggressive legal advocacy with empathetic guidance, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and respected every step of the way.
Here’s what makes us the right choice for your Gainesville case:
- Compassionate support: Our attorneys know how to navigate the grief, stress, and uncertainty that comes with a wrongful death claim. We’re here to listen, guide, and give you the space to focus on healing.
- Relentless advocacy: While we offer emotional support, we also fight fiercely to hold the responsible parties accountable and recover the compensation your family deserves.
- Clear, respectful communication: With us, you’re never left in the dark. We explain every step of the process in plain language and keep you informed throughout your case.
- Personalized attention: Every wrongful death case is unique. A Meldon Law Gainesville wrongful death lawyer will tailor their strategy to your family’s needs, goals, and the circumstances of your loss.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
You pay us nothing upfront. In fact, you only pay for our time if we win. We also offer free consultations.
Meldon Law
Address: 703 N Main St STE A, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Phone: 352-373-8000
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help
