Wrongful Death Attorney in Orlando, FL
Losing a loved one because of another person’s careless or reckless actions is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Beyond the emotional toll, families are often left with sudden financial hardships and uncertainty about how to move forward.
At Meldon Law, we have spent more than 50 years standing beside Florida families during their most difficult moments. Our Orlando personal injury attorneys understand the importance of guiding you through every step of the legal process and ensuring your family has the information and support you need. When negligence causes a preventable loss, we are prepared to pursue justice on your behalf.
Call us today and talk to a member of our staff. The consultation is free. We can explain what your family can do and how our wrongful death attorney in Orlando, Florida, can help.
Get the Compensation You Deserve – Talk to an Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer Now!
Call UsWrongful Death Under Florida Law
Florida law defines wrongful death as a loss caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct. Unlike a personal injury case where the injured person brings a claim, a wrongful death case allows family members or the estate to pursue compensation for their losses.
Wrongful death claims are often more complex than other injury cases because they involve different rules about who can file, what damages are available, and how compensation is distributed. Families benefit from attorneys who know how to navigate these differences and build a strong claim.
Common types of wrongful death cases in Orlando include:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability
- Dog attacks
- Defective or unsafe products
Whether your loved one was involved in an accident on I-4 or fell in a dimly lit staircase, our attorneys apply decades of legal knowledge to investigate these cases and establish the negligence that caused the loss.
Personal Representatives and Beneficiaries in an Orlando Wrongful Death Claim
Under Florida Statutes § 768.20, wrongful death claims are typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. That representative brings the claim on behalf of family members who may be entitled to compensation.
Eligible beneficiaries can include:
- A surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other relatives who depended on the deceased for support
Determining who may recover damages can be complicated, especially when multiple family members are involved. Our attorneys carefully review each case, examine the circumstances, and identify the parties who are legally entitled to file. Establishing liability is also a critical step, and we take the time to gather evidence and apply Florida law to hold negligent parties accountable.
Damages in an Orlando Wrongful Death Case
Families in wrongful death cases may be eligible to recover compensation for both financial and emotional losses. These damages can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the fatal injury
- Loss of the deceased person’s income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
No amount of compensation can undo the loss of a loved one. However, these damages can provide financial stability and a sense of accountability. Our attorneys ensure that damages are fully evaluated before moving forward so families are not pressured into accepting quick, low settlements that fail to meet their long-term needs.
Statute of Limitations in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
Florida Statutes § 95.11, the statute of limitations, generally requires that claims be filed within two years of the date of death. Missing this deadline can prevent families from recovering any compensation, regardless of how strong the case may be.
Time is especially important in wrongful death cases because evidence can be lost or destroyed, witnesses may become harder to locate, and records can be more difficult to obtain. Our attorneys work promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights, ensuring your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
How Our Attorneys Build a Wrongful Death Case
Every wrongful death case in Orlando requires a thorough and strategic approach. At Meldon Law, we handle these cases by:
- Reviewing police reports, including those from the Orlando Police Department or the Florida Highway Patrol
- Collecting medical records from doctors, hospitals, or nursing homes
- Interviewing witnesses and obtaining sworn statements
- Consulting with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial planners
- Identifying all liable parties and insurance coverages
- Preparing for settlement negotiations and, when necessary, presenting the case in court
With offices across Florida and decades of courtroom experience, we are prepared to stand up to large insurance companies and corporations. Unlike case mills that rush through claims, we dedicate the time and resources necessary to pursue meaningful results for each family.
We also make communication a priority, so you are never left wondering about the progress of your case. For families who prefer to communicate in Spanish, we offer bilingual services to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible.
Connect With Our Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
When negligence takes the life of a loved one, families deserve answers and accountability. At Meldon Law, we are committed to serving families with compassion, integrity, and the legal knowledge necessary to pursue justice.
If your family has lost a loved one in Orlando due to another party’s negligence, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Call our office today to learn how we can help protect your rights and guide you through the process of pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Orlando Wrongful Death FAQs
How long does a wrongful death case take in Florida?
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve in months through settlement negotiations, while others may take a year or more if litigation is necessary. The complexity of the case, the number of liable parties, and the willingness of insurers to negotiate all affect how long it takes.
Will my family have to go to court?
Many wrongful death cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared to present the case in court.
How does hiring an attorney help with a wrongful death case?
Wrongful death cases involve complex laws, strict deadlines, and significant evidence gathering. An attorney ensures that the case is properly investigated, filed within the statute of limitations, and pursued for the full amount of damages available.