Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct shatters the sense of security we often take for granted. The heartbreak that follows is more than emotional, as families in Clearwater must also handle unexpected financial burdens, mounting medical bills, and the painful absence of the care and support their loved ones once provided. In such moments, The Law Place offers a path toward holding the responsible parties accountable and seeking compensation that might help ease some of the burdens left behind.
This guide aims to shed light on the complex legal landscape surrounding wrongful death claims in Florida. As you read, you will learn what distinguishes these claims from other types of lawsuits, who can file them, what damages may be available, and why guidance from a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer matters. You will also find information on the importance of timely action, the basics of proving liability, and an overview of local resources that can help survivors navigate the aftermath of this painful experience.
Although nothing can truly compensate for your loss, understanding your rights and legal options can bring a measure of clarity, justice, and security as you move forward. Arrange a free consultation with a Clearwater personal injury lawyer today. Call us now on (941) 444-4444.
Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer: Shedding Light on Florida’s Wrongful Death Laws
Wrongful death claims in Florida are governed by specific statutes designed to hold negligent individuals, companies, or institutions accountable when their actions lead to a loss of life. Unlike personal injury claims, which seek to compensate victims for their own suffering and damages, wrongful death actions allow eligible family members to pursue restitution for the financial and emotional harm they have suffered as a result of the deceased’s passing.
At the heart of any wrongful death claim is the idea that the deceased person’s rights, had they survived, would have supported a personal injury claim. Since the victim can no longer speak for themselves, Florida law grants certain survivors the right to step in, ensuring that those responsible do not escape liability simply because their actions proved fatal.
Who may file a claim and what they can recover depends on Florida’s wrongful death statutes. Typically, a spouse, children, parents, or other financially dependent relatives may be eligible. Damages can include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and compensation for emotional pain and suffering. Understanding these statutes provides the foundation upon which a wrongful death claim is built. It also highlights why experienced legal counsel can be invaluable, particularly when dealing with insurance companies or complex scenarios involving multiple liable parties.
Florida’s wrongful death laws balance the rights of survivors to receive compensation against a careful set of eligibility rules, strict filing deadlines, and necessary proof of fault. Knowing these essential elements helps families begin the process of seeking justice, ensuring that the memory of their loved one is honored and that accountability, though imperfect, can help bring a measure of resolution.
Why Choose a Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer?
Navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s death is emotionally overwhelming, and the idea of diving into a complicated legal process can feel daunting. Clearwater wrongful death lawyers can help lighten this burden, offering informed guidance at a time when clarity is hard to find. While no legal action can replace a treasured family member, seeking representation can help you secure the resources needed to rebuild some measure of stability in your life.
A lawyer familiar with Clearwater’s courts, local insurance practices, and community standards can make an immediate difference. From understanding the complexities of Florida’s wrongful death statutes to identifying exactly who is eligible to file a claim, a well-informed attorney can walk you through the process one step at a time. With their assistance, you can focus on healing and caring for your family while knowing that someone is advocating for your interests.
The negotiation process with insurance companies often presents another challenge. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts or argue that certain damages are not warranted. A wrongful death lawyer can skillfully counter these tactics, building a persuasive case supported by evidence, witness testimony, and detailed documentation. By exploring every angle, they help ensure that a settlement or verdict accurately reflects your family’s financial and emotional losses.
Beyond handling paperwork and communicating with adjusters, a qualified attorney can provide something less tangible but equally important: peace of mind. When you know that your case is in capable hands and that key deadlines and legal requirements are being met, you can devote more energy to your loved ones and your own emotional well-being. Though the legal system is not simple, the right guidance can ease your path toward accountability and the compensation you need to carry on.
Our Attorneys: Compassionate Guidance and Committed Advocacy
Choosing the right legal team to represent your family after a wrongful death means entrusting your loved one’s memory and your future to individuals who understand both the stakes and the community they serve. At The Law Place, you will find attorneys who have devoted their careers to supporting clients through challenging times, offering steady guidance and strong advocacy grounded in practical experience.
A Collaborative Team With Varied Backgrounds
At The Law Place, you do not work with just one attorney. Instead, you gain the collective insight of multiple team members. Attorneys like David Haenel and Darren Finebloom bring years of trial experience, having represented numerous clients facing high-stakes legal matters. Annemarie Rizzo’s background includes handling complex civil cases, ensuring that every angle of a wrongful death claim is examined thoroughly. Stephen Higgins and Hillary Ellis also contribute their own history of legal work, supporting the team’s efforts to address the unique aspects of each case.
Dedicated to Your Needs
These attorneys know that wrongful death cases are not simply about financial recovery. They are about families, futures, and the values we hold as a community. Whether it is by ensuring prompt communication, explaining legal concepts in clear terms, or providing emotional support, the attorneys at The Law Place strive to ease your burden. They understand that each family’s situation is deeply personal, and they treat it as such.
Local Insight for Clearwater Cases
Because The Law Place attorneys handle cases throughout Florida, they have developed an understanding of Clearwater’s courts, insurance practices, and local norms. They are particularly familiar with downtown Clearwater and Cleveland Street, recognizing their significance in the city’s cultural and commercial landscape. This perspective can help build a claim that resonates with judges, juries, and adjusters familiar with the region. By applying their combined experience and knowledge, the attorneys aim to secure outcomes that respect your loss and address the financial and emotional needs it has created.
Open Communication and Consistent Support
From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, these attorneys maintain open lines of communication. They keep you informed about any progress, help you navigate procedural steps, and advise you on the best paths forward. This transparent and collaborative approach allows you to remain actively involved in decision-making, ensuring that your family’s voice is heard and its interests are protected at every stage.
Working with The Law Place means having attorneys by your side who are committed to understanding the impact of your loved one’s death and to pursuing compensation that aligns with your long-term goals. In doing so, they help create a
Elements of a Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim is built on a series of key elements that establish the defendant’s responsibility and the rightful compensation owed to surviving family members. Understanding these elements helps clarify what must be proven in court and why gathering the right evidence, testimony, and documentation is so important.
- Duty of Care – At the core of any wrongful death case lies the concept of duty. The defendant must have owed a duty of care to the deceased. For example, drivers on Clearwater’s roads must obey traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely, and healthcare providers must treat their patients in accordance with recognized medical standards.
- Breach of Duty – Next, it must be shown that the defendant failed to meet this duty. This could mean a driver speeding or running a red light, a medical practitioner misdiagnosing a critical condition, or a property owner neglecting to fix a known hazard. The focus is on the defendant’s conduct and whether it fell short of what a reasonable, careful person would have done in similar circumstances.
- Causation – Establishing causation involves proving that the defendant’s breach of duty directly led to the victim’s death. Without this link, even negligent behavior may not be enough to secure compensation. Strong evidence, such as accident reconstruction reports, medical records, or expert witness testimony, can help draw a clear connection between the wrongful act and the fatal outcome.
- Damages – Finally, survivors must demonstrate that they suffered losses due to the victim’s passing. This could include financial harms, like the loss of the deceased’s income or the cost of final medical treatments, as well as emotional hardships, such as the loss of companionship or parental guidance. A thorough accounting of these losses is crucial, as it shapes the amount of compensation the family may receive.
By understanding these four key elements, you gain insight into why your attorney might request certain documents, consult with specialists, or spend time investigating the details of the incident. Each piece of evidence helps paint a complete picture, ensuring that your loved one’s story is told accurately and that those responsible are held accountable.
The Statute of Limitations and Timely Action
Time plays a critical role in wrongful death claims. Florida law imposes strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, which determine how long survivors have to file a lawsuit. These deadlines are not suggestions; if you miss them, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever.
In many Florida wrongful death cases, families generally have two years from the date of death to initiate a claim. However, specific situations and recent legal changes can alter these time frames, making it essential to consult an attorney early. Acting promptly allows your lawyer to gather evidence while it is still fresh, locate witnesses before their memories fade, and address any potential legal complications before it is too late.
Waiting too long can weaken your claim. Documents may get lost, conditions at an accident site could change, and key witnesses might become harder to track down. Insurance companies are well aware of these timelines and may try to run down the clock, knowing that delaying negotiations or slow responses could put you at a disadvantage.
Timely consultation with a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer helps safeguard your family’s interests. By meeting with an attorney soon after the incident, you take a proactive step toward preserving your legal rights, ensuring that all potential avenues for compensation remain open as you navigate the difficult path ahead.
Types of Damages in a Wrongful Death Claim
When a loved one dies due to another party’s negligence or harmful actions, the losses are both tangible and intangible. To address these different facets, Florida law recognizes various categories of damages in wrongful death cases. Understanding these types can help ensure that any compensation truly reflects the full impact of your loss.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. These may include medical expenses incurred before the death, funeral and burial costs, and the income and benefits the deceased would have provided to the family. For Clearwater families, factoring in future earnings can be vital, as it helps reflect the long-term financial gap created by the untimely loss.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the emotional and intangible harms that survivors endure. This may include the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support that the deceased once offered. By recognizing these personal and enduring hardships, the law acknowledges that the full weight of such a loss cannot be measured by bills alone.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s behavior was exceptionally reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be considered. These damages serve as a financial penalty and a warning to others, reinforcing that egregious conduct will not be tolerated. Although less common, punitive awards can significantly influence the total compensation a family receives.
Consulting With Specialists
Determining an appropriate value for a wrongful death claim often involves working with professionals who can forecast future expenses or provide insight into complex issues. Financial analysts, medical consultants, and other specialists can strengthen your case by offering credible estimates and clarifying complicated details. Through thorough preparation and careful evaluation, your attorney can present a more complete picture of what your family truly needs to move forward.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Clearwater
Wrongful death can arise from a variety of circumstances, each with its own legal and factual complexities. Recognizing common causes can help families understand where their situation may fit into Florida’s legal framework, giving them a clearer path toward seeking accountability.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
High-traffic routes, busy intersections, and impaired or distracted driving frequently result in fatal crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, often caused by a drunk driver. When negligent driving practices lead to loss of life, survivors may have grounds to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in Pinellas County in 2023, there were 115 fatalities from motor vehicle accidents. Motorcycle accidents resulted in 24 of these fatalities and pedestrian accidents resulted in 45. These accidents are usually avoidable and underscore the critical need for improved safety measures, responsible driving behaviors, and enhanced enforcement of traffic laws to prevent future tragedies.
Boating Accidents
Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for boating and water activities, but unfortunately, these can sometimes result in tragic accidents. Boating accidents often occur due to operator negligence, such as speeding, inexperience, or operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Other contributing factors include equipment failures, improper maintenance, and unsafe weather conditions.
When a boating accident leads to a wrongful death, the victim’s family may have the right to pursue a claim against the responsible party. This could include the boat operator, the rental company, or even the manufacturer of faulty boating equipment. Wrongful death claims related to boating accidents often involve complex investigations to determine liability and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
Medical Malpractice
If healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of patient care, the consequences can be tragic. Misdiagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and inadequate monitoring can all result in preventable deaths. In such cases, families can hold medical institutions or practitioners responsible for the harm they caused.
Workplace Incidents
Unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, and inadequate training can create hazards that lead to fatal accidents. Whether in construction, manufacturing, or another industry, employers and related parties may be held liable if they neglect their duty to provide a safe work environment.
Premises Liability
Property owners in Florida must ensure that their premises are reasonably safe. Fatal accidents can occur if they fail to fix known hazards or do not provide adequate security measures. Falls, structural collapses, and criminal acts on unsafe properties can form the basis of a wrongful death claim.
Product Liability
Faulty vehicle parts, dangerous consumer goods, or contaminated food items may cause deadly injuries. In these situations, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held accountable if their negligence in design, production, or warning labels contributed to the death.
Negligent Security
Negligent security can lead to tragic incidents in both public and private spaces, resulting in wrongful death claims. Whether at a public venue like Coachman Park in Clearwater or a privately owned property such as an apartment complex or retail establishment, property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure reasonable safety measures are in place.
When security measures, such as adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, or on-site personnel, are lacking, visitors and residents may be vulnerable to criminal acts or hazardous conditions. If a loved one loses their life due to negligent security in these environments, the property owner or managing entity may be held liable in a wrongful death case.
Investigating a Wrongful Death Case
A thorough investigation is the backbone of any strong wrongful death claim. Building a convincing case requires careful gathering of evidence, consultation with specialists, and a well-structured narrative that leaves little room for doubt.
Gathering Evidence
Police reports, medical records, and photographs taken at the scene help establish the facts surrounding a loved one’s death. In Clearwater, access to these documents is crucial for understanding what happened and identifying who may be responsible. Notable locations like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a world-class facility focusing on rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals, might also provide potential witnesses or evidence.
Consulting With Specialists
Sometimes the claim involves complex questions that benefit from expert input. Accident reconstruction specialists can analyze tire marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to explain how a collision occurred. Medical consultants can review treatment records to determine if proper care was provided. Financial analysts can estimate future losses. These viewpoints lend credibility to the claim and help clarify intricate issues.
Interviewing Witnesses
Witnesses can shed light on the events leading to a fatal incident. Their accounts can confirm that negligent or reckless behavior occurred, strengthening the link between the defendant’s actions and the death. Contacting witnesses promptly is important, as memories fade over time.
Reviewing Insurance and Company Records
If businesses or large organizations are involved, their internal documents may reveal patterns of negligence or a history of safety violations. Insurance policies, contracts, and training records can also provide valuable insights that guide the legal strategy.
Establishing a Clear Narrative
Once all evidence, testimony, and analysis have been assembled, your attorney can piece together a cohesive narrative. A clear, fact-based presentation makes it more difficult for defendants or insurers to evade responsibility. With a well-supported case, survivors stand on stronger ground when negotiating settlements or, if necessary, presenting their case at trial.
The Wrongful Death Claim Process
Filing a wrongful death claim in Clearwater involves several distinct steps. While each case is unique, understanding the general progression can help family members feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. With careful planning and consistent communication with your attorney, you can navigate the process more confidently.
- Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation – The journey often begins with a consultation. Here, you discuss your situation, provide any documents you have, and ask questions. Your attorney will assess whether you have a viable claim based on factors like how the death occurred, who may be at fault, and the time that has passed since the incident.
- Filing the Complaint – If you decide to move forward, the next step is to file a formal complaint with the appropriate court. This legal document outlines the details of your claim, the parties involved, and the damages you seek. It also notifies the defendant that legal action is underway.
- Discovery Phase – During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and gather information. Depositions, written questions called interrogatories, and requests for documents are all common tactics at this stage. Discovery helps ensure that each party has a complete understanding of the facts before attempting to resolve the matter.
- Negotiations and Settlement Talks – Many claims settle without going to trial. Your attorney may negotiate with the defendant’s representatives or insurance carriers to reach a fair agreement. Reaching a settlement can spare everyone the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial, but it must adequately reflect your family’s losses.
- Preparing for Trial – If the parties cannot agree on a settlement, the case may proceed to trial. Your attorney will prepare by organizing evidence, developing legal arguments, and identifying witnesses who can support your claim. While trials can feel intimidating, thorough preparation can make a positive outcome more likely.
- Settlement or Verdict – The claim concludes with either a settlement or, if you go to trial, a verdict from the court. In either scenario, the goal is to secure compensation that honors your loved one’s memory and provides the resources your family needs to move forward.
Working With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often play a major role in wrongful death claims, whether the death resulted from a motor vehicle crash, a workplace incident, or another scenario involving a policyholder. While insurance is supposed to provide coverage when tragedy strikes, dealing with insurers can be challenging.
- Understanding Insurance Adjusters’ Tactics – Insurance adjusters may appear sympathetic, but their job is to minimize payouts. They might request recorded statements, dispute medical findings, or downplay your losses. Understanding these tactics can help you avoid common pitfalls and maintain a clear focus on achieving a fair outcome.
- Communicating Through Your Attorney – Letting your attorney handle communications with the insurance company prevents you from making statements that might harm your claim. It also ensures that discussions are grounded in the legal and factual realities of the case, rather than emotional appeals or guesswork.
- Evaluating Settlement Offers – Not all settlement offers accurately reflect your family’s losses. A low initial offer might be an attempt to gauge how determined you are. By working closely with your attorney, you can determine if an offer is reasonable or if you should negotiate further or proceed to trial.
- Pursuing Litigation If Necessary – If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, taking the matter to court is always an option. The willingness to litigate signals that you are serious about seeking full and just compensation. Sometimes, the mere readiness to go to trial can encourage insurers to present a more appropriate offer.
The Importance of Prompt Medical and Emotional Support
Losing a family member is a profound emotional blow that can affect every aspect of life. In the wake of such trauma, seeking both medical and emotional support is essential. Doing so can help you cope more effectively, and it may also strengthen your wrongful death claim by documenting the true extent of your losses.
- Supporting Surviving Family Members – Family members may need counseling or therapy to process their grief, anxiety, and emotional distress. The Capitol Theatre, a local cultural landmark, also offers community support. Local Clearwater mental health professionals, support groups, and religious or community organizations can offer understanding and guidance during this difficult time.
- Documenting Additional Damages – Medical bills for therapy sessions, prescriptions to manage anxiety or depression, and other related costs can become part of the damages you seek. Keeping records of these expenses ensures that no aspect of your suffering is overlooked when pursuing compensation.
- Emphasizing Overall Well-Being – While securing compensation is important, addressing emotional health is equally vital. Caring for your mental and physical well-being helps you move forward, make clear-headed decisions, and rebuild a life that honors your loved one’s memory. These efforts reflect an understanding that true recovery involves more than financial restitution.
Comparative Negligence in Wrongful Death Cases
In some wrongful death cases, more than one party may share responsibility for the fatal incident. Florida’s comparative negligence rules can affect the amount of compensation survivors receive if the deceased played a part in what led to their death or if multiple parties contributed to the tragedy.
Comparative negligence means that each party involved in the incident is assigned a percentage of fault. For example, if an investigation reveals that the deceased person made a decision that contributed to the fatal outcome, any compensation awarded to the family may be reduced by that percentage of fault.
If the deceased is found partially responsible, the final award is lowered proportionately. For instance, if the total damages are $100,000 and the court assigns 20 percent of the blame to the deceased, the family would receive $80,000. While reducing compensation can feel unfair, it still allows survivors to recover some measure of financial support.
Defendants and insurers sometimes attempt to shift as much fault as possible onto the victim. A Clearwater wrongful death lawyer can counter these tactics by presenting clear evidence that highlights the defendant’s role and minimizes the victim’s alleged fault. By doing so, survivors can seek a fair distribution of responsibility and preserve the full value of their claim.
Steps to Take After Losing a Loved One
The period following a loved one’s death is fraught with emotional turmoil and uncertainty. Although there is no formula for navigating these painful circumstances, certain actions can help survivors protect their interests and maintain a sense of control during a difficult time.
- Report the Incident and Obtain Records – Ensure that all relevant authorities have been notified. Obtain official reports, medical documents, and any related paperwork. Collecting these records early on prevents critical information from becoming harder to access later. Such materials can provide the foundation for a wrongful death claim if you decide to pursue one.
- Avoiding Costly Mistakes – Resist discussing details with insurance adjusters or signing any documents before seeking legal advice. Even well-meaning comments can be taken out of context and used to reduce or deny your claim. Proceeding with caution helps safeguard your family’s right to fair compensation.
- Gathering Financial Records – Compile information on the deceased’s income, benefits, and assets. Understanding the full scope of the financial loss can guide the calculation of damages. Accurate records help ensure that no aspect of your financial needs is overlooked.
- Consult a Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer – Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible can provide clarity in a confusing time. Legal guidance helps you understand your legal options, meet important deadlines, and avoid common pitfalls. Early action creates a stronger position for negotiations and, if necessary, litigation.
Local Resources for Families Facing Wrongful Death Cases in Clearwater
When dealing with the loss of a loved one due to a wrongful death, having reliable resources at your disposal can ease some of the stress. Below are local and state organizations that provide medical, legal, emotional, and financial support to families during these challenging times.
- Morton Plant Hospital – A trusted healthcare institution in Clearwater, offering compassionate end-of-life services, trauma care, and support for grieving families.
- Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller – Maintains court records and provides information on filing wrongful death lawsuits, understanding legal procedures, and accessing essential documents.
- Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (Pinellas and Pasco Counties) – Oversees wrongful death cases. The court’s website offers resources on court calendars, filing procedures, and general information related to the legal process.
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Florida Chapter – Provides emotional support and advocacy for families who have lost a loved one due to impaired driving, including resources and guidance on navigating legal proceedings.
- The Compassionate Friends – Pinellas County Chapter – Offers understanding, comfort, and community support groups to families grieving the loss of a child, helping them cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
- Florida Attorney General’s Office – Victim Compensation – Assists eligible family members with financial support related to funeral costs, counseling, and other expenses arising from a wrongful death, ensuring they receive the help they need during their recovery.
These resources can complement the guidance provided by a Clearwater wrongful death lawyer, ensuring families receive medical care, legal insight, financial assistance, and emotional support as they work toward healing and resolution.
How a Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
Families facing a wrongful death claim often find themselves weighed down by emotional grief, financial uncertainty, and legal complexity. A wrongful death lawyer can help alleviate some of these burdens, offering informed support and a clearer path through a challenging process.
- Clarifying Legal Rights – Your attorney can explain who is eligible to file a claim under Florida law, what damages may apply, and how shared fault rules might affect compensation. Armed with this knowledge, you can make well-informed decisions that align with your family’s best interests.
- Managing Paperwork and Deadlines – Legal proceedings involve strict timelines and extensive documentation. Missing a deadline or submitting incomplete forms can weaken your claim. Your attorney ensures that filings are timely, accurate, and strategically sound, preserving your right to seek compensation.
- Representing Your Interests – When communicating with insurance adjusters, opposing counsel, or at-fault parties, your attorney can present the facts, counter lowball offers, and argue for a settlement that reflects your true losses. If necessary, they can also prepare the case for trial, advocating for a fair verdict.
- Providing Emotional Support and Stability – While lawyers do not offer therapy, having someone knowledgeable address your concerns, guide you through the legal steps, and keep you informed can reduce stress. This support allows you to focus on healing, mourning your loved one, and rebuilding your life with greater peace of mind.
Clearwater Wrongful Death FAQ
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Florida law generally provides two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. How long a wrongful death claim takes to settle can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and the availability of evidence. This uncertainty makes it crucial to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to expedite the process of seeking justice for your loved one.
Who can file a wrongful death claim?
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim on behalf of eligible survivors. These survivors often include spouses, children, parents, and sometimes other family members who relied on the deceased for financial or emotional support.
What damages are recoverable?
Damages may include economic losses, such as funeral expenses and the loss of future income, as well as non-economic damages, like the loss of companionship and emotional distress. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Will I have to go to trial?
Not every wrongful death case proceeds to trial, but hiring a wrongful death attorney can be crucial in navigating the legal complexities and time limits involved. Many claims settle out of court. Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies or opposing parties to reach a fair agreement. If a settlement cannot be reached, a trial may be necessary to secure the compensation your family deserves.
Can I still recover damages if my loved one was partially at fault?
Florida follows comparative negligence rules, allowing survivors to recover damages even if a loved one’s death involved partial fault by the deceased. However, any award would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased.
Contact The Law Place Today
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence inflicts pain on multiple levels: emotional anguish, financial strain, and the absence of the deceased’s support and guidance. While no legal remedy can fully make up for such a profound loss, understanding your rights and options empowers you to seek accountability and the compensation needed to rebuild your life.
If you believe you may have a wrongful death claim, do not wait to seek help. Contact The Law Place for a free consultation. This initial conversation can help you understand where you stand legally, assess potential damages, and determine the next steps in pursuing justice for your loved one.
By reaching out for guidance, you place yourself in a stronger position to protect your family’s rights and interests. The Law Place stands ready to listen to your story, clarify your options, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Let this call to action be the first step toward seeking the accountability and compensation that your family deserves.