Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers
The unexpected death of a family member can leave a void that seems impossible to fill. Amid your grief, navigating the complexities of legal proceedings can feel overwhelming. Our Florida personal injury attorneys at Chubb Law are here to shoulder that burden, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the legal aspects of your wrongful death claim. Our dedicated Florida wrongful death lawyers are experienced and empathetic attorneys who understand the unique challenges faced by families dealing with wrongful death. Our goal is to provide personalized legal guidance to help protect your rights, secure your family’s future, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
What You Need to Know About Wrongful Death Accidents
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Florida wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for the financial and emotional hardships caused by their loved one’s passing. These cases can arise from various incidents, including car accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and more.
Filing a wrongful death claim can be complex, as it involves proving liability, assessing damages, and navigating insurance policies. This requires meticulous investigation, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of Florida’s legal system. Working with our experienced Florida wrongful death attorneys can help you receive the compensation and justice your family deserves.
Understanding Wrongful Death Accidents in Seminole County
Seminole County, located in central Florida, is home to major roadways, commercial establishments, and industrial zones, all of which contribute to the occurrence of wrongful death accidents. Wrongful death cases arise in many different contexts, from fatal motor vehicle crashes on Interstate 4 in Lake Mary to workplace incidents in businesses in Altamonte Springs.
Additionally, Seminole County has a growing elderly population, making nursing home neglect and medical malpractice cases more prevalent. Understanding the local legal landscape and how to handle wrongful death claims in Seminole County is crucial for pursuing justice effectively. Our experienced team is familiar with the unique characteristics of Seminole County, including the types of industries prevalent in the area and the common causes of accidents, which allows us to effectively investigate and build strong cases for our clients.
Wrongful Death Accident Statistics
Wrongful death statistics highlight the devastating impact of these tragedies. In Florida, traffic accidents, workplace incidents, and medical errors are among the leading causes of wrongful death.
- Traffic Fatalities: According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), thousands of fatal crashes occur each year. In 2024, 3,138 deaths resulted from 380,799 accidents.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities: The FLHSMV reports that Florida sees hundreds of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities annually due to unsafe road conditions and negligent drivers. In 2024, these accidents accounted for 891 deaths in Florida.
- Product Liability: Product-related deaths relating to faulty vehicle components and unsafe consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are a serious concern. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of deaths annually are linked to product defects.
- Medical Malpractice: A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates that medical diagnostic errors cause over 795,000 deaths and permanent disabilities nationwide yearly.
These numbers highlight the need for aggressive legal action to hold negligent parties accountable and provide relief for grieving families.
Key Legal Concepts in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Several key legal concepts are central to wrongful death lawsuits in Florida. These principles include the following:
- Negligence: You must prove that the at-fault party breached their duty of care, leading to your loved one’s death.
- Proximate cause: You must establish a direct link between the at-fault party’s actions and the deceased’s death.
- Damages: You must quantify the financial and emotional losses your loved one’s surviving family members suffer.
- Survival action: This separate claim allows the deceased’s estate to recover damages for losses suffered before death.
- Wrongful death action: This is a claim brought by surviving family members to recover damages for their losses.
Understanding these concepts is essential for building a strong case and maximizing compensation.
Legal Rights of Wrongful Death Victims
Specific family members can file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. These typically include:
● The deceased’s spouse, children, and parents
● Any dependent blood relatives or adoptive siblings
● The personal representative of the deceased’s estate
A wrongful death claim allows families to seek financial compensation for their losses, including medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. This compensation can help them financially recover from their tragic loss.
Damages You Can Recover in Wrongful Death Accidents
Families filing a wrongful death claim in Florida may be eligible to pursue compensation for various damages, including:
● Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death
● Funeral and burial costs
● Loss of income and financial support the deceased would have provided
● Pain and suffering for surviving family members
● Loss of companionship and guidance
Our attorneys at Chubb Law will meticulously calculate and document all damages to help you receive the maximum compensation possible. We have a 99.9% success rate, recovering millions in compensation for our clients.
Insurance Coverage for Wrongful Death Accidents
Many wrongful death claims involve insurance companies, as liability insurance policies often provide coverage for such incidents. Depending on your case’s circumstances, compensation may come from:
● Auto insurance policies in fatal car accidents
● Homeowner’s, renter’s, or commercial general liability (CGL) insurance in premises liability cases
● Medical malpractice insurance for fatal medical errors
● Workers’ compensation for workplace fatalities
Determining available coverage is crucial in securing maximum compensation for surviving family members.
Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Seminole County
Our wrongful death law firm represents families in various wrongful death cases, including:
● Fatal car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accidents
● Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities
● Workplace and construction accidents
● Medical malpractice and nursing home abuse
● Defective products and dangerous drugs
● Premises liability incidents like slip and falls and dog bites
We are here to provide compassionate legal support no matter the cause of your loved one’s passing.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Accidents
Wrongful death accidents in Florida can result from various factors, including distracted or impaired driving, medical negligence and misdiagnosis, defective or dangerous products, unsafe workplace conditions, and lack of property maintenance. Identifying the cause of the accident is crucial in establishing liability and building a strong case.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENT
If you have lost a loved one due to negligence, take the following steps:
● Seek legal advice immediately: Consulting a Florida wrongful death law firm early can protect your rights.
● Gather evidence: Obtain medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
● Avoid speaking with insurance companies: Insurers may try to minimize payouts or deny claims.
● File a claim within the statute of limitations: Acting promptly ensures you do not lose your right to compensation.
Prioritizing these steps after a wrongful death accident protects your legal rights and preserves crucial evidence. Prompt and decisive action is essential because delaying action can jeopardize your ability to seek justice and compensation for your loss. Contact our wrongful death attorneys today to get started with your claim.
THE COST OF WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENTS
The financial and emotional costs of wrongful death accidents can be substantial. In addition to medical and funeral expenses, families may face lost income, emotional distress, and the loss of future financial security. Seeking compensation can help ease these economic hardships.
According to the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), fatal traffic accidents cost victims and their families $460 billion in economic costs and $1.4 trillion in quality-of-life expenses. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that workplace fatalities cost $1.39 million per death. Our attorneys will work diligently to recover all damages, helping your family’s financial stability.
The Wrongful Death Claim Process in Florida
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit involves several steps. These steps include the following:
● Investigating the case and gathering evidence
● Identifying responsible parties
● Filing a claim against the liable party or their insurer
● Negotiating a settlement
● Going to trial if necessary
Our firm will guide you through each step of the process, providing clear and effective legal representation. We guarantee our clients unlimited communication with our legal team to answer your questions and keep you updated on your case.
Building a Strong Case for a Wrongful Death Claim
Building a strong wrongful death case requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the law. Our attorneys will prove negligence in your case by:
● Conducting a comprehensive investigation
● Gathering evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements
● Consulting with expert witnesses
● Calculating your full damages and losses
● Negotiating with insurance companies
● Preparing for trial, if necessary
Our team will work diligently to secure compensation for your family and hold the negligent parties accountable for your loved one’s tragic and untimely loss.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Florida Stat. § 95.11 generally requires the deceased’s family members or personal representative to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, making acting quickly and consulting our experienced wrongful death lawyers crucial.
Establishing Negligence in a Florida Bicycle Accident Case
To prove negligence, you must show:
● The driver owed you a duty of care.
● The driver breached that duty.
● The breach caused your injuries.
● You suffered damages as a result.
ESTABLISHING NEGLIGENCE IN A FLORIDA WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
Establishing negligence requires proving that the at-fault party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the death. Our attorneys will gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert testimony, and forensic evidence, to demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence.
COMPARATIVE FAULT IN A WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Florida follows a comparative fault system, which means that the court may reduce your damages based on the deceased’s percentage of fault. Our skilled attorneys can help counter insurance company tactics that try to shift blame onto your loved one. We will work to minimize any potential reduction in damages.
LIABILITY IN WRONGFUL DEATH ACCIDENTS
Determining liability is a critical step in seeking justice. Liability in wrongful death accidents can extend to various parties, including:
● Negligent drivers
● Property owners
● Employers
● Medical professionals
● Manufacturers of defective products
We will identify all potentially liable parties and pursue legal action against them to help you recover compensation that can help ease your family’s financial burden after your loved one’s death.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CHUBB LAW FOR YOUR WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
Chubb Law provides compassionate, results-driven legal representation for families who have lost loved ones due to negligence. Our firm has built a strong reputation for fighting for justice in wrongful death cases in Seminole County and across Florida, and we understand the emotional and financial toll these cases take on grieving families.
● Experience and proven success: With years of experience handling complex wrongful death claims, our legal team has secured substantial settlements and verdicts for families seeking justice. We understand Florida’s wrongful death laws and know how to build a compelling case against negligent parties.
● Client-centered approach: We prioritize our clients by offering personalized legal strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. At Chubb Law, you will never feel like just another case number. Our firm is committed to open communication, regular updates, and unwavering support throughout the legal process.
● Aggressive advocacy against insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny rightful claims, but we have the resources and legal knowledge to stand up to them. We are relentless in our pursuit of maximum compensation for your family.
● No fees unless we win: We believe that financial concerns should never prevent families from seeking justice. That is why our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything unless we recover compensation for your wrongful death case.
● Respected leadership in the legal community: Chubb Law has earned recognition for its legal excellence, with highly rated and respected attorneys in the Florida legal community. Our firm’s dedication to ethical and effective representation sets us apart as a trusted advocate for families dealing with loss.
Personal injury FAQ
Can I pursue a wrongful death claim if my loved one had a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, it is possible to file a claim if negligence significantly worsened the condition or directly caused death. We will differentiate between the pre-existing condition and the at-fault party’s actions.
Can I still pursue a wrongful death claim if my loved one was not the primary income earner?
Yes, loss of services, companionship, and guidance are also compensable, even if the deceased was not the main breadwinner.
What are some Common Car Accident Injuries?
Remember, we have car insurance for a reason. Insurance is there for when an accident occurs. If you were in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, we can help you make an insurance claim. If you’re hurt in a car accident, you will likely incur medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, property damage to your car and pain and suffering. We can help you receive all that you are entitled to.
- Fractured or broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain Injury
- Closed head injuries
- Headaches
- Paralysis
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Chubb Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Seminole County or anywhere in Florida, Chubb Law is here to help. Our experienced Florida bicycle crash lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve after suffering due to someone else’s negligence.
We understand that after an accident, you need answers fast. That is why we have a same-day email and phone call return policy. When you reach out, you will not be left waiting for a response. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation, and let us guide you through the legal process with the attention and dedication you deserve.
