LAKELAND WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER

Losing a loved one unexpectedly is devastating. When that loss occurs because another person or company acted carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully, Florida law may allow surviving family members to pursue justice and financial accountability.

In general, wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, misconduct, or wrongful act. These claims are governed by state wrongful death statutes.

A wrongful death lawsuit allows eligible family members to seek compensation for both the financial impact of the loss and the loss of the relationship itself.

To establish a wrongful death case in Lakeland, an attorney typically must show that:

• The defendant owed a duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty
• The breach directly caused the death
• Surviving family members suffered legally recognized damages

Florida law also determines who may bring a wrongful death claim and how any compensation may be distributed among surviving family members.

Wrongful death claims can arise from many different types of preventable incidents. While every case involves unique circumstances, certain types of fatal accidents occur more frequently in communities like Lakeland.

Common causes of wrongful death may include:

• Car accidents: Often caused by reckless, negligent, or distracted driving
• Pedestrian or bicycle collisions: When drivers fail to yield or operate vehicles unsafely near vulnerable road users
• Commercial truck accidents: Involving driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or unsafe driving practices
• Medical malpractice: Errors by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers at hospitals or surgical centers
• Workplace accidents: Including construction site incidents and other dangerous working conditions
• Drownings: Occurring in residential pools, public pools, or other unsafe aquatic environments
• Premises liability incidents: Dangerous conditions at businesses, apartment complexes, or other properties
• Defective products: Dangerous or malfunctioning consumer products or equipment
• Nursing home neglect or abuse: Failure to properly care for vulnerable residents
• Violent or criminal acts: Fatal injuries resulting from assault, homicide, or other criminal behavior

Any of these situations may give rise to a civil wrongful death claim. These claims are separate from any criminal charges that may also be filed in connection with the incident.

If you suspect a wrongful death, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong case. Here are the key steps you should take:

Obtain a Death Certificate

The official death certificate will document the cause of death, which may be important for your case.

Gather Evidence

Collect any medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, or other relevant documentation that could support your claim. If the death occurred in a workplace or medical setting, request records related to procedures, treatments, or safety violations.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

A wrongful death attorney can evaluate your case and guide you on the best course of action. They can also help determine liability and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim. Consult with your attorney before providing any statements.

Determine Who Can File a Claim

Florida law governs who may bring a wrongful death lawsuit. In Florida, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate.

Eligible survivors may include the surviving spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, blood relatives or adoptive siblings who depended on the deceased for support or services. An attorney can help determine who qualifies as a survivor under Florida’s wrongful death laws.

Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations

Florida law sets a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim. If a claim is not filed within the required time period, the right to pursue legal action may be lost. Because of this, it is important to act promptly and understand the deadlines that may apply to your case.

Consider the Financial and Emotional Impact

A wrongful death claim may allow surviving family members and the estate to pursue compensation for both financial and personal losses resulting from the death. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support or services, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and protection.

An attorney can assess the full range of economic and non-economic damages that may be available under Florida law and determine how those damages may apply to surviving family members and the estate.

Determining whether you may have a valid wrongful death claim depends on several key legal factors. Below are some of the considerations that may help determine whether a case exists.

Was there negligence or misconduct?

A wrongful death claim typically requires proof that another person or entity acted negligently, recklessly, or wrongfully and that their actions contributed to the death. Examples may include:

• Car accidents caused by reckless or distracted drivers
• Medical malpractice resulting from a healthcare provider’s error
• Unsafe workplace conditions that lead to fatal accidents
• Criminal acts such as assault or homicide

Did the death result from that negligence?

There must be a direct connection between the responsible party’s actions, or failure to act, and the death. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a treatable illness and the patient later dies from that condition, the misdiagnosis could potentially form the basis of a wrongful death claim.

Do you have legal standing?

Only certain individuals are permitted to bring a wrongful death lawsuit, and eligibility depends on state law. In many cases, the claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members.

Those who may qualify as beneficiaries can include a surviving spouse, children, parents, or other financially dependent relatives, depending on the applicable laws.

Are there recoverable damages?

A wrongful death claim must involve legally recognized losses. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support, including future earnings and benefits
• Loss of companionship, care, guidance, and support

The types of damages available will depend on state law and the circumstances surrounding the death.

Is the claim within the statute of limitations?

Each state sets a deadline for filing wrongful death lawsuits. If a claim is not filed within that time period, the right to pursue legal action may be lost.

Florida law determines who may bring a wrongful death claim. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, the lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.

The personal representative files the claim on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate. Eligible survivors may include a surviving spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased.

If a personal representative has not yet been appointed, the probate court may appoint one to pursue the claim for the estate and the eligible survivors.

Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim. In most cases, the time period begins running from the date of death, though certain circumstances can affect how the deadline is calculated.

Different rules may apply in cases involving:

• Medical malpractice
• Claims against government entities
• Delayed discovery of the cause of death

Because these deadlines are strictly enforced and missing them can permanently prevent recovery, it’s important to act promptly to protect your rights.

A wrongful death lawsuit and a criminal case may arise from the same incident, but they serve different purposes and follow different legal standards.

Purpose

• Wrongful death lawsuit (civil case): In Florida, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members and the estate. The purpose is to seek financial compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of financial support.
• Criminal case: A criminal case is brought by the government when someone is accused of violating criminal law. The goal is punishment, which may include imprisonment, fines, or probation.

Burden of Proof

• Civil case: The plaintiff must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.
• Criminal case: Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a much higher legal standard.

Who Brings the Case

• Civil case: Filed by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate under Florida law.
• Criminal case: Filed by government prosecutors on behalf of the state.

Possible Outcomes

• Civil case: May result in financial compensation for the surviving family members or the estate.
• Criminal case: May result in criminal penalties such as incarceration, fines, or probation.

Can both happen at the same time?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim can move forward independently of any criminal charges related to the same incident.

A wrongful death lawsuit and a survival action are both legal claims that may arise when someone dies because of another party’s negligence. However, they serve different purposes.

Wrongful death lawsuit

A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses suffered by surviving family members after the death. These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship or services, depending on state law. In other words, the claim addresses how the death affects the surviving beneficiaries.

Survival action

A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. It seeks compensation for damages the individual could have recovered if they had survived the injury. These may include medical expenses, lost income, or other losses incurred between the time of the injury and the person’s death.

Key difference

The main difference is timing and purpose. Wrongful death claims compensate surviving family members for losses that occur after the death, while survival actions address damages the deceased experienced before passing away. In some cases, both types of claims may be pursued together.

In a wrongful death case, compensation (known as damages) is intended to address the losses suffered by surviving family members and the estate as a result of the death. The types of damages available depend on Florida law and the specific facts of the case.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, recoverable damages may include:

Economic losses

• Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and services that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of prospective net accumulations to the estate in certain cases

Non-economic losses

• Loss of companionship, protection, and emotional support for a surviving spouse
• Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for minor children
• Mental pain and suffering experienced by eligible surviving family members

In some cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available under Florida law.

Because every wrongful death case is unique, an attorney can help evaluate the full range of damages that may apply based on the circumstances of the loss.

Proving liability in a wrongful death case generally means showing that the defendant’s actions, or failure to act, legally caused the death. While these cases can involve complex facts, most focus on whether the defendant acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally.

Establishing Negligence

In many wrongful death cases, the plaintiff, typically the estate’s personal representative on behalf of surviving family members, must prove that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care.

To establish negligence, four elements are usually required:

• Duty of care: The defendant owed a legal duty to the deceased. For example, drivers must operate vehicles safely, and medical professionals must provide competent care.
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet that standard of care.
• Causation: The breach was a substantial factor in causing the death.
• Damages: The death resulted in legally recognized losses for surviving family members or the estate.

Intentional or Reckless Conduct

In some situations, liability may be based on intentional actions or reckless disregard for safety rather than simple negligence. Even in these cases, the plaintiff must still show that the defendant’s conduct directly caused the death.

Evidence Used to Prove Liability

Establishing responsibility often requires gathering and analyzing different types of evidence, which may include:

• Medical records
• Eyewitness testimony
• Expert analysis, such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists
• Police or incident reports
• Photographs or surveillance footage
• Addressing Potential Defenses

Defendants may argue that the deceased was partially responsible for the incident. Depending on state law, shared fault can reduce or limit the amount of compensation that may be recovered. Strong evidence and effective legal advocacy are often essential to addressing these defenses.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Wrongful death cases often involve complicated facts, multiple parties, and significant financial stakes. An experienced attorney can investigate the incident, preserve important evidence, consult with experts, and build a case aimed at establishing liability under the applicable state law.

In a wrongful death case, an expert witness helps explain complex issues that are outside the common knowledge of the jury. Their role is to provide specialized knowledge that strengthens the case by supporting the plaintiff’s claims or refuting the defendant’s arguments. Expert witnesses are usually specialists in areas related to the case, such as medicine, accident reconstruction, or economics. 

For example, a medical expert may explain the cause of death, the severity of the injuries, and how the defendant’s actions may have contributed to the fatal outcome. Likewise, an accident reconstruction expert may analyze the available evidence to demonstrate how an accident occurred and whether the defendant’s behavior played a role. By providing professional opinions based on their expertise, these witnesses help the jury better understand complex issues and make more informed decisions.

Yes. Insurance often plays an important role in wrongful death claims. In many cases, the person or entity responsible for the death may have insurance coverage that could help compensate surviving family members for their losses. Insurance may be involved in several ways:

Defendant’s Liability Insurance

If the defendant has liability insurance, for example, in a car accident or workplace incident, their policy may cover damages awarded in a wrongful death claim. The insurance company typically handles the defense and may offer a settlement to resolve the case before trial.

Life Insurance

If the deceased had a life insurance policy, the beneficiaries, such as a spouse, children, or other dependents, may be able to receive death benefits. These benefits are separate from a wrongful death lawsuit but may provide additional financial support for the family.

Employer or Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When a fatal accident occurs at work, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may cover certain expenses. However, workers’ compensation benefits usually do not include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In some situations, a separate third-party lawsuit may be possible if another party’s negligence contributed to the death.

Insurance Settlements

Insurance companies often attempt to resolve wrongful death claims through settlements before a case goes to trial. A settlement may provide compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.

Insurance coverage can play a significant role in wrongful death cases, whether through liability insurance, life insurance, or workers’ compensation benefits. However, policies do not always cover every type of damage, and the amount available will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

It is also important to understand that insurance companies may work to limit the amount they pay. Having legal representation can help ensure the claim is evaluated fairly and that the family’s rights are protected.

Although it is not legally required to hire a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim, legal representation is often advisable. These cases can involve complex procedures, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies or other parties.

Florida’s wrongful death laws also establish specific rules regarding who may file a claim, what damages may be available, and how long families have to pursue a case. An attorney can help ensure the claim is filed correctly and within the required legal deadlines.

Demonstrating that negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death typically requires substantial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements. An experienced attorney can help collect and present this information to support the claim.

Insurance companies may also try to minimize payouts or deny responsibility. In some cases, families may feel pressured to accept a settlement that does not fully account for their losses. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and work to pursue appropriate compensation.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Litigation may involve filing legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing the case in court. An experienced attorney can manage these steps and advocate for the rights of surviving family members throughout the process.

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees or expenses to start your case. In other words, the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we win.

If your case is successful, our fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and motivates us to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you’re backed by the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be supported by a dedicated team of professionals, which may include personal injury attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. A primary attorney will oversee your case and guide the legal strategy, while your care team helps ensure you receive attentive communication and support throughout the process.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with law offices in every state nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

We’re deeply rooted in Florida and understand the local courts, judges, and insurance practices. Our firm has recovered billions for families nationwide and has the resources to take on large corporations, hospitals, and insurers.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. If your family has lost someone due to negligence, contact Morgan & Morgan's Lakeland team today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.