Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyers - Paul Knopf Bigger

Anyone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one understands that life will never be the same. Knowing you will never feel the warmth of that person’s companionship again is incredibly painful. If you depended on the victim for financial support, the future can also feel uncertain and scary. And if their death was a direct result of another party’s actions, the injustice can be enraging.

At Paul Knopf Bigger, our experienced Orlando wrongful death attorneys understand the monumental impact such an experience can have on your life. Let us help you demand accountability from the party responsible for your loss. Our firm has a track record of securing top-dollar results in wrongful death cases, with tens of millions recovered through settlements and verdicts. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.

What Are Wrongful Death Claims?

Under Florida law, a wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life due to another party’s:

• Negligence
• Wrongful intentional act
• Default
• Breach of contract or warranty

Under such circumstances, certain surviving family members have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party. This action allows the family members to recover financial and intangible losses resulting from their loved one’s final injury and death.

Some Floridians question the worth of filing a civil action against the party responsible for their relative’s death. While it is true that no claim or wrongful death lawsuit will fill the hole the loss has left in your life, you should not bear the financial burden of their preventable death alone. Filing a wrongful death claim can allow you to recover compensation that gives you a chance to move forward with financial security. It will also hold the wrongdoer accountable for their actions. Many families we have assisted on this journey have valued the sense of closure a wrongful death settlement can offer.

Wrongful Death Laws in Florida

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to seek compensation when a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful act.

Key points of Florida’s wrongful death laws include:

• The deceased person’s personal representative must file the claim.
• Eligible survivors include the deceased’s spouse, children, parents, and some dependent relatives.
• In most cases, the claimant must initiate legal action within two years of the death.
• Compensation can cover both economic and non-economic losses.

It is worth noting that Florida law considers children under 25 to be minors in wrongful death cases, which can affect their eligibility for compensation.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Orlando

Wrongful death can result from various situations. In Orlando, we often see cases stemming from:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Recreational or sports injuries
• Amusement park injuries
• Slip and fall incidents
• Criminal acts

Each of these situations requires a different approach to determine liability and secure compensation for the surviving family members.

How to File a Wrongful Death Claim

Filing a wrongful death claim in Florida involves the following steps:

• Appointing a personal representative to act on behalf of the decedent’s estate. The personal representative may already be named in the victim’s will. 
• Identifying all potential beneficiaries, including the spouse, children, parents, and dependent relatives.
• Gathering evidence to demonstrate the at-fault party’s liability. 
• Calculating economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses and loss of companionship.
• Filing the wrongful death claim with the insurance company. 
• Negotiating to reach a fair settlement with the insurer or taking the case to trial (if needed).

Our attorneys will provide the skillful and compassionate guidance you need throughout the legal process.

Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Florida law allows survivors to seek compensation for various losses following their loved one’s death. Potential compensation in a wrongful death claim includes money for:

• Lost support and services
• Lost companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical and funeral expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings

The personal representative can also seek compensation for the estate, including lost earnings and medical or funeral expenses charged to the estate.

The specific compensation available depends on your relationship with the decedent and the circumstances of their death. Our team will work closely with you to pursue all the compensation you can recover under Florida law.

How Paul Knopf Bigger Supports Families in Orlando

If you recently lost a loved one due to another party’s wrongful actions or negligence, the compassionate Orlando wrongful death lawyers at Paul Knopf Bigger would like to offer our most sincere condolences. We recognize how painful the aftermath of a sudden loss can be and want to support you in any way we can. 

When you work with us, we will:

• Listen to your story to understand how to meet your needs effectively.
• Conduct a thorough investigation into the events leading to your loved one’s death, gathering evidence for a solid wrongful death claim.
• Calculate the total value of the damages you are eligible to recover.
• Negotiate aggressively with the at-fault party’s insurer to protect you from settling for less than your claim is worth.
• File a wrongful death lawsuit and take your case to trial if negotiations do not yield the results you deserve.

You can count on our law firm to provide the legal and moral support you need every step of the way. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced wrongful death attorneys.