James Frazier | | Wrongful Death
When families lose a loved one due to negligence, it can be incredibly painful. In Florida, wrongful death cases arise when someone’s death is caused by another’s carelessness or wrongful act. This guide outlines the most common wrongful death cases and  examples of what a potential wrongful death case may look like.

Florida Wrongful Death Attorney | Types of Wrongful Death Cases in Florida

When families lose a loved one due to negligence, it can be incredibly painful. In Florida, wrongful death cases arise when someone’s death is caused by another’s carelessness or wrongful act. The wrongful death attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger outline the most common wrongful death cases and  examples of what a potential wrongful death case may look like.

Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the legal fault or negligence of another party, which could be an individual, company, government agency, or organization. A wrongful death claim may arise from various types of fatal accidents, including car crashes, product defects, or medical malpractice. These claims can be pursued when another person or entity is believed to be legally responsible, whether due to careless behavior, a failure to act responsibly, or intentional recklessness.

Losing a loved one is profoundly heartbreaking, especially when the loss could have been prevented. If your family has faced a wrongful death in Florida, speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact a Florida wrongful death attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger for a free consultation and the compassionate support your family deserves during this challenging time. Call us at (800) 434-4327.

Car accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful deaths in Florida, where over 16 million drivers share the roads. These incidents are often due to reckless behavior, speeding, distracted driving, or intoxicated drivers.

1. Wrongful Death Car Accidents

Car accidents are among the leading causes of wrongful deaths in Florida, where over 16 million drivers share the roads. These incidents are often due to reckless behavior, speeding, distracted driving, or intoxicated drivers.

Example Case:

A young mother lost her life when a speeding driver, under the influence of alcohol, ran a red light and collided with her vehicle. Her family pursued a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, alleging negligence and reckless behavior, which ultimately led to a significant settlement covering the family’s emotional and financial losses.

2. Workplace Accidents

Workplace fatalities are particularly prevalent in high-risk occupations, like construction. In other cases, an employer’s lack of safety measures can lead to fatal accidents.

Example Case:

A construction worker fell from scaffolding due to lack of adequate safety harnesses on a high-rise building project. His family filed a wrongful death claim against the employer, citing failure to meet OSHA safety standards. The claim resulted in compensation, underscoring the company’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment.

3. Defective Products

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring product safety. When defective products lead to fatal accidents, the manufacturer can be held liable.

Example Case:

A young father was tragically killed when his car’s airbag failed to deploy in a minor collision. His family’s investigation revealed that the airbag had a design flaw, leading them to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the automaker and the airbag manufacturer. The case settled, emphasizing the importance of product safety in vehicles.

4. Wrongful Death Truck Accidents

Due to their large size and weight, commercial trucks are more likely to cause fatalities in accidents. Common causes include overloaded cargo, mechanical issues, and driver fatigue.

Example Case:

A man was killed when a semi-truck’s brake system failed on a highway, causing a multi-vehicle collision. The family’s wrongful death case focused on the trucking company’s negligence in maintaining its fleet. The settlement highlighted the company’s responsibility to ensure its vehicles are safe and operable.

Due to their large size and weight, commercial trucks are more likely to cause fatalities in accidents. Common causes include overloaded cargo, mechanical issues, and driver fatigue.

5. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in fatalities because individuals have little protection against vehicles. Driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, frequently causes these accidents.

Example Case:

An elderly man was struck and killed by a distracted driver while crossing a street in a marked crosswalk. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, emphasizing the importance of attentive driving and pedestrian rights. The family received a settlement, reminding drivers of their duty to remain vigilant.

6. Aviation Accidents

Aviation accidents, while less common, typically lead to multiple fatalities when they occur. Causes range from pilot errors to equipment malfunctions.

Example Case:

A Florida couple perished in a small private plane crash due to engine failure. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the plane’s manufacturer and maintenance provider, uncovering a known defect in the engine model. The lawsuit held the responsible parties accountable for the fatal incident.

7. Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable in accidents, making these crashes particularly deadly. Contributing factors include speeding, impaired driving, and lack of protective barriers.

Example Case:

A motorcyclist lost his life after a driver changed lanes without signaling, colliding with his bike. The family’s wrongful death claim targeted the driver’s negligent behavior and resulted in compensation, highlighting the heightened risks motorcyclists face on the road.

8. Swimming Pool Accidents

Drowning is a major cause of death, especially among young children. Pool accidents often result from inadequate supervision or unsafe pool environments.

Example Case:

A toddler drowned in a community pool after a faulty gate failed to latch, allowing him to enter the pool area unsupervised. His parents filed a wrongful death suit against the property management company, citing negligence in maintaining pool safety features. The case brought attention to essential pool safety protocols.

9. Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice

Medical errors, known as medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis or surgical mistakes, can lead to fatal outcomes. In Florida, medical professionals and hospitals can be held accountable for wrongful death due to negligence.

Example Case:

A young woman died after a physician misdiagnosed her condition and failed to administer life-saving treatment. Her family’s wrongful death claim against the hospital and doctor underscored the importance of accurate diagnoses and thorough medical care, resulting in a significant settlement.

Medical errors, known as medical malpractice, such as misdiagnosis or surgical mistakes, can lead to fatal outcomes. In Florida, medical professionals and hospitals can be held accountable for wrongful death due to negligence.

10. Nursing Home Negligence

Wrongful death claims against nursing homes can arise due to abuse or neglect of elderly residents. Such cases involve failure to provide adequate care or medical attention.

Example Case:

An elderly woman passed away due to untreated infections that went unnoticed by nursing home staff. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, arguing that the facility’s negligence and failure to provide timely medical attention led to her death. The lawsuit brought changes to improve care standards in the facility.

11. Boating Accidents

With Florida’s extensive coastline, boating accidents are unfortunately common. These incidents often involve reckless operation, intoxicated drivers, or faulty equipment.

Example Case:

A young man died in a boating accident caused by the operator’s reckless behavior and intoxication. His family pursued a wrongful death claim against the boat’s owner and the operator, holding them accountable for their negligence and obtaining compensation for their devastating loss.

12. Fire and Explosion Accidents

Fires and explosions can cause multiple fatalities, often due to faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or negligence. Families can pursue legal action against responsible parties.

Example Case:

A restaurant worker lost his life in a gas explosion caused by a defective propane tank. The family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the propane supplier and the restaurant, pointing to unsafe handling and storage practices. The case reinforced the responsibility to ensure safe conditions and equipment handling.

David Paul | Andrew Knopf | Brent Bigger of Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Offices in Orlando and Tampa, Florida

Seeking Justice with a Wrongful Death Attorney from Paul | Knopf | Bigger

Losing a loved one is deeply traumatic, especially when the death was avoidable. If your family has experienced a wrongful death in Florida, consulting a qualified wrongful death attorney can help you secure justice and compensation. Reach out to a Florida wrongful death attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger for a free consultation and the support your family needs during this difficult time. Call us now at (800) 434-4327.  Or, complete our free consultation form today.

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