Wrongful Death Lawyers
Representing Family Members of Individuals Involved in Fatal Car Accidents in NW Florida
Fatal car accidents are both legally complex and emotionally charged. A family is suddenly left without a loved one. In many cases, the person who died was the primary wage earner. Already grieving, the family faces financial uncertainty as well. If the death of a family member is caused by negligence, immediate legal help is vital.
At Perry & Young, we understand the devastating impact that the loss of a loved one can have on a family. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to provide compassionate support and legal guidance throughout the process of filing a wrongful death claim.
While no amount of compensation can erase the pain of your loss, we strive to help you find justice and financial stability during this difficult time. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one's memory.
Before speaking to insurance adjusters or a company responsible for the death, schedule online or call Perry & Young, P.A., at (850) 215-7777.
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What is a Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another individual or entity. Essentially, it's a death that could have been prevented if not for the actions or omissions of someone else.
Wrongful death can arise from a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Car Accidents: If a person dies in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, such as speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving, it may be considered a wrongful death.
- Medical Malpractice: When a healthcare provider fails to provide a proper standard of care, resulting in the death of a patient, it may constitute wrongful death. This can include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, or failure to diagnose a condition.
- Workplace Accidents: Deaths that occur due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or employer negligence may be considered wrongful deaths. This can include incidents such as construction accidents, industrial accidents, or exposure to hazardous materials.
- Product Defects: If a defective product causes someone's death, such as a malfunctioning vehicle part, dangerous medication, or faulty machinery, the manufacturer or distributor may be held liable for wrongful death.
- Criminal Acts: In cases where someone intentionally causes another person's death, such as through assault, homicide, or manslaughter, it is considered wrongful death. Even if the perpetrator is criminally prosecuted, the surviving family members may pursue a civil wrongful death claim for damages.
- Premises Liability: Property owners or managers can be held responsible for wrongful death if a fatal accident occurs due to dangerous conditions on their premises, such as slip and fall accidents, inadequate security leading to assault, or building code violations resulting in structural failures.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws
In Florida, a wrongful death claim can typically be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate on behalf of the deceased person's survivors. Survivors can include the deceased person's spouse, children, parents, and any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support or services.
In order to succeed in a wrongful death claim, the plaintiff (the personal representative of the estate) typically needs to prove that the defendant's negligent or intentional actions caused the death of the deceased person.
Florida follows a system of comparative negligence, which means that if the deceased person was partially at fault for their own death, any damages awarded in a wrongful death claim may be reduced in proportion to the deceased person's degree of fault.
Compensation for Families Affected by Fatal Car Accidents
The amount of a financial settlement or damages determined in a jury verdict will not turn back the clock on the tragic event.
Justice can take the form of compensation and provide a certain level of peace of mind following:
- Motor vehicle accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks
- Medical malpractice and nursing home negligence
- Defective product claims
- Drowning and swimming pool accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Airplane and helicopter accidents
Our reputation for aggressive litigation is well-known in the insurance industry and legal community. The opposing side knows of our dedication and diligence, often leading to settlements that provide the compensation our clients need.
Representing Victims & Families of Fatal Construction Accidents
Construction workers understand the risks inherent in their jobs. Following strict work practices is vital for their employers to ensure safe construction site environments. However, unsafe working conditions and equipment, poor safety precautions, and insufficient training can lead to fatal injuries.
Fatal construction accident claims combine legal complexities with emotionally charged issues. While many cases result in compensation through workers’ compensation benefits, certain factors can lead to a wrongful death claim.
Those factors include:
- Defective products or equipment, including heavy machinery
- Contractor or subcontractor negligence
- Crane accidents
- Injuries from falling objects
- Scaffolding or ladder falls
- Electrocution
- Explosions
- Construction vehicle accidents
At Perry & Young, P.A., our Florida lawyers understand that the people who work hardest are also at greater risk for injury and death. The risk may have been a part of their job. However, negligent parties must be held accountable if an accident led to their death. We work hard to get to the facts by investigating all aspects of the fatal accident.
Our objective is to ensure that family members facing an uncertain future get the compensation they deserve as they try to get their lives back on track.
For a free initial consultation and case evaluation, call our firm at (850) 215-7777 or fill out an online contact form.
