Hollywood, FL Wrongful Death Lawyer | Hollywood Wrongful Death Attorneys
Your Trusted Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys
Every day, Florida witnesses heartbreaking wrongful deaths caused by negligence and preventable accidents. From reckless drivers on the roads to hazardous workplaces and defective products, these incidents leave families devastated. If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one due to any type of accident, whether it’s a car crash or medical malpractice, our Hollywood wrongful death lawyers at Flanagan & Bodenheimer are here to offer support during this difficult time. We provide compassionate legal representation and offer free wrongful death case evaluations at our local Hollywood office or virtually.
Request your complimentary initial consultation today by calling (305) 638-4143 or completing our online form. Allow us to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this critical time.
Table of Contents
- Our Hollywood Law Firm Is Ready to Get to Work on Your Behalf
- Common Wrongful Death Cases in Hollywood, FL
- Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Florida
- Understanding Negligence in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
- What Our Hollywood Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Do For You
- Free Consultation With a Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyer
Our Hollywood Law Firm Is Ready to Get to Work on Your Behalf
When you entrust your case to the Flanagan & Bodenheimer Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, you’re choosing a legal team that is committed to securing the compensation you truly deserve. Here is why you should trust Flanagan & Bodenheimer with your wrongful death case:
- At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we focus solely on personal injury and wrongful death cases, affording us a unique advantage in handling claim negotiations.
- We are passionate about helping families cope with the aftermath of preventable fatal accidents.
- We deliberately limit the number of cases we handle to provide individualized attention and focus on your unique needs. You will have direct access to your attorney, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed promptly.
- Our accomplished team of lawyers is well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace incidents, we are fully equipped to advocate for your family’s rights.
- Our support in wrongful death claims comes with zero upfront costs. We are committed to representing your family at no charge unless we secure a successful outcome.
Common Wrongful Death Cases in Hollywood, FL
Wrongful death cases can be emotionally overwhelming for families, leaving them with grief, anger, and numerous questions. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, our compassionate Hollywood wrongful death lawyers have a proven track record of handling these complex cases.
These are some of the most common wrongful death cases in Florida:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: One of the most common causes of wrongful death cases is motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and boating accidents. When the reckless or careless actions of another driver lead to a fatal collision, the surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice can have devastating consequences, and unfortunately, it occasionally results in wrongful death. If medical professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected, leading to a fatal outcome, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Our injury lawyers meticulously review medical records and consult with experts to build powerful cases on behalf of our clients.
Workplace Accidents: Unfortunately, workplace accidents claim the lives of many individuals each year. Over 5,000 lives are lost every year in the US due to workplace accidents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Florida, transportation incidents resulted in 111 fatal work injuries in 2021, and accounted for 35 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in the state. Whether it’s due to unsafe working conditions, inadequate training, or equipment failures, surviving family members can seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Product Liability: Defective or dangerous products can sometimes lead to fatal accidents. In these cases, manufacturers, distributors, or sellers may be held liable for the wrongful death. Our Hollywood wrongful death lawyers have a deep understanding of product liability laws and will tirelessly advocate for the rights of the deceased’s family.
Premises Liability: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. When negligence leads to fatal accidents, such as slip and falls or inadequate security, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Our legal team has successfully represented families in premises liability cases, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
Boating Accidents: As a coastal state, Florida sees a significant number of boating accidents each year. Negligence, intoxication, or lack of proper safety measures can lead to fatal boating accidents. If a loved one has tragically lost their life in a boating accident, our Hollywood wrongful death lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek accountability.
The pain of losing a loved one is immeasurable, particularly when their death could have been prevented. If you’ve lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, our Hollywood wrongful death lawyers are here to support you during this difficult time.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Florida
A wrongful death case arises when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. These cases can stem from various incidents, including medical malpractice, car accidents, workplace accidents, defective products, and criminal actions. The primary purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to hold the responsible party accountable and to provide financial compensation to the surviving family members for their loss.
Who Qualifies to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Florida, the right to file a wrongful death claim is governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act. According to this law, the following parties are typically eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Spouse: The deceased person’s spouse has the primary right to file a wrongful death claim.
- Children: The deceased person’s children, including adopted children, can also file a claim.
- Parents: If the deceased person was a minor, the parents have the right to file a claim. In some cases, parents of an adult child may also be eligible.
- Other Relatives: Relatives who were dependent on the deceased person for financial support may also qualify to file a claim.
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate typically files the wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members.
What Damages Can Be Obtained in a Wrongful Death Case?
The damages awarded in a wrongful death case are intended to compensate the surviving family members for their loss. These damages can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical costs incurred due to the deceased person’s injury or illness before death.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reimbursement for the costs of the deceased person’s funeral and burial.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s income and benefits that the family relied upon.
- Loss of Services: Compensation for the value of household services that the deceased person provided.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members.
- Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and guidance that the deceased person provided.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of marital relations and companionship suffered by the surviving spouse.
How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. This means that the eligible parties must initiate legal action within this time frame, or they may forfeit their right to seek compensation for their loss. However, there are certain exceptions and nuances to this rule, such as cases involving medical malpractice or circumstances where the cause of death was not immediately apparent.
Do You Need an Autopsy for a Hollywood, FL Wrongful Death Case?
In wrongful death cases in Hollywood, FL, whether an autopsy is necessary depends on the circumstances surrounding the death. An autopsy can be crucial in proving the cause of death in cases such as medical malpractice or drug overdose, where the details of the death are not immediately clear. Conversely, in instances like car or truck accidents without intoxication issues, an autopsy may not be required. Typically, autopsies in Hollywood wrongful death cases are conducted by the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office. Families can obtain autopsy reports by submitting a request to the office. If no autopsy has been performed, private autopsies can be arranged. Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for assistance with obtaining a private autopsy.
Navigating a wrongful death case can be complex and emotionally challenging. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our experienced Hollywood wrongful death lawyers are committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact us at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation. Let us help you through this difficult time and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Understanding Negligence in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or death to another person. To prove negligence in a wrongful death case, four elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through their actions or inactions.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the death.
- Damages: The death resulted in quantifiable damages to the deceased’s family.
Examples of Proving Negligence in Wrongful Death Cases
Example 1: Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death
Case: A patient dies after a surgeon leaves a surgical instrument inside their body, leading to a severe infection.
- Duty of Care: The surgeon had a duty to provide competent medical care.
- Breach of Duty: Leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient constitutes a breach of that duty.
- Causation: The retained instrument caused an infection, leading to the patient’s death.
- Damages: The family suffers emotional and financial losses, including medical bills and funeral expenses.
Example 2: Car Accident Wrongful Death
Case: A driver under the influence of alcohol causes a fatal collision with another vehicle.
- Duty of Care: Every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
- Breach of Duty: Driving under the influence is a clear breach of this duty.
- Causation: The impaired driver’s actions directly caused the collision and subsequent death.
- Damages: The deceased’s family faces significant financial and emotional hardships.
Proving negligence in a Florida wrongful death case can be complex, but with the right legal support, justice can be achieved. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate this challenging process. If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Our Hollywood Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Do For You
When faced with the untimely loss of a family member, seeking legal assistance may be the last thing on your mind. However, having a knowledgeable and empathetic wrongful death lawyer by your side can make a difference. Our wrongful death attorneys are committed to easing the burden on your family by handling the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Here’s how we ensure you are treated fairly during your case:
- Collecting and Analyzing Evidence: Our lawyers leave no stone unturned in building a strong case on your behalf. We meticulously gather all relevant evidence, including video and photographic evidence from accidents, eyewitness statements, medical records, and any other relevant information.
- Skillful Negotiation: Handling communications with other involved parties can be daunting. Our experienced Hollywood wrongful death attorneys are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel. We aggressively advocate for your best interests to achieve a favorable settlement that addresses all aspects of your damages.
- Ready for Trial: We are prepared to take your case to trial if the opposing side refuses to cooperate or offers inadequate compensation.
Free Consultation With a Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyer
The loss of a loved one is an immense burden to bear, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dedicated Hollywood wrongful death lawyers are here to support and fight for your family. We will tirelessly advocate for justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Take the first step towards seeking justice for your loved one. Contact us at 305-638-4143 today to schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys are ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and discuss the legal options available to your family.
Let us be your steadfast advocates in pursuing justice for your loss. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone – we are here to help.