Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer — Fighting for Families Who Have Lost a Loved One
Losing a loved one is devastating under any circumstances. When that loss is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or wrongful actions of another person, company, or institution, the pain is compounded by a profound sense of injustice. You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And your family deserves compensation for everything you have lost.
The Maher Law Firm has been fighting for families who have lost loved ones to wrongful death across Central Florida for over 55 years. We have recovered more than $12 billion in verdicts and settlements including substantial results in wrongful death cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, and more. We handle these cases with the sensitivity your family deserves and the aggression your case demands.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may file a civil lawsuit when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. A wrongful death claim is separate from any criminal proceedings — it is a civil action designed to compensate the surviving family for their losses.
Common causes of wrongful death cases we handle include:
– Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
– Medical malpractice and surgical errors
– Birth injuries resulting in newborn death
– Slip and fall accidents
– Defective products
– Nursing home neglect and abuse
– Workplace accidents
– Drowning and swimming pool accidents
– Criminal acts on negligently secured premises
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Under Florida law only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. However the claim is brought on behalf of the surviving family members who may include:
– Surviving spouse
– Children of the deceased
– Parents of the deceased in certain circumstances
– Other blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependent on the deceased
The personal representative is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court. The Maher Law Firm guides families through this process from start to finish so nothing falls through the cracks.
What Compensation Is Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Case?
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows surviving family members to recover compensation for a range of losses including:
Surviving spouse may recover:
– Loss of companionship and protection
– Mental pain and suffering
– Lost financial support
Children of the deceased may recover:
– Loss of parental companionship and guidance
– Mental pain and suffering
– Lost financial support if a minor
Parents of a deceased minor child may recover:
– Mental pain and suffering
– Lost services of the child
The estate may recover:
– Medical and funeral expenses
– Lost earnings the deceased would have earned during their lifetime
– Loss of prospective net accumulations
The Maher Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis — you pay zero attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Your consultation is always free.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. However there are exceptions and certain circumstances can shorten or extend this deadline. In cases involving government entities the timeframe can be significantly shorter and additional procedural steps are required.
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and the legal process takes time. The sooner you contact The Maher Law Firm the better positioned your family will be to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Require an Experienced Lawyer
Wrongful death cases are among the most complex and emotionally charged cases in personal injury law. They involve multiple parties, competing insurance policies, estate law considerations, and defendants who will fight aggressively to minimize or deny your family’s claim.
At The Maher Law Firm we have the experience and resources to handle this complexity while allowing your family the space to grieve. We take on the full burden of the legal process including:
– Conducting a thorough independent investigation
– Retaining medical, accident reconstruction, and economic experts
– Dealing directly with all insurance companies and defense attorneys
– Calculating the full lifetime value of your losses
– Filing all required legal documents and meeting all deadlines
– Taking the case to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly
Frequently Asked Questions — Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer
Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
A: In Florida the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is generally two years from the date of death. Certain exceptions apply and cases involving government entities may have shorter deadlines. Contact The Maher Law Firm immediately to ensure your family’s rights are fully protected.
Q: Who receives the compensation in a wrongful death case?
A: Compensation is distributed among eligible surviving family members including the spouse, children, and in some cases parents and other dependents. The Maher Law Firm works with your family to ensure every eligible survivor receives the compensation they are entitled to under Florida law.
Q: What if our loved one was partially at fault for the accident that caused their death?
A: Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule applies to wrongful death cases. Your family may still recover compensation even if your loved one was partially at fault as long as they were not found more than 50 percent responsible. The at-fault party’s percentage of responsibility determines the compensation owed.
Q: Can we file a wrongful death claim if there is also a criminal case?
A: Yes. A civil wrongful death lawsuit is completely separate from any criminal proceedings. The outcome of a criminal case does not prevent your family from pursuing a civil wrongful death claim. In fact a civil claim has a lower burden of proof than a criminal case making it an important avenue for justice even when criminal charges are not pursued.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer in Orlando?
A: Nothing upfront. The Maher Law Firm handles all wrongful death cases on a pure contingency fee basis — you pay zero attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your family. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Q: Does The Maher Law Firm handle wrongful death cases throughout Central Florida?
A: Yes. Our Orlando wrongful death lawyers represent families throughout Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Volusia County, Lake County, Brevard County, Polk County, and all surrounding Central Florida communities.
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