Did you lose a loved one in an accident in Miami, FL? If so, you and your family may be entitled to compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. While nothing can make up for the tragic loss your family has endured, a successful lawsuit can help stabilize finances, provide closure, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Our Miami wrongful death lawyers have decades of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients. We approach every case with compassion and a relentless drive to secure meaningful results, allowing families to focus on healing.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation at (305) 916-6455. We’re here to help your family through this difficult time as best as we can.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in Miami, Florida
Losing a close relative in Miami, Florida is one of the most painful experiences you can face. When that loss was preventable, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. If this has happened to you, you deserve the full amount of compensation available under Florida law. Our firm wants to help maximize your potential recovery.
Our Miami personal injury attorneys are skilled litigators who understand how insurers and at-fault parties operate. They often try to deny or reduce valid claims. With our decades of legal experience, we’re not afraid to stand up to any defendant or insurance company to get you a sense of justice. Below are some ways we can assist:
- Investigating the accident
- Calculating your damages
- Collecting evidence
- Identifying who is liable
- Negotiating on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit in court if necessary
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and the Milion Dollar Advocates Forum. When you choose us, you can focus on mourning and rebuilding while we handle the complexities of the legal system. Learn more by contacting Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.
What Is Wrongful Death in Florida?
Wrongful death happens when someone’s life is taken due to another party’s negligence, wrongdoing, or defectively manufactured property. Under Florida law, if your loved one could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, a wrongful death claim is likely valid.
Only certain individuals can file this type of suit in Florida, usually the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of all eligible survivors. You can also win your wrongful death claim in civil court regardless of how any related criminal proceedings play out. That’s because the burden of proof is lower in civil cases than in criminal cases.
How Much Is My Wrongful Death Claim Worth in Miami?
Putting a price tag on a human life is impossible. However, Florida law allows for economic and non-economic damages that can help your family stabilize after a tragedy. The potential value of your wrongful death claim depends on factors like:
- Age and earning capacity of the decedent
- Financial and emotional support
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Insurance policies or defendant’s assets
No attorney can provide an exact estimate of your claim in advance. That said, we can offer personalized insight during your free consultation to give you an idea of what to expect.
What Damages Can I Recover by Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Miami, FL?
Wrongful death damages under Florida law are a bit different than for other personal injury cases, but there is a lot of overlap. Examples of damages you can receive include:
- Loss of support and services the victim would have provided
- Loss of companionship and protection for spouses and children
- Mental pain and suffering, which can vary based on relationships and circumstances
- Medical expenses incurred before the individual’s passing
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages from the time of injury to death
- Loss of net accumulations the individual would have earned had they lived longer
Certain cases may also qualify for punitive damages intended to punish severely reckless or intentional acts. Our lawyers will work hard to secure all of the damages available in your case.
Who Could Be Liable for My Loved One’s Wrongful Death in Miami, FL?
Florida law doesn’t typically limit which parties you can sue for wrongful death as long as there’s a valid legal basis. Potential defendants might include:
- Negligent drivers or property owners
- Manufacturers of defective car parts or consumer products
- Employers, if a workplace accident claimed your loved one’s life
- Hospitals or medical professionals responsible for malpractice
- Government agencies (though special rules may apply when suing public entities)
- Perpetrators of intentional acts like assault or homicide
We’ll conduct a full investigation to pinpoint who’s legally at fault, possibly finding multiple defendants in some cases.
How Does Shared Fault Impact a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This can reduce the compensation you recover based on the percentage of fault assigned to the decedent. For example, if the court decides your loved one was 25% at fault, you’d receive only 75% of the total damages. You also cannot recover compensation if this percentage reaches 51% or higher.
As a result of this framework, the defense may try to push blame onto your loved one to avoid paying. We have experience countering these accusations to keep your compensation as intact as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Miami?
Most Florida wrongful death attorneys, including ours, operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No Upfront Fees: We don’t charge hourly or retainer costs.
- Payment Only if We Win: If we don’t secure a settlement or verdict, you owe no attorney’s fees.
- Percentage of Final Recovery: When we do recover compensation, we will receive about 33% as payment in most cases.
With this approach, you can hire skilled counsel without worrying about large initial payments or ongoing bills. You can also feel confident that your lawyer will work hard to secure as much compensation for you as possible.
We Can Help With Any Type of Wrongful Death Case in Miami
Our wrongful death attorneys are qualified to help you with any type of case, such as:
- Car Accidents: Drunk, distracted, or speeding drivers can easily cause fatal wrecks.
- Truck Accidents: Large commercial vehicles pose unique risks and often involve corporate liability.
- Motorcycle Collisions: Riders face serious dangers if drivers fail to pay attention or give them enough space.
- Medical Malpractice: Surgery, misdiagnosis, or medication errors can have deadly consequences.
- Worksite Accidents: Construction sites and factories pose hazards without enforcing safety rules.
- Defective Products: These cases require detailed investigation, from faulty vehicles to dangerous children’s toys.
- Intentional Acts: Even if the defendant faces criminal charges, a civil wrongful death suit may proceed simultaneously.
Regardless of how the tragedy happened, our attorneys know how to investigate, gather evidence, and develop a robust legal strategy to maximize your recovery.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in the State of Florida?
Under Florida law, you typically have two years from your loved one’s date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to any compensation.
Certain exceptions may extend the time frame, but these are rare. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and meeting all legal requirements on time.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Compassionate Miami Wrongful Death Attorneys
If you lost a close relative because of another party’s actions in Miami, Florida, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help. Our firm has decades of combined experience and has recovered over $100 million for families dealing with tragedy. We’re prepared to investigate, negotiate, and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
Call our Miami wrongful death attorneys today for a free consultation to learn about your family’s rights and possible next steps. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult period, and we’ll handle the legal challenges so you can concentrate on healing. Let us stand up for your family’s interests and seek the justice you deserve.