Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer

The tragedy of losing a loved one in an unexpected accident can happen at any time in Orlando, FL. During such devastating times, it can seem overwhelming to navigate a legal case. 

As experienced Orlando wrongful death lawyers, we know the pain and challenges families face in these circumstances. Our team is focused on representing loved ones with compassion, legal knowledge, and a commitment to securing justice. We can guide you through every aspect of your personal injury claim to bring you peace of mind and rightful compensation.

Contact Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law today by calling 407-801-3000 or filling out our online form for a free consultation to learn more about our legal services.

Why Should I Hire Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law for Help With My Wrongful Death Case in Orlando, FL?

Why Should I Hire Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law for Help With My Wrongful Death Case in Orlando, FL?

Navigating a wrongful death case is emotionally taxing and legally complex. Amid grief, you may naturally struggle to navigate the legal system, negotiate a settlement, or pursue your claim in court. 

At Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, our Orlando personal injury lawyers have over 75 years of combined experience trying wrongful death cases. Our team has helped loved ones recover millions in compensation for their families.

By choosing our Orlando wrongful death attorneys, we can help you recover compensation for your loss by doing the following:

  • Investigating how your loved one was killed
  • Collecting accident reports and other evidence
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Retaining experts
  • Filing insurance claims
  • Negotiating maximum settlements
  • Representing you in court

Schedule a free initial consultation if a loved one has been tragically lost in Orlando, Florida. 

Overview of Wrongful Death Cases in Florida

Wrongful death claims allow families and loved ones to seek compensation when the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another party cause an individual’s death. These cases are governed by specific state laws that outline who can file a lawsuit, what damages they can recover, and the time frame within which a lawsuit must be filed. 

Understanding the basics of Florida’s wrongful death statutes is important for those who find themselves facing the loss of a loved one.

What Can Cause Wrongful Death in Orlando, FL?

Orlando sees its share of wrongful deaths. These cases are difficult because of the heartache of losing a loved one and knowing their death may have been preventable. 

Here are some causes of wrongful death in Orlando:

  • Auto Accidents: Orlando’s roads are known for traffic. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents can lead to fatalities when speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving are involved.
  • Medical Malpractice: Healthcare providers sometimes fail to provide appropriate care. This can have fatal consequences. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and medication errors are examples of negligence that can lead to wrongful death.
  • Workplace Accidents: Wrongful death occurs at Orlando construction sites, theme parks, and other workplaces. Falls, machinery accidents, and other workplace hazards can result in fatalities.
  • Defective Products: Orlando residents and visitors rely on products daily, from vehicles to appliances. Products that are defective due to poor design or inadequate warnings can cause death.
  • Premises Liability: Orlando property owners have an obligation to keep their premises safe for visitors. Slip and fall accidents, for example, can cause wrongful death due to a property owner’s negligence.

Each Orlando wrongful death case brings a unique set of facts, circumstances, and legal challenges. For families mourning the loss of a loved one, understanding the cause is the first step in seeking justice. An Orlando personal injury attorney can help you do the rest. Schedule a free consultation if a loved one has tragically died in Orlando.

What Damages Can I Recover in an Orlando Wrongful Death Case?

The loss of a loved one is irreplaceable. “Damages” refer to monetary compensation that may be awarded in civil lawsuits, like wrongful death cases, for your loss. Damages, in these cases, are meant to compensate you for the losses you suffer due to the death of a family member. 

These are generally categorized into economic and non-economic types and, in rare cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are your direct financial losses linked to the death of your loved one. 

In Orlando, families can claim several types of economic damages:

  • Medical and Funeral Expenses: Costs incurred for medical care before death and funeral services.
  • Loss of Income: Compensation for the deceased’s expected earnings and benefits had they lived, including wages and salary.
  • Loss of Services and Support: Compensation for the value of the services, care, and support the deceased provided to family members, such as childcare and home maintenance.

Our wrongful death lawyers in Orlando can help you determine the economic damages available in your case. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible and more difficult to quantify. 

They represent the emotional and relational losses suffered by a loved one’s survivors:

  • Mental Anguish and Emotional Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the suffering and emotional distress endured by the survivors due to the untimely death.
  • Loss of Companionship and Protection: Compensation for the loss of the unique relationship, guidance, and companionship the deceased provided.

We can help you determine the non-economic damages available in your case. 

Punitive Damages

In addition to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for egregious or reckless behavior resulting in death. These are not awarded in every case but are meant to deter similar conduct in the future.

Who May Be Liable in an Orlando Wrongful Death Case?

Determining liability in an Orlando wrongful death case involves identifying the parties responsible for the loss of a loved one. The question of liability hinges on the concept of negligence or intentional harm. You must ask whether the actions or inactions of an individual or entity directly lead to the person’s death. 

Examples of liable parties in wrongful death cases include:

  • Drivers: A driver at fault for an accident that causes the death of a loved one may be liable for wrongful death. This includes car, motorcycle, truck, and even boat accidents. 
  • Medical Practitioners: Doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals may be liable if their malpractice resulted in a patient’s death.
  • Property Owners: Property owners may be held responsible for a loved one’s death if unsafe conditions on their premises caused it.
  • Product Manufacturers: A product manufacturer could be liable under product liability law if a defective product causes death.
  • Construction Companies: The company overseeing a construction site could be liable if a death occurs due to inadequate safety measures or equipment failure.
  • Bar and Restaurant Owners: Under Florida’s dram shop laws, an establishment serving alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age may be liable if the person causes death due to drunk driving.

Determining liability often requires a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. This may involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, or hiring accident reconstructionists and other specialists. An Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help. 

How Long Do I Have To File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

When coping with the loss of a loved one, it is important to be aware of the legal time limits for seeking justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing lawsuits. 

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Florida is typically two years from the date of the person’s death. This deadline is strictly enforced. Failing to file a lawsuit within this two-year window can result in the permanent loss of your right to seek damages for your loved one’s death. 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in Orlando, FL?

When facing the emotional and financial turmoil of losing a loved one, understanding the costs associated with hiring an attorney is an important consideration. Most wrongful death lawyers in Orlando – including those at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law – work on a contingency fee basis. 

This means our fee is contingent upon winning your case or securing a settlement. This fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award.

One of the main advantages of this arrangement is that you do not need to pay any upfront or hourly fees. We also offer free initial consultations, which allow you to discuss your case and understand your legal options at no cost. 

Contact Our Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyers For a Free Case Evaluation

Losing a loved one is an indescribably painful experience. The complexities of a wrongful death case can add an overwhelming burden during this difficult time. 

Our team of Orlando wrongful death lawyers is here to lift that burden off your shoulders. We are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.