Our Tampa Wrongful Death Attorneys Have Decades of Experience Helping Families Recover

Coping with the loss of a loved one presents unique and unimaginable challenges. Your family faces a long and difficult road ahead; and, no matter what happens from this point forward, things will never be the same. Our Tampa wrongful death lawyers know the challenges grieving families face all too well. If you have lost a loved one, we offer our deepest sympathies.

Many families that lose loved ones unexpectedly can file claims for wrongful death. If your loved one was killed in an accident, due to a product malfunction or due to medical malpractice, your family may have a claim for financial compensation. Our Tampa wrongful death attorneys can thoroughly assess your family’s legal rights, and we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.

When Can Families Seek Compensation for Wrongful Death?

There are many circumstances in which families in Tampa can seek compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death. Most wrongful death claims involve the law of negligence. A person or company will be deemed “negligent” under the law if he, she or it makes a mistake that falls below the requisite standard of care.

From drunk driving to making mistakes during surgery, there are many different forms of negligence. As a result, families will often have claims arising out of:

• Auto accidents
• Tractor trailer accidents 
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
• Boating and cruise ship accidents
• Falls and other premises-related accidents
• Medical device failures
• Medical mistakes
• Product defects and failures
• Swimming pool accidents

These are not the only possibilities, but rather some of the most common examples. If you have unexpectedly lost a loved one under any circumstances in which you suspect that someone else may be to blame, you should speak with a Tampa wrongful death lawyer about your family’s legal rights.

How Do Family Members File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident in Tampa?

Florida law requires that the decedent’s personal representative file the family’s wrongful death claim. If your loved one left a will, it should designate a personal representative. If not, then a personal representative will need to be appointed through the probate court system.

But, since the personal representative will be seeking compensation on behalf of eligible family members, these family members should be involved as well. Whether you are your loved one’s personal representative or you believe that you may be entitled to compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death (or both), you can – and should – contact an attorney to start the process promptly. While families have two years to file wrongful death claims in most cases, getting started as soon as possible can be extremely important for maximizing your family’s financial recovery.

Speak With a Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer in Confidence

If you would like to speak with a Tampa wrongful death lawyer about filing a claim, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Searcy Denney. Call 800-780-8607 or contact us online to arrange an appointment today.