Losing a loved one to negligence is one of the most emotionally and financially devastating experiences a family can face. When someone's careless or reckless actions cause a fatal accident in Apopka, Florida, the surviving family members have the right to seek justice. An Apopka wrongful death lawyer at Spetsas Buist can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and recover compensation for your loss.
Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling wrongful death cases throughout Orange County. We understand that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but we fight to ensure that negligent parties pay for the damage they've caused.
When you work with our firm, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 321-LAWSUIT today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Apopka wrongful death attorney.
Compensation Available in Apopka Wrongful Death Cases
Florida Statute § 768.21 outlines the damages available to families who have lost a loved one due to negligence. Our personal injury lawyer in Apopka can help you recover compensation for:
- Loss of earnings and benefits from the date of injury to death
- Loss of future earnings and financial support
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and protection for the surviving spouse
- Mental pain and suffering for survivors
- Loss of parental guidance and instruction for minor children
- Loss of household services the deceased provided
- Loss of future estate accumulations
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death
Each wrongful death claim is unique, and our lawyers serving Apopka work to identify all available damages to maximize your family's recovery. We understand Florida law and know how to present your losses to insurance companies and juries effectively.
Common Types of Wrongful Death in Apopka
Wrongful death can result from any situation where negligence causes a fatal injury. In our experience representing Apopka families, we see certain types of cases more frequently:
- Car accidents on roads like State Road 436 and U.S. Highway 441
- Auto accident fatalities at dangerous intersections
- Medical malpractice at local healthcare facilities
- Slip and falls at businesses and properties
- Pedestrian accidents in downtown Apopka
- Motorcycle crashes on local roads
- Drownings in apartment complex pools
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products causing fatal injuries
- Negligent security leading to fatal assaults
Any act of negligence that results in death could form the basis of a wrongful death claim. Our personal injury law team has the experience to handle even the most complex cases.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Cases in Apopka
Florida Statute § 95.11 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. This means you generally have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
Some exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline in specific circumstances. For example, if the case involves medical malpractice or a government entity, different rules may apply. This is why it's crucial to contact an Apopka wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Our Apopka Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
When you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to worry about is battling insurance companies and navigating the legal system. Our personal injury attorneys handle every aspect of your case:
- Investigate the circumstances of your loved one's death
- Gather evidence including police reports and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- File your wrongful death lawsuit before the deadline
- Take depositions of key witnesses
- Negotiate for maximum settlement value
- Take your case to trial if necessary
- Keep you informed throughout the process
We know that insurance companies will try to minimize or deny your claim. They have teams of adjusters and defense attorneys working to protect their profits. You need experienced legal representation on your side to level the playing field.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Apopka, Florida?
Under Florida law, only the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative is typically named in the deceased's will or appointed by the court if there's no will. The personal representative brings the lawsuit on behalf of the estate and the surviving family members.
Eligible survivors who can recover damages in a wrongful death claim include:
- The surviving spouse
- Minor children of the deceased
- Adult children (in certain circumstances)
- Parents of the deceased
- Other blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependent on the deceased
Our Apopka wrongful death lawyer can help determine who qualifies as a survivor and ensure the proper party files the lawsuit.
Why Choose Spetsas Buist for Your Wrongful Death Case
Our firm focuses on personal injury cases, including wrongful death claims throughout Central Florida. Several of our attorneys previously worked for insurance companies, giving us valuable insight into their tactics and strategies. We use this knowledge to build stronger cases for our clients.
When you call 321-LAWSUIT, you speak directly with a lawyer, not a call center representative. We provide personalized attention to every client and treat you like family. Our attorneys are widely recognized for our work on wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, many of which have achieved substantial media attention.
We work on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about legal bills while you're grieving and facing financial uncertainty.
Contact an Apopka Wrongful Death Attorney Today | FREE Unless we win
If you've lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence in Apopka or surrounding areas of Orange County, don't wait to seek legal help. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and the statute of limitations continues running. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Call Spetsas Buist at 321-LAWSUIT to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Apopka wrongful death lawyer. When you work with us, you don't pay us any upfront costs or retainer fees. Representation is free until we win.
We serve families throughout Apopka, including Errol Estate, Rock Springs Ridge, and Piedmont Lakes, as well as neighboring communities like Altamonte Springs, Longwood, and Winter Garden. Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves while you focus on healing from your loss.
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Apopka Wrongful Death Lawyers
What Are the odds of winning a wrongful death lawsuit?
The odds of winning a wrongful death lawsuit depend on the strength of the evidence, the clarity of the defendant’s negligence, and the quality of legal representation. Cases with clear proof of fault, such as traffic violations, 18-wheeler cases involving violations of federal laws, or mental health facility or nursing home deaths where there are failed observations, tend to have stronger outcomes. An experienced Apopka wrongful death attorney at our office can help you build a solid case by gathering evidence, consulting experts, and ensuring all legal procedures are followed properly.
what percentage does a wrongful death lawyer get?
In Florida, wrongful death attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. The standard contingency fee ranges from 33⅓% to 40% of the settlement or verdict, depending on whether the case settles before or after a lawsuit is filed. This arrangement allows families to pursue justice without paying any upfront legal fees.
what is the difference between negligence and wrongful death?
Negligence refers to careless or reckless conduct that causes harm to another person, while wrongful death occurs when that negligence leads to someone’s death. In other words, wrongful death is a legal claim that arises from negligence, intentional harm, or a wrongful act that causes a fatality. The main difference is that negligence can result in injury claims, but wrongful death involves the loss of life and allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss.
what is the statute of limitations on wrongful death?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death under Florida Statute § 95.11. Missing this deadline can permanently bar the family from seeking compensation. Because exceptions are rare, it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to file a claim.
What does a wrongful death lawyer do?
A wrongful death lawyer investigates the cause of death, identifies all liable parties, and builds a strong case for compensation on behalf of the surviving family. This includes gathering evidence, working with expert witnesses, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court if necessary. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure financial recovery for losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Why should I hire a wrongful death attorney?
Hiring a wrongful death attorney ensures that your family’s rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation allowed under Florida law. Wrongful death cases are complex and require knowledge of both legal procedures and insurance tactics. An experienced attorney will handle the legal burdens so your family can focus on healing, while also fighting to hold negligent parties accountable for your loved one’s death.