Losing a loved one to negligence is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. When someone's careless actions cause a fatal accident in Ocoee, the surviving family members deserve justice and compensation. An Ocoee wrongful death lawyer at Spetsas Buist can help you hold the negligent party accountable while you focus on grieving and healing.
Our personal injury law firm understands that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. However, pursuing a wrongful death claim ensures that those responsible pay for the damage they've caused and helps secure your family's financial future. We serve families throughout Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere, and West Orange County.
When you work with our Ocoee personal injury lawyers, you pay nothing unless we win. Call 321-LAWSUIT today for a free consultation with an attorney, not a call center representative.
Compensation Available in Ocoee Wrongful Death Cases
Florida law allows certain survivors and the estate to recover various types of compensation in wrongful death cases. Understanding what damages are available helps families know what to expect when pursuing a claim against insurance companies and negligent parties.
Economic Damages:
- Medical bills from the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost wages and benefits from date of injury to death
- Loss of future earnings and financial support
- Loss of household services
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of parental guidance for children
- Loss of spousal support and services
Our Ocoee personal injury attorneys work to maximize your compensation by identifying all available damages. We understand Florida wrongful death law and know how to present your losses effectively to insurance companies and juries.
Common Types of Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death in Ocoee
Fatal accidents can happen anywhere in Ocoee, from busy commercial areas along West Colonial Drive to residential neighborhoods near Lake Apopka. Our firm handles wrongful death cases arising from many types of accidents.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents remain the leading cause of wrongful death in Ocoee. Dangerous intersections like West Road and Silver Star Road see frequent fatal crashes. State Road 429 and Florida's Turnpike near Ocoee experience serious truck accidents that claim lives each year.
Trucking Accidents
Commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks and 18-wheelers, are much more likely to cause a death because of their sheer size and weight. Trucking accidents are a common cause of wrongful deaths in Central Florida, including Ocoee.
Delivery Van Accidents
Delivery van accidents are becoming more common every year as more people turn to delivery services for their daily needs. Delivery vans from grocery stores, Amazon, and other companies frequent neighborhoods, which provides more opportunities for motor vehicle deaths.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, warehouses, and other workplaces in Ocoee can be dangerous. When employers violate safety regulations or fail to provide proper training, workplace accidents can prove fatal.
Preventable Suicide
Deaths and suicides at mental health facilities, behavioral treatment facilities, and drug treatment facilities are all too common in Florida. When vulnerable people are not observed properly, the result can be tragic.
Understanding Florida's Wrongful Death Statute
The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Florida is generally two years from the date of death. This deadline is strict, and missing it typically means losing your right to compensation forever. Some exceptions may apply, particularly in medical malpractice cases, but you should contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Only the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. This representative brings the action on behalf of the estate and qualifying survivors, which may include:
- The surviving spouse
- Minor and adult children
- Parents of the deceased
- Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependents
How Our Ocoee Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help
When you're grieving a loss, dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures feels overwhelming. Our personal injury law firm handles every aspect of your wrongful death claim, allowing you to focus on your family.
An Ocoee wrongful death lawyer at our office can help you in the following ways:
- Investigating the circumstances of your loved one's death
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Gathering evidence including police reports and witness statements
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing your wrongful death lawsuit before the deadline
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Several of our attorneys previously defended insurance companies, giving us insight into their tactics. We use this knowledge to build stronger cases for our clients and anticipate the strategies insurers will use to minimize your claim.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Wrongful Death Claims
Insurance companies protecting negligent parties work hard to minimize payouts on wrongful death claims. They employ teams of adjusters and defense attorneys whose job is to protect the company's profits, not to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand your legal rights
- Disputing liability even when their insured was clearly at fault
- Minimizing the value of your loved one's life and contributions
- Delaying the claims process hoping you'll accept less
- Using your grief and statements against you
Our firm handles all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from these tactics while we build your case for maximum compensation.
Personal Injury Cases vs. Wrongful Death Claims
While personal injury cases and wrongful death claims both arise from negligence, important differences exist. Personal injury claims are filed by the injured person seeking compensation for their own losses. In wrongful death cases, the estate's representative files on behalf of survivors and the estate.
Personal injury lawsuits may involve ongoing medical treatment and recovery, while wrongful death cases involve final medical bills and funeral expenses. The compensation you deserve in a wrongful death case includes both the estate's losses and the survivors' damages.
Taking Action After a Wrongful Death in Ocoee
Time is critical after losing a loved one to negligence. Evidence can disappear, witnesses forget important details, and the statute of limitations continues running. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Here are some important steps to take:
- Obtain copies of all medical records and bills
- Get the police report if applicable
- Document funeral and burial expenses
- Gather information about your loved one's income and benefits
- Keep records of all communications about the incident
- Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Ocoee Wrongful Death Attorney
If you've lost a loved one due to negligence in Ocoee or surrounding areas, don't wait to seek legal help. Our personal injury attorneys understand your legal situation and can help you pursue justice while you focus on healing.
Call Spetsas Buist at 321-LAWSUIT to schedule a free consultation with an Ocoee wrongful death lawyer. We serve families throughout West Orange County, including Winter Garden, Windermere, Pine Hills, and Apopka. When you call us, you'll speak with an attorney who can evaluate your case and explain your options.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. We handle all upfront costs and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your family during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions For Our Ocoee Wrongful Death Lawyers
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ocoee?
The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Florida is generally two years from the date of death. However, some exceptions may apply, particularly in medical malpractice cases. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure you don't miss this critical deadline.
What if the person who caused my loved one's death was uninsured?
Even if the negligent party lacks insurance, you may have other options for recovery. This could include your own uninsured motorist coverage, the defendant's personal assets, or claims against other potentially liable parties. Our attorneys can evaluate all possible sources of compensation.
Can I afford a wrongful death lawyer?
Yes. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win your case. We advance all costs associated with your case and only get reimbursed if we recover compensation for you.