Losing a loved one to negligence is one of the worst things a person and a family can experience. A Lake Mary wrongful death lawyer at Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers can help you get the answers and justice you deserve. Our law firm has extensive experience representing families throughout Seminole County and the rest of Central Florida.
Lake Mary, known for its excellent schools and family-oriented communities like Timacuan and Heathrow, has experienced significant growth in recent years. With this growth comes increased traffic on major corridors like Country Club Road, Lake Mary Boulevard, and Interstate 4.
Unfortunately, auto accidents on these busy roadways account for many wrongful death claims in our community. Many of these crashes occur at dangerous intersections like Lake Mary Boulevard and Rinehart Road, where heavy traffic and complex traffic patterns create heightened risks. Regardless of how your loved one's wrongful death occurred, a Lake Mary wrongful death attorney at our office can help guide you through this hard time.
You can call our office anytime at 321-LAWSUIT for a free consultation with an attorney. We don't get paid unless we recover money for you. So, you don't have to worry about any upfront costs or retainer fees.
Understanding Wrongful Death Laws in Florida
Under Florida law, wrongful death is where someone's negligence, default, or wrongful act causes another person's death. The legal process for pursuing these claims requires filing through the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, just minutes from Lake Mary. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys understands the local court system and how Seminole County juries evaluate wrongful death cases.
Florida Statute § 768.19 provides for wrongful death claims in the State of Florida, allowing the deceased person's estate to seek compensation through their personal representative. Only the personal representative can bring a wrongful death claim in Florida. Typically, the deceased person's will names the personal representative, or the court will appoint one.
Also, under Florida law, only specific family members can recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. These people usually include the surviving spouse, children, parents, and any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependent on the deceased. A wrongful death lawyer at our law office can explain exactly who qualifies as a survivor in your specific situation.
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death cases. This means that families have just 24 months from the date of their loved one's death to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation forever, regardless of how strong your personal injury case might be.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Lake Mary
The wrongful death lawyers at our law firm have represented families who've lost loved ones in various tragic circumstances throughout Lake Mary and the State of Florida. Some of the more common ways a wrongful death occurs are listed below.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents remain the leading cause of wrongful death cases in Lake Mary, particularly on Interstate 4 near the Lake Mary exit and along Rinehart Road during rush hour traffic. Some of the more common types of fatal crashes in Lake Mary involve:
- Distracted drivers using mobile devices
- Speeding in school zones near Lake Mary Elementary and Lake Mary High School
- Drunk driving incidents on weekend nights
- Red-light violations at major intersections
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice at area healthcare facilities represents another significant category of wrongful death cases. When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, the consequences can be fatal. Our wrongful death attorneys have handled cases involving:
- Surgical errors at nearby hospitals
- Medication mistakes and overdoses
- Failures to diagnose heart attacks or strokes
- Birth injuries resulting in infant death
- Anesthesia errors during routine procedures
Premises Liability
Premises liability incidents at Lake Mary's numerous shopping centers, office complexes, and residential communities can lead to wrongful death claims. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. Fatal incidents we've handled include:
- Inadequate security at apartment complexes leading to violent crimes
- Slip-and-fall accidents at Colonial TownPark and other shopping areas
- Swimming pool drownings in residential communities
- Parking lot accidents because of poor lighting or maintenance
The Role of Insurance Companies in Wrongful Death Cases
Insurance companies spend a lot of money on defense teams whose entire job is to minimize payouts on wrongful death and personal injury claims. They employ teams of adjusters and defense attorneys whose primary goal is protecting the company's profits, not ensuring fair compensation for grieving families. Some of their common tactics include:
- Contacting family members immediately after a tragedy
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before families understand their rights
- Disputing liability even with clear evidence of fault
- Minimizing the value of your loved one's life and contributions
- Delaying the claims process to pressure families into accepting less
Our law firm handles all communications with insurance companies. We can protect you from insurance company tactics and build a strong case so that you and your family get maximum compensation for what you have been through.
The complex interplay between different insurance policies – including auto insurance, commercial liability insurance, umbrella policies, and excess coverage – requires experienced legal representation to navigate successfully. The lawyers at our firm worked on the side of the insurance companies before representing injured people. We understand their tactics and strategies, and we know what it takes to get these companies to pay proper value for a case.
Compensation Available in Lake Mary Wrongful Death Cases
Florida law provides for various types of compensation in wrongful death cases. When you schedule a free consultation with our Lake Mary wrongful death attorney team, we'll identify all applicable damages in your case. Below is an overview of the types of damages you may be entitled to under Florida law.
Economic Damages
- Medical bills your loved one incurred prior to death
- 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 the deceased provided
- Loss of business or employment benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Mental pain and suffering experienced by survivors
- Loss of companionship and protection for the surviving spouse
- Loss of parental guidance and instruction for minor children
- Loss of support and services
- Pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Why Choose Spetsas Buist for Your Wrongful Death Case
Our law firm is a litigation law firm dedicated to maximum value. We are not a high-volume settlement mill law firm. When you need legal representation after losing a loved one, here's how we can help you:
- Free consultation - Meet with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case without financial obligation
- Direct attorney access - Call 321-LAWSUIT to speak with a lawyer, not a customer service representative
- Former insurance defense experience - Several attorneys previously defended insurance companies, giving us in-depth knowledge of insurance companies' defense strategies
- No upfront costs - We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win
- No interest on case costs - Our law firm will cover all costs, from expert witnesses to court filing fees, and we don't charge you interest on those case costs.
- Personal communication - You receive your lawyer's direct contact information
- Thorough investigation - We gather evidence we need to establish liability and build a strong case
- Expert witness network - Access to accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic specialists
- Aggressive negotiation - We handle all insurance company communications
- Trial readiness - We're prepared to take your case to court if necessary
Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death in Lake Mary, FL
If you've lost a loved one due to someone's negligence in Lake Mary, you should take immediate action to protect your legal rights. The legal process following a wrongful death can seem overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here are some key steps you can take to protect your legal rights:
- Document everything related to the incident
- Obtain copies of police reports and medical records
- Gather witness contact information
- Avoid discussing the case on social media
- Don't sign anything from insurance companies without legal review
- Don't give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
- Keep all financial documents showing economic losses
- Contact an experienced wrongful death attorney immediately
Contact a Lake Mary Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
Contact Spetsas Buist at 321-LAWSUIT to schedule a free consultation with a Lake Mary wrongful death lawyer at our office. We handle cases throughout Central Florida and Seminole County, including Heathrow, Timacuan, Lake Forest, Sanford, Longwood, and surrounding communities. Our wrongful death attorneys understand the devastating impact of losing a loved one, and we are committed to helping you seek justice while you focus on healing.
Our law firm combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate client service, treating each family we represent with the respect and attention they deserve. A Lake Mary personal injury lawyer at our office will handle the legal complexities while you focus on honoring your loved one's memory and supporting your family through this difficult time.
If you lost a loved one in Lake Mary, Florida due to the negligent actions of a person or business, we are here to help you. Don't hesitate to call us when you need us.