Losing a family member suddenly is heartbreaking and disorienting. On top of grief, you may be facing funeral costs, unanswered questions, and pressure from insurance companies. If someone else’s careless or wrongful conduct caused the death, you have the right to ask what the law can do to protect your family.
Raposo & Lukacs represents families in the Coral Gables area in wrongful death claims. Our team works to shoulder the legal burden, so you can focus on mourning and caring for one another. Consultations are free, and you do not pay us upfront, which means you can talk with a wrongful death attorney about your options without adding financial stress.
Florida wrongful death law is complex, and it can be hard to know where to begin. We are here to listen to what happened, explain how the law may apply, and help you decide on the next steps that feel right for your family.
Call (305) 575-2177 to schedule your free consultation today.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Common examples include:
In a wrongful death case, the law recognizes that certain family members have the right to seek compensation for their losses, including financial support, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship. Our Coral Gables wrongful death lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws
Florida has specific statutes governing wrongful death claims, which outline who may recover damages and the types of compensation available. Under Florida Statute §768.19, a wrongful death claim can be filed when the death of an individual is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another party.
Key points of Florida wrongful death law include:
Eligibility to File: Only certain family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, may bring a claim.
Damages Recoverable: Florida law allows recovery for medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Time Limits: Florida imposes a statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of death, to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our Coral Gables wrongful death attorney ensures that your claim meets all legal requirements and is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Florida, the following individuals are generally entitled to file a wrongful death claim:
Spouse of the deceased
Children, including adopted children
Parents of a deceased minor or adult child
If no family members exist in these categories, other relatives may be allowed to file, but this can involve more complex legal considerations. It is crucial to consult with a Coral Gables wrongful death lawyer to determine who qualifies and how to proceed.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
Families who lose a loved one due to negligence are often burdened with unexpected financial and emotional costs. A wrongful death claim can help alleviate some of these burdens. Types of compensation may include:
Funeral and burial expenses: Covers the cost of funeral services and burial or cremation.
Medical expenses: Includes costs for medical treatment or hospitalization prior to death.
Loss of financial support: Compensation for the economic contributions the deceased would have provided to their family.
Loss of companionship: Emotional damages for the pain, suffering, and loss of guidance and love.
Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
A: Generally, you must file within two years from the date of death, although exceptions may apply in certain circumstances.
Q: Can I sue if my loved one had a pre-existing condition?
A: Yes. If the death was caused or accelerated by another party’s negligence, a wrongful death claim may still be valid.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
A: While not required, having an experienced Coral Gables wrongful death lawyer significantly increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation and navigating the legal process effectively.
Q: How long does a wrongful death case take?
A: The duration depends on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and court schedules. Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but some may proceed to trial.
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When a fatal crash, fall, medical error, or other tragedy happens in or around Coral Gables, families often feel pulled in many directions at once. There may be police investigations, insurance adjusters calling, and relatives asking what should be done. Our team steps in to bring order to this chaos and to protect your interests.
Raposo & Lukacs is a personal injury law firm that represents surviving family members after serious and fatal incidents in the Coral Gables and broader Miami-Dade area. We are familiar with how wrongful death lawsuits that arise are typically handled in the civil courts of Miami-Dade County. We understand the local procedures and paperwork, and we work to keep your case moving while you attend to your family.
From the beginning, we focus on making the process as manageable as possible. Your attorney and our staff handle communication with insurance companies and defense lawyers, request records, and track important deadlines. Our goal is to limit how often you need to relive painful details while still building a strong claim on your behalf.
Cost is a major worry for many families who contact us. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay fees upfront, and our payment is collected from a recovery if we are successful. This structure allows you to work with a wrongful death lawyer Coral Gables residents can rely on without placing additional strain on your budget during an already difficult time.
Every loss is unique, and we take time to understand yours. Whether your loved one died in a collision on a local roadway, in an incident on unsafe property, or because of another form of alleged negligence, we can review the facts with you and explain how Florida’s wrongful death laws might apply.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that won’t flinch. We are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Our track record speaks for itself—when we take on a case, we fight to win.
When Everything Is on the Line, We Deliver.
High-value cases demand precision, experience, and fearless representation. We take on the toughest legal battles, standing firm against powerful opponents to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Powerful Representation
We don’t handle minor claims—we focus on complex, high-stakes cases where the results matter most. Our firm is built on the principles of aggressive litigation, tactical strategy, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
Your Case. Your Future. Our Mission.
Your legal battle isn’t just another case to us—it’s your future, your financial security, and your peace of mind. We take a personal stake in every case we handle, fighting with determination to deliver the justice and compensation you deserve.
