Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, the grief is compounded by anger, confusion, and a need for justice.
A wrongful death claim cannot bring back the person you’ve lost, but it can provide accountability — and help ensure your family’s future stability.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne guide Florida families through this difficult process with compassion and strength. Their mission is to help grieving families seek answers, demand justice, and hold negligent parties fully accountable for their actions.
What Is Wrongful Death Under Florida Law?
In Florida, a wrongful death occurs when someone’s death is caused by another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct. These claims are filed under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26) and allow families to recover financial compensation for their loss.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
- Car and trucking accidents caused by negligent drivers
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Nursing home neglect or elder abuse
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Dangerous or defective products
- Unsafe property conditions or inadequate security
- Criminal acts or intentional harm
Moore Payne Law works to uncover what happened, why it happened, and who must be held responsible.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit. This representative acts on behalf of the surviving family members, who are considered beneficiaries.
Eligible beneficiaries may include:
- The surviving spouse
- Children (including adopted children and stepchildren, in certain cases)
- Parents of the deceased
- Dependent relatives or heirs named in the estate
Once the case is resolved, any compensation is distributed according to Florida’s wrongful death statutes.
What Must Be Proven in a Wrongful Death Case
To succeed in a wrongful death claim, Moore Payne Law must demonstrate:
- 1.
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act safely.
- 2.
- Breach of duty: That obligation was violated through negligence or recklessness.
- 3.
- Causation: The defendant’s conduct directly caused the death.
- 4.
- Damages: The family suffered measurable financial and emotional losses.
These elements form the foundation of every wrongful death case, whether it involves a fatal car crash, a hospital’s negligence, or a defective product.
Types of Compensation Available
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a wrongful death settlement or verdict can ease the financial strain caused by the loss. Families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and future financial support
- Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
- Mental pain and suffering experienced by survivors
- Loss of benefits and inheritance
- Punitive damages in cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct
Moore Payne Law ensures that every aspect of loss — emotional, financial, and personal — is fully accounted for when pursuing justice.
Common Wrongful Death Cases in Florida
The firm handles a wide range of wrongful death cases, including:
Motor Vehicle and Trucking Accidents
Fatal crashes caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers are among the most common wrongful death cases in Florida.
Medical Malpractice
When hospitals or doctors make fatal errors — such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or failure to treat — families have a right to hold them accountable.
Workplace and Construction Accidents
Employers, contractors, or third parties may be liable for fatal injuries caused by unsafe working conditions or defective equipment.
Defective Products
Manufacturers can be held responsible for dangerous products — including vehicles, medical devices, and household items — that lead to fatal injuries.
Nursing Home Neglect
When vulnerable seniors lose their lives due to abuse, dehydration, or preventable infections, facilities must answer for their failures.
Moore Payne Law investigates each case thoroughly to uncover the truth and pursue justice for surviving families.
How Moore Payne Law Supports Families
Grieving families need more than just a lawyer — they need an advocate who understands both the emotional and legal challenges of a wrongful death case.
Moore Payne Law’s process includes:
- Detailed investigation — Reviewing medical records, accident reports, and expert opinions.
- Liability identification — Determining all responsible individuals, companies, or institutions.
- Economic analysis — Calculating the lifetime financial losses caused by the death.
- Negotiation and litigation — Seeking fair settlements or taking the case to trial when necessary.
- Compassionate guidance — Supporting families at every step, with empathy and respect.
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne combine professional excellence with genuine compassion, ensuring families are never alone during the legal process.
Time Limits for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida
In most cases, Florida law allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving government entities or concealed negligence.
Because these timelines are strict, families should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect their rights.
Why Experience Matters
Wrongful death claims often involve powerful insurance companies, hospitals, or corporations determined to minimize payouts.
Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne bring years of experience handling complex and emotional litigation. Their reputation for meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy ensures that negligent parties are held accountable — and that clients receive the justice they deserve.
When corporations and insurers refuse responsibility, Moore Payne Law takes the fight to court.
What Families Should Do After a Wrongful Death
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one due to negligence:
- 1.
- Obtain the death certificate and any available medical or police reports.
- 2.
- Keep records of expenses, including funeral and medical costs.
- 3.
- Avoid early settlement offers or statements to insurers.
- 4.
- Contact Moore Payne Law for a free consultation and case evaluation.
The sooner your legal team begins investigating, the stronger your case will be.
Honoring Loved Ones Through Justice
Every wrongful death case represents a story — a life that mattered. Moore Payne Law believes in honoring those lives through accountability and justice.
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne are dedicated to helping Florida families find closure, rebuild stability, and create safer communities by demanding change from negligent individuals and corporations.
If your loved one’s death was caused by negligence, contact Moore Payne Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Let their team help your family find justice, peace, and the strength to move forward.
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