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Seeking Justice After a Tragic Loss: Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences — especially when that loss could have been prevented. Whether caused by a reckless driver, negligent doctor, or careless employer, a wrongful death leaves families grieving and searching for answers.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne stand beside families across Florida who are navigating the aftermath of tragedy. They combine compassion with legal strength to hold negligent parties accountable and help families rebuild their futures with dignity.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statute §768.19, wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act of another party. These cases allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for both emotional and financial losses.
Common causes of wrongful death include:
  • Car and trucking accidents caused by distracted or impaired drivers
  • Medical malpractice, including surgical errors and delayed diagnoses
  • Workplace or construction accidents due to unsafe conditions
  • Defective products or dangerous drugs
  • Nursing home neglect or abuse
  • Premises liability accidents, such as unsafe property hazards
  • Each of these tragedies could have been avoided — and holding the responsible parties accountable can bring a measure of justice and prevent future harm.

    Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

    In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the claim on behalf of the surviving family members. The lawsuit seeks damages for the losses suffered by the estate and the survivors.
    Eligible beneficiaries typically include:
    Moore Payne Law works closely with families to navigate this process with compassion and care — ensuring that everyone entitled to recovery is represented.

    Damages Available in Florida Wrongful Death Cases

    While no amount of money can replace a loved one, compensation can provide financial stability and accountability. Survivors may recover damages for:
    Moore Payne Law fights to ensure compensation reflects the true impact of the loss — both emotional and financial.

    Common Wrongful Death Scenarios in Florida

    Fatal Auto and Trucking Accidents

    Reckless driving, speeding, or impaired operation often lead to deadly crashes on Florida’s highways. Moore Payne Law investigates every factor — from driver negligence to corporate safety violations — to hold all responsible parties accountable.

    Medical Malpractice

    When a trusted healthcare provider makes a fatal mistake, families deserve justice. Whether caused by surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes, Moore Payne Law ensures negligent hospitals and doctors face responsibility.

    Workplace and Construction Accidents

    Employers must provide safe working conditions. When they fail — through inadequate training, missing safety equipment, or ignored OSHA standards — the consequences can be fatal.

    Defective Products and Dangerous Drugs

    Manufacturers and distributors can be held liable when unsafe products or medications cause deadly injuries.

    Nursing Home Neglect

    Elderly residents who suffer fatal injuries or illnesses due to neglect, malnutrition, or abuse deserve justice, and their families deserve answers.

    Proving Liability in a Wrongful Death Case

    To succeed, a wrongful death claim must prove four key elements:
    1. 1.
    2. Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act safely.
    3. 2.
    4. Breach of duty: The defendant acted negligently or recklessly.
    5. 3.
    6. Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused the death.
    7. 4.
    8. Damages: The family suffered measurable losses.
    Moore Payne Law builds every case on solid evidence — gathering medical records, expert testimony, accident reconstructions, and financial data to create a clear, compelling case for justice.

    Florida’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations

    In Florida, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. However, certain factors — such as government liability or medical malpractice — may shorten or extend this period.
    Because evidence can fade quickly, contacting an attorney as soon as possible is essential. Moore Payne Law ensures all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved from the start.

    How Moore Payne Law Supports Grieving Families

    Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne approach every wrongful death case with sensitivity and determination. Their representation includes:
    Their combination of compassion and courtroom skill helps families find both accountability and closure.

    Why Experience Matters

    Wrongful death cases often involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, and large corporations. Moore Payne Law’s extensive experience in catastrophic injury and negligence litigation gives families an advantage.
    They prepare every case as if it will go to trial — a strategy that consistently results in stronger settlements and verdicts for their clients. Insurance companies know that when Moore Payne Law is involved, the family’s case will not be taken lightly.

    What Families Should Do After a Wrongful Death

    1. 1.
    2. Request the death certificate and medical records.
    3. 2.
    4. Document everything, including funeral expenses and communications with insurers.
    5. 3.
    6. Avoid early settlement offers until speaking with an attorney.
    7. 4.
    8. Contact Moore Payne Law for a free, compassionate consultation.
    Their team handles the legal burden so families can focus on grieving and healing.

    Moore Payne Law: Advocates for Florida’s Families

    Every wrongful death case represents a life that mattered — a loved one taken too soon. At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne are honored to fight for those left behind, helping families secure justice, accountability, and peace.
    Their mission goes beyond compensation — it’s about honoring lives, exposing negligence, and protecting others from similar harm.
    If your family has lost a loved one due to negligence, contact Moore Payne Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
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    Moore Payne Law, PLLC
    3165 McCrory Place, Suite 101
    Orlando, FL 32803
    Phone: 407-216-1000