Losing a loved one is devastating, but when that loss happens because of someone else’s reckless or careless actions, the pain can feel unbearable. If you’ve lost a family member in an accident caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next, and how to protect your family’s future.
Wrongful death claims are not about placing a dollar value on your loved one’s life — they are about holding the responsible parties accountable and securing the resources your family needs to move forward. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our Coral Gables wrongful death attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships you’re facing, and we’re here to offer compassionate, experienced legal support. Call us today at 305-845-4470 to learn more about how we can help you during this difficult time.
Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Wrongful death claims can arise from a variety of accidents and situations. Our Coral Gables wrongful death lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of cases, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in Florida. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior can turn a routine drive into a tragedy. If your loved one was killed in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, our team will thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation.
Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage when involved in accidents with smaller vehicles. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow strict state and federal regulations. When these rules are ignored — through driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or poor maintenance — innocent lives can be lost. Our legal team has the resources to investigate trucking companies and hold them accountable for their negligence.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare professionals fail to provide an acceptable standard of care, the consequences can be fatal. Wrongful death claims in medical malpractice cases may involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or birth injuries. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to identify what went wrong and how healthcare providers failed in their duty of care.
Workplace Accidents
Certain industries, such as construction and manufacturing, have higher risks of workplace fatalities. Employers are responsible for providing safe working conditions, proper training, and necessary protective equipment. When a fatal workplace accident occurs, we can help surviving family members explore potential workers’ compensation benefits or third-party liability claims.
Premises Liability
Property owners must maintain safe environments for visitors. Fatal accidents can occur due to slip-and-fall hazards, inadequate security, or dangerous property conditions. Our team will investigate whether a property owner’s negligence directly contributed to your loved one’s death and build a strong claim for compensation.
Defective Products
Manufacturers have a responsibility to design, produce, and market safe products. When a defective product causes a fatal injury — whether it’s a malfunctioning vehicle part, unsafe children’s toy, or dangerous household appliance — the manufacturer may be held liable. We work with industry experts to pinpoint design flaws, production errors, or inadequate warnings.
Statistics on Wrongful Death
Wrongful deaths occur more often than many people realize. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, preventable injuries claimed 227,039 lives in the United States in 2022, with motor vehicle crashes being a significant contributor.
Florida’s roads continue to see a troubling number of fatal crashes. According to a 2023 report from TRIP, a national transportation research group, 3,738 people died in traffic accidents across the state in 2022. Many of these fatalities were linked to risky driving behaviors like speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. These numbers show the importance of encouraging safer habits behind the wheel and holding negligent drivers accountable.
Examples of How Cases Might Unfold
To give you a better sense of how these cases might work, we’ve created some hypothetical cases as illustrations.
Fatal Car Accident on US-1
A family in Coral Gables loses a loved one in a high-speed crash on US-1 after a distracted driver causes the collision. The victim was the household’s main source of income, and their loss leaves the family struggling to cover everyday expenses. Our team steps in to investigate the incident, talk to witnesses, and review traffic camera footage. After negotiating with the insurance company, we help the family recover compensation to cover lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional toll of their loss.
Medical Malpractice at a Local Clinic
A patient dies after a doctor overlooks a life-threatening condition, leaving the family in shock and unsure of where to turn. Our team works with medical professionals to go through the records and find out what went wrong. Once we uncover the mistake, we help the family take legal action against the negligent healthcare provider. In the end, they receive compensation to help with medical bills and give them a sense of closure as they move forward.
Workplace Accident at a Construction Site
A construction worker falls from an unsecured scaffold and suffers fatal injuries. The employer had ignored safety protocols and failed to provide proper training. Our lawyers investigate the incident, file claims against the employer and equipment manufacturer, and assist the family in recovering compensation for their tragic loss.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wrongful Death
Following are answers to questions our clients often have.
Why should I seek compensation for a wrongful death?
Compensation cannot bring your loved one back, but it can relieve some of the financial stress that often follows a sudden loss. This financial support can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, lost income, and provide a sense of justice by holding the responsible party accountable.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Florida law typically allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death. However, certain circumstances may extend or shorten this deadline, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
How much is my wrongful death claim worth?
The value of a wrongful death claim depends on several factors, including the victim’s age, income, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional impact on surviving family members. Our attorneys can review the details of your case and give you an idea of what compensation you might expect.
Who can file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death claim. Compensation is then distributed to the surviving family members, including the spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, dependent relatives.
What should I do if I’m considering a wrongful death claim?
The most important step you can take is to seek legal advice early on. Contact a Coral Gables wrongful death lawyer from Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia as soon as possible. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you take action to protect your family’s future.
Why should I choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia?
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we know how hard this time is for your family, and we’re here to help. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in clear, straightforward terms, and build a strong case backed by solid evidence. We’ll work hard to help you recover the compensation you need and be here to support you through every step of the process.
Get the Support You Need After a Loss
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and pursuing legal action may feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. The compassionate, experienced attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are here to help. Call us today at 305-845-4470 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you pursue justice for your loved one and secure the financial support your family needs to move forward with greater peace of mind.
