Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer
Ready to Fight for Your Family
Losing someone you love is devastating — especially when their death could have been prevented. At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the pain, anger, and confusion that follow such a tragedy. Our mission is to help families in Tampa seek justice through wrongful death claims and hold negligent parties accountable.
If you’ve lost a family member due to another’s carelessness, our Tampa wrongful death attorneys can guide you through the legal process with compassion and strength.
Contact us today at (727) 591-3354 for a free consultation.
What is Wrongful Death?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death occurs when someone dies because of another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Essentially, it’s a personal injury case that the deceased can no longer bring on their own — so their surviving family members have the right to pursue it on their behalf.
Common causes of wrongful death cases in Tampa include:
- Car and truck accidents caused by speeding, distracted, or drunk drivers
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or failure to treat
- Workplace accidents or unsafe working conditions
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Criminal acts, including assault or homicide
A wrongful death claim seeks both accountability and compensation — helping families find financial stability while honoring their loved one’s memory.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26) specifies who may bring a wrongful death claim. In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is the one who must file the lawsuit. This representative may have been named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if no will exists.
However, while the personal representative files the case, it is done on behalf of the surviving family members who may benefit from the claim. Eligible survivors typically include:
- The spouse of the deceased
- The children, both minor and adult (if there is no surviving spouse)
- The parents of the deceased
- Any dependent family members, including adoptive relatives or those partly supported by the deceased
Each case is unique, and determining who can recover damages depends on the specific family structure and circumstances.
Importantly, Florida law gives you only two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit (with few exceptions). Failing to act within this window could mean losing your right to pursue justice and compensation — which is why speaking with our Tampa wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can relieve the financial burden left behind. It can also serve as a powerful tool for accountability.
Compensation in a Florida wrongful death case may include:
Economic Damages
These cover the tangible financial losses suffered due to your loved one’s death, such as:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of services and support to the household
Non-Economic Damages
These address the emotional and relational losses that don’t have a specific dollar value:
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving egregious or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with financial experts and investigators to build a thorough, evidence-based claim. Our goal is to ensure your family receives the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers?
Wrongful death cases are emotionally and legally complex. You deserve an attorney who will handle your case with both compassion and determination.
Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- Compassionate Legal Advocacy: We treat every client like family, guiding you through the process with empathy and care.
- Proven Experience: Our legal team has handled numerous wrongful death cases in Tampa and throughout Florida.
- Aggressive Representation: We pursue every avenue of recovery — whether through settlement negotiations or litigation in court.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You don’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Our team understands that wrongful death claims are about more than money — they’re about justice, accountability, and closure.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Generally, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. However, certain cases (such as those involving medical malpractice or government entities) may have different rules, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer promptly.
What’s the difference between a wrongful death case and a criminal case?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, focused on financial compensation for the family. A criminal case, on the other hand, is filed by the state and may result in jail time or fines for the wrongdoer. Both can proceed separately — and sometimes simultaneously.
What evidence is needed to prove wrongful death?
Your attorney will need to show that:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence or misconduct
- The breach caused the death
- The surviving family members suffered losses as a result
Evidence may include accident reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and medical records.
Can I still file a wrongful death claim if the deceased was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, compensation may be reduced by the deceased’s percentage of fault — but the family may still recover damages if another party was primarily responsible.
How can a Tampa wrongful death lawyer help my family?
A skilled attorney can investigate the cause of death, gather critical evidence, identify liable parties, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if needed — allowing you to focus on healing.
Speak with a Tampa Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence, you don’t have to face this alone. Our attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to fight for the justice and financial recovery your family deserves.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review.
We treat you like family.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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“Friendly knowledgeable and kept me informed about my case. Any offer, bill or question was readily answered. Would definitely recommend and refer people to Bryan Caulfield and his team!!”- Betty B.
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We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
