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. Since 1955, we have recovered over $675 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. We understand that no amount of money equals what you and your family have lost, but we are committed to helping you hold the negligent party liable for their wrongful actions.
Contact us today at (813) 737-7248 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.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws
Florida’s laws regarding wrongful death are complex and governed specifically by the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Statutes 768.16 – 768.26). The state’s policy is to shift the financial losses resulting from a death from the survivors to the wrongdoer.
The Statute of Limitations
It is critical to act quickly. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the death. While this may seem like a long time, building a successful case requires immediate investigation, gathering of evidence, and expert testimony. If you fail to file within this window, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever.
The Burden of Proof
To win a wrongful death case in Tampa, we must prove:
- The defendant owed the deceased a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty through negligence or a wrongful act.
- This breach directly caused the death of your loved one.
- The death resulted in specific damages for the survivors and the estate.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
While many family members feel the impact of a loss, Florida law is very specific about who can initiate a legal claim.
In Florida, a wrongful death action must be filed by the personal representative (also known as the executor) of the deceased person’s estate. This individual is often named in the deceased’s will or appointed by a court. Although the personal representative files the suit, they do so on behalf of the estate and the "survivors."
Under Florida law, "survivors" who may be entitled to compensation include:
- The surviving spouse.
- The children of the deceased.
- The parents of the deceased.
Any blood relative or adopted sibling who was partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support or services.
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we help families identify the personal representative and ensure all eligible survivors are included in the claim to maximize the recovery for the entire family.
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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“Mrs Bryant works her butt off to make sure you get what is do to you in medical and beyond! They won’t take your case if they don’t feel you haven’t been wronged.”- Christine R.
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“Working with Mark Perenich on my auto injury case was an absolute game-changer. From the very beginning, he brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and care that immediately put us at ease.”- Kerry B.
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“Lorrie and Allyson are phenomenal. I highly recommend them to anyone. It seemed like a never ending journey but I can’t thank them enough for diligently fighting my case with the greatest integrity, support and prayers.”- Former Client
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“Allyson has been so helpful with navigating the disability process for my husband!”- Kaitlyn S.
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“It honestly couldn’t have gone better. Pretty much perfect.”- Andreas B.
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“From the first day we met this law group I felt very comfortable and knew we would be well taken care of. This was our first experience filing for SSD, and was not disappointed. The lawyers are awesome and very professional.”- Shari J.
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“Very nice they worked with you. Never ignored me with my case. Always on top to work with you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help me! Very highly recommend.”- Margarita O.
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“My appointed attorney was Jacqueline, Bryant. She is very compassionate about her client and work. When it comes to negotiation, she's a Beast and she gets the job done.”- Alaina J.
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.
