Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Lawyers

The loss of a loved one in a traffic accident or other wrongful death cases due to someone else’s negligence is devastating for any family. At Whittel & Melton, our Tampa wrongful death attorneys are here to offer compassionate and skilled legal representation during this challenging time. While we cannot undo the past, our wrongful death attorney in Tampa, FL, is dedicated to securing the full compensation your family deserves for the harm caused. We will also shield you from insurance companies that may undervalue the life of your loved one.

If you have lost someone to a wrongful death incident such as a motor vehicle accident, truck crash, or slip and fall, reach out to our Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton at 813-221-3200 for a free consultation or contact us online 24/7.

Tampa Accidental Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton FAQs

What Does Wrongful Death or Accidental Death Mean?

Wrongful death is the legal term for a death that comes about due to the fault of another person or persons. A family member typically brings a wrongful death lawsuit after a loved one has died because of another person’s negligent or intentional careless actions. Typical causes of wrongful death include car accidents, nursing home abuse or negligence, medical errors or mistakes, motorcycle accidents, and more. Florida laws provide that the family members of victims who have been killed because of the negligence of others can recover financial compensation for their economic and non-economic losses.

Who is Eligible for Damages?

Any wife, husband, parent, sibling, child, or dependent of a loved one may potentially be eligible for monetary damages as a result of a wrongful death in Florida. Florida law provides that any of the persons above could be financially compensated for expenses like medical costs, funeral bills, and noneconomic damages like the loss of companionship and/or the emotional pain and suffering.

What Should I Do if I Have a Wrongful Death Claim in Tampa, FL.?

If you believe you may have a Tampa wrongful death claim due to losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence or recklessness, we highly recommend speaking with a Tampa wrongful death attorney at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Our Tampa wrongful death lawyers have the experience to swiftly gather and preserve critical evidence that could be lost over time. We will thoroughly investigate your loved one’s case to identify what occurred and determine who is at fault, ensuring the best possible outcome for your claim.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of your loved one’s passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to pursue the claim. Consulting a wrongful death attorney in Tampa, FL, is critical to understanding how this timeframe applies to your case.

Key Considerations:

• Timeliness Matters: Filing late could mean forfeiting compensation.
• Possible Exceptions: Some cases might have circumstances extending the timeframe.

Speak with a Tampa wrongful death attorney to ensure your claim is handled correctly.

What Types of Cases Do Our Tampa Wrongful Death Attorneys Handle?

Our Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyers at Whittel & Melton handle all types of wrongful death cases, including:

Medical malpractice wrongful death cases arising from:

• Doctor mistakes
• Surgical errors
• Hospital mistakes
• Childbirth Injuries
• Anesthesia errors
• Misdiagnosis or failure to accurately diagnose

Nursing home cases, stemming from:

• Nursing home neglect and/or abuse
• Medication errors
• Falls and Victims of trauma

Motor vehicle accident cases, such as:

• Car accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Semi-truck collisions
• Distracted driving accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Boat Accidents
• Golf cart accidents

Premises liability wrongful death cases, including:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Construction and heavy machinery accidents
• Swimming pool accidents
• Amusement park injuries
• Roller coaster accidents
• Negligent security accidents
• Negligent ATM security accidents
• Hotel crime victims

Other Types of wrongful death cases stemming from:

• Airport and in-flight accidents
• Jail deaths
• Hepatitis A outbreaks
• Asbestos and mesothelioma
• Cruise ship accidents

The legal process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be intimidating. Still, we want to help you understand your legal rights and how we can recover financial compensation on your behalf. We have the legal knowledge, skills, and trial experience to litigate effectively against any person or major corporation that may be responsible for your unfortunate loss.

Why Should I Hire a Tampa Lawyer at Whittel & Melton?

Living through the unexpected loss of a loved one, especially when caused by someone else’s negligence, is devastating. The pain of losing a spouse, parent, child, or other family member may never fully heal. At Whittel & Melton, our Tampa Lawyers understand what you’re going through and are here to help you get the justice and compensation your family deserves. Let us take care of the legal matters, so you can focus on healing.

What Will a Tampa Wrongful Death Attorney at Whittel & Melton Cost?

Whittel & Melton handles every case on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront fees for our legal services, and we only get compensated if we successfully recover compensation for you. Once a recovery is made, our attorney in Tampa, FL, will typically collect a percentage of the total compensation. This structure ensures that our clients can pursue justice without financial strain.

How We Handle Your Case?

We start by thoroughly investigating your loved one’s wrongful death. This includes reviewing accident reports, medical records, and other evidence to hold the responsible party accountable. We also consult experts and review all relevant insurance policies—whether auto, medical malpractice, or homeowner’s insurance—to ensure all possible avenues for compensation are explored.

Next, we negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. With years of experience, we know their tactics and won’t settle for anything less than a fair offer. We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if negotiations fail.

Choosing the right lawyer is key to recovering the maximum compensation. Our experienced trial attorneys at Whittel & Melton will stand by your side, fighting for justice for your loved one in Tampa Bay.

How Do Wrongful Death Damages Get Paid?

Settlements for these type of cases are usually paid out as a lump sum. The lump sum will be paid upon finalization of your case and then attorney fees and costs related to your case will be deducted. The remainder will go to the heirs of the deceased or the Estate, and the Estate will administer it per the Rules of Estate Administration.

How Long Will My Case Take to Finish?

The time frame for a wrongful death lawsuit can vary wildly, and that is just the truth. Everything depends on the defendant, their attorneys, and the insurance companies. In some instances, parties can reach a resolution within months, while in others, it may take 1-4 years to settle. Timing depends on the complexity of the case, whether or not the case proceeds to trial, etc. We will do everything we can to finish your case in a timely manner, but we want to ensure that we handle your case correctly, which means not always accepting a quick settlement.

Are Wrongful Death Settlement Amounts Public Record?

Wrongful death settlements are generally not made available to the public. These settlements are usually kept just between the parties involved. However, if the case does proceed to trial, then normally those trial records are open to the public, including the amount that the jury awards the plaintiff.

How Can I Contact a Tampa Negligent Death Lawyer at Whittel & Melton?

Whittel & Melton’s wrongful death attorneys in Hillsborough County are prepared to confront the insurance companies to ensure fair compensation for your loss. Call us now at 813-221-3200 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist you and take your call.

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