Hurt in a Car Accident or
Motorcycle Crash? Lost a Loved
One in a Wrongful Death?
Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Lawyers
The loss of a loved one in a traffic accident or other wrongful death case or cases due to the negligence of others is a tragic event for any family. Our lawyers at Whittel & Melton are ready to provide legal representation to guide you through this difficult time. While we cannot undo the past, we are committed to ensuring that your family receives full compensation for the negligent acts of others. We will also defend you against any potential disregard from insurance companies, who may not value the life of your loved one as we do.
If a loved one has been a victim of a wrongful death motor vehicle accident, truck accident, train accident, airplane crash, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall, call our Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Attorneys at Whittel & Melton at 813-221-3200 for a free consultation to discuss your case or contact us 24/7 online.
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 wrongful death lawsuit is typically brought by a family member 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 money 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 Think I Have a Tampa Wrongful Death Claim?
If you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence or carelessness, then we strongly advise that you speak with a Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away. Whittel & Melton’s Tampa Accidental Death Attorneys know how to swiftly and properly gather and preserve critical evidence that may otherwise be lost forever.. We will thoroughly investigate your loved one’s wrongful death to determine what happened and who is at fault.
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 wrongful death cases, stemming from:
- Nursing home neglect and/or abuse
- Medication errors
- Falls and Victims of trauma
Motor vehicle accident wrongful death 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 Wrongful Death 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 Wrongful Death 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?
We take on all wrongful death cases at Whittel & Melton on a contingency fee basis. What this means for you is that you will not pay any upfront charges to us for working your case and we will not get paid unless a recovery of compensation is made on your behalf. When you do recover compensation, then we will typically receive a percentage of the total.
How We Handle Your Wrongful Death 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. If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
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 a wrongful death case 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 to the Estate and the Estate will administer per the Rules of Estate Administration.
How Long Will My Tampa Wrongful Death 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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