Sarasota Wrongful Death Lawyers

A death in the family is normally a somber and difficult experience. When the cause of death was a fatal accident, dealing with the loss is complicated by the legal aspects. Family members typically want to know, “Why did this happen? How will we cope with sudden expenses as well as the loss of his or her contributions to family life? Who was to blame? How will the negligent party be held accountable?” Answers to such questions may come through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This individual may be named in the decedent’s will or appointed by the court if there is none. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of eligible surviving family members, including:

A surviving spouse,
Biological or adopted children,
Parents, and
Dependent blood relatives or adoptive siblings.

Beneficiaries may recover compensation for losses they personally suffer because of their loved one’s death. A Sarasota wrongful death lawyer can help identify eligible beneficiaries and ensure the claim is filed within Florida’s two-year statute of limitations.

Types of Compensation in a Wrongful Death Claim

Florida law allows survivors to recover for both financial and emotional damages. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable losses may include:

Medical costs related to the final injury or illness;
Funeral and burial expenses;
Loss of the deceased’s income, earning potential, and benefits;
Loss of household services;
Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection; and
Mental and emotional pain and suffering.

The estate may also recover certain damages, such as lost earnings between injury and death, along with expenses paid on behalf of the estate. An experienced Sarasota wrongful death attorney can help ensure the full range of losses is properly valued.

Common Accidents Giving Rise to a Wrongful Death Claim

Fatal injuries in Sarasota arise from many situations. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Motor vehicle crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians;
Workplace incidents such as construction accidents, machinery failures, or hazardous exposure;
Medical negligence, including surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or medication mistakes;
Dangerous products such as defective machinery, auto parts, or consumer items;
Unsafe property conditions that result in falls or other accidents; and
Boating incidents involving collisions, capsizing, or drowning.

Each case demands a careful investigation to identify causes and responsible parties. A trusted wrongful death attorney in Sarasota can handle this work while you focus on healing.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Wrongful Death Claim

Wrongful death cases present legal and emotional complexities. Florida law dictates strict rules for eligibility, damage allocation, and filing requirements; missing these deadlines or misinterpreting the law can end a claim before it begins.

Establishing fault may require expert testimony, medical record review, and accident reconstruction. Calculating losses includes determining lost income and household contributions, as well as other uniquely personal emotional losses.

A seasoned wrongful death lawyer in Sarasota, FL, handles legal, procedural, and evidentiary demands while negotiating with insurers on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on your family without worrying about the stressful legal process.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Death

Taking the proper steps in the days and weeks after losing a loved one can help protect your rights and strengthen a future claim. While no action can undo the loss, being proactive can make a significant difference in the legal process. We recommend that you:

Gather important documents. Keep medical records, the death certificate, accident or incident reports, and receipts for medical or funeral costs in a safe place. These will be key evidence for your attorney.
Preserve all possible evidence. Save photographs, video footage, or personal items from the scene. Hold on to damaged vehicles, products, or equipment if they may be relevant.
Keep detailed records. Maintain a written log of events, conversations, and expenses related to the death. This can help your attorney track damages and timelines.
Avoid making statements to insurers without legal advice. Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly. Politely decline to give detailed statements until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Do not rush into a settlement. Early settlement offers often undervalue the claim. An attorney can help you understand the true worth of your case before making decisions.
Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Consulting an experienced Sarasota wrongful death lawyer early helps preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and develop a strong case strategy.

These actions ensure valuable information is preserved and your legal rights remain protected, giving your family the best opportunity to pursue justice and fair compensation.

Examining Evidence and Preparing to Make a Claim

A wrongful death attorney representing the family can help bring a fatal accident case to closure, financially and legally speaking. A settlement or verdict cannot take the place of a lost loved one, but financial resources can give the family avenues of recovery.

A motorist who ran a red light and caused a death may be required by a court to compensate the next of kin of the deceased: a spouse, children, parents or siblings. In addition to civil liability, the guilty party may face criminal justice, as well. An irresponsible driver who killed someone may also be charged with vehicular manslaughter. A law firm preparing a wrongful death lawsuit will gather information from many sources, including from proceedings during a criminal trial.

Why Choose Us

At Greg Linehan Law, we bring decades of personal injury experience and a deep understanding of Florida wrongful death laws. We handle each case with sensitivity and clarity, offering tailored strategies based on your situation.

Our approach includes detailed investigation, careful valuation of losses, and vigorous representation at the negotiation or trial stage. You always work directly with your attorney, not layers of staff, so your case gets undivided focus. Sarasota families trust our firm because we combine our strong legal skill with compassionate, respectful support.

As lifelong Sarasota residents, we are committed to serving our community through our law practice. If you have lost a loved one in this area or in an accident out of the area, we want you to know we are here to offer support. You will also have our entire law firm on call, supporting your case. Teamwork for our clients’ sake is our way.

Sarasota Wrongful Death Lawyer

Our Sarasota lawyers are here to provide answers after a family member’s fatal accident, as well as to dig for more answers – and relief for you. How can we help you now? We encourage you to request a no-fee, no-obligation initial consultation at your earliest convenience. If you decide to work with us, we can begin an investigation right away, without disturbing your family during this sad time. Our attorney will gladly discuss your potential wrongful death case with no obligation. As soon as you are ready, we will share information and advice. Call our wrongful death attorneys today at 941-559-4529 or contact us using the button below.

Do You Qualify as a Family Member Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim?

Our attorney will gladly discuss your potential wrongful death case with no obligation. As soon as you are ready, we will share information and advice. Call our wrongful death attorneys today at 941-559-GLAW (4529) or contact us using the button below.