Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer

In Tampa and across Florida, wrongful deaths—often resulting from preventable accidents—leave families grappling with profound grief and unexpected financial burdens. Each year, road accidents alone claim over 3,000 lives in Florida, with many of these tragedies traced back to negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct.

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s wrongful actions is painful beyond words, and navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, you don’t have to go at it alone. As your Tampa wrongful death lawyer, we will fight to secure justice and the compensation you need to move forward under Florida’s wrongful death statutes.

If you’re ready to take the next step in seeking justice for your loved one, contact Franchi Law at (813) 800-4529 for a free consultation.

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Tampa Wrongful Death Guide

• Why Choose Us
• Understanding Wrongful Death Compensation
• Where Do Wrongful Death Incidents Occur in Tampa?
• What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Case?
• Fighting the Insurance Company: Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation
• What to Do After Losing a Loved One in a Wrongful Death Accident
• Get the Justice Your Family Deserves with Franchi Law

Why Choose Us

When you’re facing the painful loss of a loved one, choosing the right legal team can make a world of difference. At Franchi Law, we bring an unwavering commitment to each case and a deep understanding of Florida’s wrongful death laws. We know that, for our clients, pursuing a wrongful death claim isn’t just about compensation—it’s about honoring your loved one’s memory and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Our Tampa office is conveniently located near the heart of the city, accessible just off I-275 and close to Tampa International Airport. We’re familiar with the area and its court system, which means we’re well-prepared to advocate on behalf of local families. This familiarity allows us to keep the process as seamless and stress-free as possible while keeping you informed every step of the way.

We’ve successfully secured millions in compensation for our clients, and we don’t back down when it comes to fighting for justice. Our approach is both compassionate and relentless. From the initial consultation to the final verdict or settlement, we are dedicated to building a strong case tailored to your family’s unique needs and circumstances. You deserve a team that not only understands the laws governing wrongful death in Florida but one that will stand beside you, committed to getting you the justice and peace of mind you deserve.

Understanding Wrongful Death Compensation

When you lose a loved one due to another’s negligence or misconduct, the legal system allows you to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses your family has endured, including:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to cover the tangible financial losses you face due to your loved one’s passing. These damages typically include:

• Medical expenses incurred before the loved one’s death
• Funeral and burial costs, which can often be substantial
• Loss of income and benefits that your loved one would have contributed over their lifetime

These quantifiable damages are calculated with the help of financial experts to ensure an accurate representation of your family’s economic loss.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that you and your family suffer, including:

• Loss of companionship and guidance, especially for a surviving spouse or children
• Emotional pain and suffering due to the trauma of the wrongful death

Under Florida law, close family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents, are eligible to recover these non-economic damages, recognizing the emotional toll of the loss.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional actions, courts may award punitive damages. While these damages are capped in Florida, they serve to penalize egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. We take a detailed approach to pursuing punitive damages, presenting clear evidence of the responsible party’s extreme negligence or intent.

Where Do Wrongful Death Incidents Occur in Tampa?

In Tampa, it’s no secret that the city has a deadly reputation, as certain high-traffic areas have been sites of numerous fatal accidents in recent years. Roads like Veterans Expressway and Selmon Expressway consistently see a high volume of severe crashes, while densely populated areas such as the University of South Florida vicinity also pose significant risks to pedestrians.

Local Statistics

According to the crash dashboard of The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in one recent year alone, Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, recorded 214 fatal crashes. Tampa Bay is particularly hazardous for pedestrians, with an average of 3.75 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents each year over a recent five-year period, totaling 599 fatalities. The risk is especially pronounced in busy city areas, where pedestrian safety is a growing concern.

Other Types of Fatal Accidents

The tragic loss of life in Hillsborough County extends beyond pedestrian incidents, with several other categories showing disturbing trends:

• Bicycle Fatalities: Hillsborough County recorded between 11 and 20 bicycle fatalities annually over a recent six-year period.
• Motorcycle Fatalities: These remain high, with 31 to 51 fatalities each year over the same period.
• Hit-and-Run Fatalities: Hit-and-run incidents have led to 13 to 26 deaths each year in the county since before the pandemic.

Contributing Factors

• Impaired driving is a significant factor. About 500 drunk driving accidents in Hillsborough County involve alcohol each year, resulting in nearly 300 injuries and between 20 and 30 deaths.
• Drug-related accidents are increasing, with 20 to 25 resulting in deaths each year on average.
• Distracted driving is a major issue, with more than a third of drivers who crash interacting with their smartphone in the minute before impact.

What Constitutes a Wrongful Death Case?

In Florida, wrongful death occurs when an individual loses their life due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. Whether the cause is a tragic car accident, an act of medical malpractice, or a dangerous product, families impacted by wrongful death may be eligible to file a civil claim under Florida Statutes § 768.16-768.26. This law ensures that the survivors have the legal right to pursue damages to support them after such a devastating loss.

Common Types of Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death claims can arise from various scenarios, each involving different aspects of liability and evidence. The following are some of the most common types of wrongful death cases Franchi Law is prepared to handle:

• Automobile Accidents: This category includes car, truck, and motorcycle accidents resulting from reckless driving, DUI, speeding, or violations of traffic laws.
• Medical Malpractice: These cases involve fatal errors in medical settings, such as surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or improper dosages. Florida law allows surviving family members to bring claims against healthcare providers when negligent medical care leads to death.
• Workplace Accidents: Often involving falls, heavy machinery, or unsafe conditions, workplace fatalities may give rise to wrongful death claims. Construction sites and industrial facilities frequently see these incidents, and in such cases, both employers and equipment manufacturers could be liable.
• Product Liability: Defective products—whether due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings—can cause fatal injuries. These incidents may involve automobiles, consumer goods, or industrial machinery, and under Florida law, families can hold manufacturers accountable for wrongful deaths caused by product defects.

Types of Injuries Leading to Wrongful Death Claims

Wrongful death can result from a range of injuries, each requiring a thorough analysis of the medical and circumstantial evidence. Some common injuries leading to wrongful death cases include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often fatal, TBIs frequently result from high-impact accidents or falls.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries, which often arise from vehicle accidents, can lead to death due to respiratory failure or complications.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage, which are common in car accidents and falls, can become fatal if untreated.
• Severe Burns: Electrical burns or chemical exposure can be fatal, especially in industrial settings or accidents involving defective products.

Legal Aspects of a Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death claims must meet specific legal criteria to be valid in Florida. The surviving family must demonstrate that:

• The defendant’s actions directly caused the death: This often requires evidence that the defendant acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally.
• The deceased’s family members suffered financially and emotionally due to the loss.
• The claimant is an eligible survivor: Florida limits wrongful death claimants to immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, and, in certain cases, dependent siblings or other relatives.

How Franchi Law Builds a Strong Case for You

At Franchi Law, we understand that a wrongful death case is about justice, closure, and financial recovery. We handle every aspect of the legal process for our clients, from gathering evidence to collaborating with experts in accident reconstruction and economic analysis. We will examine police reports, medical records, and expert witness testimonies to establish a clear connection between the defendant’s actions and your loved one’s passing.

Fighting the Insurance Company: Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

Insurance companies are notorious for employing tactics to minimize or deny wrongful death claims. When grieving families seek justice, insurers may attempt to reduce their financial responsibility through low settlement offers or lengthy delays. At Franchi Law, we will handle every step of the negotiation process to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

Common Insurance Company Tactics in Wrongful Death Cases

Insurance companies often use several strategies to protect their interests, and without an attorney, families may face undue stress and financial loss. Here are some of the ways insurers try to reduce payouts in wrongful death claims:

• Quick Settlement Offers: Insurers may offer an early, low settlement hoping families will accept it before fully understanding their case’s worth.
• Disputing Liability: Insurance companies might argue that the deceased was partially or fully at fault, aiming to reduce or deny compensation based on Florida’s comparative negligence laws.
• Prolonged Investigations: By delaying the investigation process, insurers hope families will feel pressured to settle for less due to financial strain.

How Franchi Law Counters These Tactics

We understand the techniques insurance companies use, and we’re prepared to stand up to them on your behalf. Franchi Law approaches wrongful death cases with detailed strategies, ensuring each claim is supported by compelling evidence, including accident reconstruction, expert witness statements, and medical records. We work with economists to quantify economic and non-economic damages, building a case reflecting the full scope of your loss.

What to Do After Losing a Loved One in a Wrongful Death Accident

To build a solid wrongful death claim, consider taking the following actions:

• Keep a Record of Financial Losses: Track expenses related to your loved one’s passing, including funeral costs, medical bills, and any loss of income. These records help document the economic impact of the loss.
• Gather All Documents and Reports: Collect medical records, the death certificate, accident reports, and any relevant correspondence with insurance companies. These documents are crucial in building a well-supported case.
• Document Emotional and Psychological Impact: Families can keep a journal or document the emotional toll and lifestyle changes brought about by the loss. This can help support claims for non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship and mental suffering.
• Avoid Social Media Discussions: Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor social media for statements or posts that could be misinterpreted to weaken your claim. It’s best to avoid sharing details or comments about the incident publicly.

Get the Justice Your Family Deserves with Franchi Law

William Franchi, Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you’re ready to take the next step in pursuing justice for your loved one, Franchi Law is here to support you with a free consultation.

Contact our Tampa personal injury lawyer today at (813) 800-4529 to begin the path toward securing your family’s future and honoring your loved one’s memory.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Franchi Law – Tampa Office

4100 W Kennedy Blvd #300,

Tampa, Florida 33609

Phone: (813) 800-4529