If you’ve lost a loved one due to the negligent, reckless, or careless actions of another party, you have the right to seek justice. You may be entitled to monetary compensation to help cover some of your material losses. A Sarasota wrongful death lawyer from Anidjar & Levine will stand by you and your family during this difficult time.
Our Sarasota personal injury lawyers will investigate the incident, gather key evidence, and work to identify the liable party. From there, we will negotiate with the other parties involved in your case on your behalf, pursuing any financial compensation you may be entitled to. Our team understands the challenges that come with a wrongful death case, so we will keep you informed as your case progresses.
You should not have to go through this hardship alone—call today to get started with a free consultation.
Types Of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Below are some of the wrongful death accidents we can help with:
Car Accidents
Fatal car accidents can happen in an instant, often due to distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior. Determining fault may require accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and in-depth insurance negotiations.
Our Sarasota car accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances, establish liability, and pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll on surviving family members.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian fatalities often occur due to driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield at crosswalks. These cases can be complicated by questions of visibility, right-of-way, and whether proper signage or lighting was in place.
Our Sarasota pedestrian accident lawyers understand the devastating impact of these incidents. We conduct thorough investigations to establish fault and fight for justice on behalf of families who have lost a loved one in a preventable tragedy.
Truck Accidents
When a commercial truck is involved in a fatal accident, multiple parties—such as the driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider—could share responsibility. These cases are governed by both state and federal regulations, making them especially complex.
Our Sarasota truck accident lawyers have the experience to handle these intricate claims and will work to hold all negligent parties accountable while securing the financial support your family needs.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road, and when a fatal crash occurs, bias or misinformation can complicate the pursuit of justice. Many of these accidents result from drivers failing to yield, unsafe lane changes, or poor road conditions.
Our Sarasota motorcycle accident lawyers understand these dynamics and will fight to protect your loved one’s memory and your right to fair compensation.
Slip And Fall Accidents
A fatal slip and fall may be caused by unsafe property conditions, such as unmarked hazards, broken stairs, or poor lighting. These cases often hinge on proving that a property owner failed to take reasonable safety measures.
Our Sarasota slip and fall lawyers can help you demonstrate negligence and seek damages for the preventable loss of your loved one.
Medical Malpractice
When a medical error leads to a loved one’s death—whether through misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or improper care—the legal process can be especially daunting. These claims require expert testimony and a deep understanding of medical standards.
Our Sarasota medical malpractice lawyers work closely with medical professionals to uncover the truth and guide your family through the legal process with sensitivity and determination.
How A Sarasota Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
According to Florida’s wrongful death statute of limitations in Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d), you typically have only two years after an incident to take legal action with a wrongful death lawsuit. When you attempt to seek justice outside of the statute of limitations, you risk being barred from recovering compensation. However, many circumstances could impact the end date, so we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible.
By getting in touch with a lawyer after an incident, you give them a chance to begin constructing a case that preserves your legal interests within this timeframe. Your lawyer will typically begin with a thorough investigation of the incident that led to wrongful death. In most cases, this process involves:
- Gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses to the accident
- Communicating with other parties, law enforcement, such as the Sarasota Police Department, and insurance agents on your behalf
- Interpretations of state, local, and federal laws
We will also handle all negotiations and represent you in court when necessary.
Additionally, our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not have to worry about paying us anything up front or out of pocket upon hiring us for help. We only get paid if you receive a financial award.
Compensation In Sarasota Wrongful Death Cases
The unexpected loss of a loved one is emotionally devastating. It can also create a cascade of financial and practical burdens for surviving family members. When another party’s negligence causes a wrongful death, the law provides a pathway to pursue justice and financial recovery. Once your legal team establishes who is at fault, they will begin building a case to recover compensation for the full range of your losses, both economic and emotional.
Wrongful death compensation is designed to help families manage the financial strain and to acknowledge the deep personal impact of their loss. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses incurred before your loved one’s passing
- Funeral and burial costs, which can place an unexpected burden on families
- Loss of income and financial support that the deceased provided
- Loss of companionship and emotional support, which affects relationships and quality of life
- Mental anguish or psychological trauma suffered by surviving family members
- Loss of parental guidance, especially when children are left behind
Your attorney will communicate with insurers and opposing parties on your behalf, keeping you informed as your case progresses. These cases can take time, especially as lawyers work to gather evidence, assess damages, and negotiate fair settlements.
By reaching out early, you give your legal team the opportunity to start building a strong case while the evidence is fresh and deadlines are met.
While no amount of money can truly make up for your loss, financial compensation can ease your burden and help you begin to rebuild. Our compassionate Sarasota wrongful death lawyers will ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
The Legal Complexities Of Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims involving medical malpractice are among the most legally complex cases in Florida. These claims require a deep understanding of medical standards, specific legal procedures, legally required expert testimony, and strict filing deadlines. When a loved one dies due to preventable medical errors, the emotional and legal challenges can feel overwhelming.
Who May Be Liable In A Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Case?
Several parties may be legally responsible when a patient dies due to medical negligence:
- Physicians and Specialists: Doctors may be held liable for misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, or errors during treatment. For example, failing to detect signs of a stroke or heart attack in a timely manner can result in fatal consequences.
- Surgeons and Anesthesiologists: Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or administering improper anesthesia, can all lead to fatal outcomes. In such cases, both the surgical team and individual providers may be liable.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: A hospital may be responsible for systemic issues like understaffing, improper sanitation, or failure to enforce safety protocols. For instance, fatal infections due to poor hygiene or delays in care caused by staffing shortages could form the basis for a wrongful death claim.
- OB-GYNs and Delivery Staff: In cases of fatal birth injuries, both the attending physician and hospital may be held accountable. Delayed C-sections, failure to monitor fetal distress, or misuse of delivery tools can result in the tragic death of a newborn or mother.
These cases can be quite complex due to malpractice insurance coverage and employment statutes of the involved providers. Our team can make sure we identify any liable parties in order to fight for the best possible outcome on your family’s behalf.
How We Prove Negligence And Liability
Similar to other wrongful death claims, successfully bringing a medical malpractice wrongful death claim in Florida requires four key elements that must be proven:
- Duty of Care: The medical provider had a legal obligation to provide care that met the accepted standards of medical practice.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet those standards. For example, misreading test results that indicate a heart attack or stroke could constitute a breach.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the patient’s death. In a delayed diagnosis case, this may involve showing that earlier intervention would likely have saved the patient’s life.
- Damages: The death resulted in measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
Proving these elements requires extensive evidence, including:
- Medical records and treatment histories
- Expert witness testimony from physicians in the same specialty
- Hospital policies and procedural logs
- Witness accounts and timelines of care
For example, in a case involving fatal complications from anesthesia, we might review pre-op risk assessments, anesthesiologist notes, and equipment logs to uncover where the standard of care was breached.
Medical malpractice wrongful death claims are complex, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our Sarasota wrongful death attorneys partner with medical experts and investigators to build strong, evidence-based cases. We work to uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and seek justice for your loved one.
What To Do After A Wrongful Death
Taking early steps can help protect your rights and begin the process of seeking justice.
Here are some important actions to consider after a wrongful death:
- Take Care of Immediate Needs: First and foremost, focus on your and your family’s emotional and physical well-being. Seek support from loved ones, community resources, or grief counselors. Handling funeral arrangements and securing necessary documentation (such as the death certificate) will also be among your first steps.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, gather and keep any records or evidence related to the incident. This might include photographs, police or incident reports, contact information for witnesses, or medical records. In a medical malpractice case, for example, requesting a full copy of the patient’s medical history can be crucial for later legal review.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone: Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after your loved one’s passing. It’s best not to speak in detail or accept any money without talking to a wrongful death attorney first, since early offers may not cover everything you are owed.
- Speak with a Wrongful Death Attorney: Talking to a wrongful death attorney early can help you understand your options and protect your rights. A lawyer can review what happened, explain who may be at fault, and help you get started with your case.
Life after a wrongful death is never easy, but you are not alone. Our team provides compassionate, clear legal support, letting you heal while we seek justice for your loved one.
Contact a Sarasota Wrongful Death Lawyer From Anidjar & Levine Today
Losing a family member or loved one due to wrongful death brings about immense pain. Trying to surmount major financial and legal concerns while also tending to your mental health is no small challenge. When you work with a legal team, you can shift your focus to taking care of yourself and those closest to you.
A Sarasota wrongful death lawyer from Anidjar & Levine will stand up to fight for your rights and for the memory of your loved one. We will not give up when your case gets challenging. To learn more about how someone from our team can help you, contact our office today. We offer responsive legal care and go the extra mile for our clients. You can get started with a free initial consultation today.
We Can Help.