Wrongful Death Attorneys in Pasco County

When a loved one’s life is tragically cut short due to someone else’s negligence in Pasco County, you need compassionate legal advocates who understand both Florida’s complex wrongful death laws and the profound grief your family is facing. At Lowman Law Firm, our Pasco County wrongful death attorneys have spent over two decades helping families secure justice and fair compensation while navigating one of life’s most difficult challenges with sensitivity and legal skill.

Operating from our conveniently located Dade City office at 14233 7th St, we serve grieving families throughout Pasco County, from Wesley Chapel and Land O’Lakes to Zephyrhills and New Port Richey. With accidents and preventable deaths occurring daily throughout our growing community, wrongful death cases in Pasco County require both legal expertise and deep compassion for families during their most difficult time.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Pasco County

Pasco County’s rapid growth, major transportation corridors, and diverse population create various scenarios where preventable deaths tragically occur due to others’ negligence or misconduct.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Traffic fatalities are among the leading causes of wrongful death in Pasco County. High-speed accidents on Interstate 75, drunk driving crashes, and collisions involving commercial vehicles often result in fatal injuries. Our county’s growing traffic volume and mix of local residents, tourists, and commercial drivers create dangerous conditions that can turn deadly.

Motorcycle Accidents

Florida’s year-round riding weather makes motorcycle accidents a significant cause of wrongful death in Pasco County. The lack of physical protection makes motorcyclists particularly vulnerable to fatal injuries in collisions with larger vehicles.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks traveling on I-75 and other county highways can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries in accidents. These cases often involve complex federal regulations and multiple liable parties.

Medical Malpractice

Healthcare providers throughout Pasco County have a duty to provide competent medical care. When medical errors, misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors result in death, families may have grounds for wrongful death claims.

Workplace Accidents

Construction sites, industrial facilities, and other workplaces throughout Pasco County can be dangerous environments. When employers fail to maintain safe working conditions or provide proper safety equipment, fatal workplace accidents may result.

Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Slip and fall accidents, inadequate security leading to violent crimes, or other dangerous property conditions can result in fatal injuries.

Product Liability Cases

Defective products, from vehicles to household items, can cause fatal injuries when they malfunction or fail to include proper safety warnings.

Understanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Law

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act provides a legal framework for families to seek justice and compensation when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence. Our Pasco County attorneys help families navigate these complex legal requirements.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Florida law designates specific individuals who can file wrongful death claims, typically including surviving spouses, children, parents, and sometimes other family members depending on the circumstances.

Personal Representative Requirement

Wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, who acts on behalf of the surviving family members and beneficiaries.

Statute of Limitations

Since March 2023, Florida reduced the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims from four years to two years from the date of death. This makes it crucial for Pasco County families to seek legal counsel promptly.

Burden of Proof

Wrongful death claims require proving that the death resulted from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, and that this conduct was the cause of the fatal injury.

Types of Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

Florida law provides for several types of compensation in wrongful death cases, recognizing both the economic and emotional impact on surviving family members.

Economic Damages

• Lost Earnings: The income the deceased would have earned over their lifetime
• Lost Benefits: Pension, health insurance, and other employment benefits
• Medical Expenses: Costs for medical treatment related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Reasonable expenses for final arrangements
• Lost Services: The value of services the deceased provided to the family

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the deceased’s pain before death (if conscious)
• Loss of Companionship: The emotional support and relationship lost by surviving family
• Mental Anguish: Psychological suffering experienced by family members
• Loss of Guidance: Parental guidance and instruction lost by surviving children
• Loss of Protection: The security and protection provided by the deceased

Immediate Steps After a Wrongful Death

The period immediately following a loved one’s death is overwhelming, but certain actions can protect your family’s legal rights and preserve crucial evidence:

1. Secure Medical Records: Obtain all medical records related to your loved one’s treatment and death
2. Preserve Evidence: Keep any physical evidence related to the incident that caused death
3. Document Everything: Collect photos, witness statements, and incident reports
4. Avoid Insurance Settlements: Don’t sign anything or accept settlements before consulting an attorney
5. Contact Our Office: Call (352) 437-7777 to protect your family’s rights
6. Estate Proceedings: Begin probate proceedings to establish a personal representative
7. Financial Documentation: Gather records of your loved one’s income and benefits

Learn more about everything you need to know about wrongful death claims in Florida and understand 8 examples of wrongful death cases.

Proving a Wrongful Death Case

Successful wrongful death cases require establishing several key elements through careful investigation and compelling evidence.

Duty of Care

We must demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, such as the duty to drive safely or provide competent medical treatment.

Breach of Duty

Evidence must show that the defendant breached their duty through negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct that fell below acceptable standards.

Causation

We must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused or significantly contributed to the death.

Damages

Documentation of the financial and emotional impact on surviving family members supports the claim for compensation.

Common Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often employ aggressive tactics to minimize wrongful death settlements, including disputing causation, questioning the deceased’s life expectancy, or challenging the economic value of their life.

Multiple Defendants

Many wrongful death cases involve multiple potentially liable parties, requiring careful investigation to identify all responsible entities and maximize available compensation.

Complex Medical Evidence

Medical malpractice and other cases involving health conditions require expert medical testimony to establish the cause of death and prove negligence.

Calculating Future Losses

Determining the economic value of a life requires complex calculations involving projected earnings, career advancement, and life expectancy.

Supporting Resources for Grieving Families

Learn more about top 5 facts about wrongful death and understand your rights during this difficult time.

Proudly Serving All of Pasco County

Dade City | Wesley Chapel | Land O’Lakes | Lutz | Zephyrhills