Sometimes the injuries caused by a negligent party end up killing someone. This opens up the possibility for the dead person’s family to file a wrongful death suit. Wrongful death suits let the relatives of those killed receive financial compensation from those responsible for the death.
Note that this also applies to cases where someone deliberately killed someone. Just because the state has filed charges against someone for manslaughter or murder, that doesn’t mean that the family cannot sue for damages as well. The O.J. Simpson trial is an example of this. Though he was acquitted of murder, he still had to pay millions in his civil suit.
On this page, we talk about liability issues in wrongful death cases. Most of the time, the only thing that has to be proven is that the other party was responsible for the death due to their negligence or willful action. Even governments and other family members can be sued for wrongful death claims, though there may be deadlines and certain restrictions depending on the circumstances.
If you are a family member of a deceased relative and you think that you might be eligible to make a wrongful death claim, do not hesitate. Call our offices immediately for a consultation about your situation. The sooner you act, the sooner you may be able to receive money that you need to deal with the aftermath of your loss.
No amount of money can bring your loved one back, but money can help you deal with the consequences of their loss. Do not be left with financial stress on top of the stress of a loved one’s death. Call Chalik Law for a free consultation.
When a Family Needs One Voice in Court Key Takeaways: In Florida, generally only the decedent’s court-appointed personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit, seeking damages for all survivors and the estate under § 768.20. A person may serve if legally competent and a Florida resident at the time of death. They generally cannot…
Where Florida’s Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death Rule Stands Today Key Takeaways: Florida’s "free kill" law generally remains in effect as of 2026, because § 768.21(8) stays on the books after HB 6003 passed the House 88-17 but died in the Senate, following Governor DeSantis’s May 29, 2025 veto of the prior repeal, HB 6017. The…
Understanding Deadlines for a Miami Airport Wrongful Death Claim Key Takeaways: A wrongful death claim from a death at Miami International Airport must generally be filed within two years. Because the airport is operated by Miami-Dade County, a pre-suit notice of claim under Fla. Stat. § 768.28 must be served on the agency before filing…
Understanding When Florida Bars Face Responsibility After a Fatal Crash Key Takeaways: Under Florida law, bars serving alcohol to legal-age adults generally cannot be held liable for drunk driving deaths, making Florida’s dram shop statute among the nation’s most restrictive. Two narrow exceptions exist under Florida Statutes Section 768.125: willfully serving minors under 21, or…
Updated on July 9, 2021 Early on June 24, 2021, the right wing of Champlain Towers South condominium collapsed, leaving dozens injured and at least 60 people dead. The death toll may continue to rise as recovery efforts continue, with 80 people still unaccounted for, according to Local 10 News. Chalik & Chalik has filed…
A midair collision of two floatplanes carrying Princess Cruises passengers caused the deaths of six people on Monday, May 13, 2019. All passengers were guests of the Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess cruise ship. One of the planes involved in the crash, an Otter plane operated by Taquan Air, carried 10 passengers on a shore excursion….
