Understanding Workplace Wrongful Death Cases in Florida: High-Risk Industries and Family Rights

When a family loses a loved one to a workplace accident in Florida, the emotional and financial impact can be devastating. Our team has extensive experience with Florida’s most common wrongful death cases, including workplace accidents. From our Orlando office, we work with families across Florida, from Jacksonville’s busy ports to Miami’s construction sites, helping them understand their rights and pursue justice for their loved ones.

Florida’s Most Dangerous Industries and Common Causes

The construction and industrial sectors in Florida present particularly high risks for fatal workplace accidents. Understanding commercial truck accidents and other heavy equipment incidents is crucial, as these are common causes of workplace fatalities. According to Florida’s occupational safety statistics, falls from heights remain the leading cause of construction fatalities, followed by struck-by incidents and electrocutions.

Several industries stand out for their elevated risk levels: Construction consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous sectors, with scaffolding accidents and electrical incidents causing numerous fatalities. Manufacturing facilities face risks from heavy machinery and toxic exposure. Transportation and logistics workers encounter dangers from vehicle accidents and loading dock incidents. Agricultural workers face hazards from equipment and environmental conditions.

Understanding Employer Responsibilities and Liability

Under Florida law, employers must maintain safe working conditions and follow specific safety regulations. Families considering legal action should understand the process of a Florida civil lawsuit and what it entails. When these duties are breached and result in a death, employers may face wrongful death claims. According to Florida Statute §768.19, surviving family members can pursue compensation when negligence leads to death.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Wrongful Death Claims

While workers’ compensation provides death benefits, these benefits may not fully address your family’s losses. In cases involving gross negligence or third-party liability, families may have additional legal options. Our wrongful death attorneys can help determine the most appropriate path forward based on your specific circumstances.

Steps for Families After a Workplace Death

The process of pursuing a workplace wrongful death claim requires careful attention to legal deadlines and documentation. Florida law generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, though certain circumstances may affect this timeframe.

Gathering Evidence and Documentation

Successful workplace death claims often depend on thorough investigation and documentation. This includes gathering incident reports, safety records, witness statements, and expert analysis of safety violations. Our team works with industrial safety experts to build strong cases for families throughout Florida.

Understanding Available Compensation

Florida law recognizes various types of damages in wrongful death cases, including: Lost financial support the deceased would have provided, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and mental pain and suffering of surviving family members. Each case is unique, and families seeking wrongful death claims can benefit from understanding their legal options.

Common Warning Signs of Unsafe Workplace Conditions

Before a fatal accident occurs, there are often warning signs of unsafe conditions that employers may have overlooked or ignored. Understanding these signs can help prevent future tragedies and may be relevant to your family’s case. Some of the most frequently documented safety violations that have led to workplace fatalities include:

• Inadequate fall protection at construction sites and industrial facilities, such as missing guardrails, unsecured scaffolding, or lack of proper safety harnesses for workers at heights
• Insufficient training and supervision of employees operating dangerous machinery or handling hazardous materials, particularly in manufacturing plants where complex equipment is used daily
• Failure to maintain and regularly inspect heavy equipment and vehicles, leading to mechanical failures that could have been prevented with proper maintenance protocols
• Missing or disabled safety guards on industrial machinery and tools, often removed to speed up production at the cost of worker safety
• Lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, which should prevent accidental activation during maintenance or repairs

Morey Law Firm, P.A.: Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a workplace accident, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys serve families throughout Florida, from Tampa to Pensacola, providing compassionate representation while pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to discuss your family’s situation with a caring legal professional who understands the complexities of workplace wrongful death cases.