Top 5 Causes of Wrongful Death Cases in Florida

Wrongful death cases are a tragic reality in Florida, leaving families devastated and seeking justice. Understanding the most common causes of these heart-wrenching cases can provide insight into the legal complexities involved and guide those affected towards seeking rightful compensation. Here, we explore the top five causes of wrongful death in Florida, highlighting the role of a skilled personal injury attorney in navigating these challenging waters.

1. Car and Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents stand as the most prominent cause of wrongful death claims in Florida and across Florida. The state’s bustling highways and city streets are often the scene of tragic accidents leading to fatalities. Most common among these are commercial truck accidents. These accidents encompass a wide range of scenarios, including collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicycle accidents.

Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents in Florida:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading contributors to car accidents in Florida. Activities like texting, using a GPS, eating, or even talking to passengers can divert a driver’s attention, leading to catastrophic consequences.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Despite stringent laws, DUI wrongful death remains a persistent issue. Alcohol or drug impairment significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding speed limits or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors are major factors in deadly crashes.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Florida’s weather, including heavy rains and hurricanes, can create hazardous driving conditions, contributing to accidents.
• Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, a vehicle or its components might be defective, such as faulty brakes or airbags, leading to fatal accidents.

Car accident deaths are more than just statistics; they represent individual stories of loss and grief. Understanding these causes and taking legal steps can provide a pathway for families to find some measure of solace and closure in the wake of such tragedies.

2. Florida Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a significant and complex cause of wrongful death claims in Florida. Medical malpractice is second only to car accident wrongful death claims. These cases arise when a healthcare professional’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care results in a patient’s death. The intricacies of these cases often require thorough investigation and expert testimonies to establish liability.

Common Forms of Medical Malpractice Leading to Wrongful Death:

• Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer or heart disease can lead to a lack of timely treatment, resulting in fatal outcomes.
• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the body, can have deadly consequences.
• Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can be fatal, especially in cases involving powerful drugs or patients with multiple prescriptions.
• Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth can lead to fatal outcomes for either the mother or the newborn.
• Failure to Treat: This can involve failing to provide necessary treatment or not following up appropriately with a patient’s care.

Medical malpractice cases not only seek justice for the deceased but also serve as a crucial element in holding healthcare providers accountable and improving the overall standard of medical care. For families affected by such a tragedy, consulting with an experienced Florida wrongful death lawyer is a critical step in navigating the legal complexities and fighting for the rightful compensation they deserve.

3. Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents are a prominent cause of Florida wrongful death cases, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. These incidents often result from inadequate safety measures, equipment malfunctions, or hazardous working conditions, leading to fatal outcomes for employees.

Key Factors in Workplace Accidents Leading to Fatalities:

• Falls from Height: In construction and other industries, falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs are common causes of fatal accidents.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents: This includes being caught in or struck by heavy machinery, leading to severe injuries or death.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals or materials without proper safety equipment or protocols, resulting in lethal consequences.
• Electrocutions: This is a significant risk, especially in construction and electrical work, where exposure to high voltage can be fatal.
• Transportation Incidents: Accidents involving vehicles, especially in industries like trucking or delivery services, are common causes of workplace fatalities.

Navigating the legal landscape following a workplace accident can be challenging, especially while dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. An experienced personal injury attorney in Florida can guide families through this complex process, ensuring they understand their rights and options for seeking justice and fair compensation. Workplace accidents not only affect the individual and their family but also highlight the need for stricter safety protocols and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

4. Product Liability

Product liability is a critical factor in wrongful death claims in Florida, where fatalities can occur due to defective or unsafe products. These cases hinge on the premise that manufacturers, designers, or distributors can be held liable if their products cause harm when used as intended.

Common Product Liability Issues Leading to Wrongful Death:

• Defective Vehicle Parts: This can include malfunctioning brakes, faulty airbags, or defective tires leading to fatal accidents.
• Unsafe Children’s Products: Toys with choking hazards, unsafe cribs, or defective car seats can tragically result in a child’s death.
• Faulty Medical Devices: Implants, pacemakers, or other medical devices that malfunction can lead to severe health complications and fatalities.
• Dangerous Pharmaceuticals: Medications with harmful side effects or improper labeling can be deadly to consumers.
• Electrical Appliances and Tools: Faulty wiring or poor design in household appliances and power tools can cause fatal accidents, such as fires or electrocution.

Product liability claims not only serve to provide justice and compensation for affected families but also play a vital role in ensuring consumer safety by holding manufacturers and companies accountable for their products. For families navigating the aftermath of such a tragic event, partnering with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Florida is essential. These legal experts can offer guidance, manage complex litigation processes, and help in achieving a fair resolution that acknowledges the loss and suffering endured.

5. Criminal Acts in Florida

Criminal acts are a significant cause of Florida wrongful death cases. These acts range from intentional violence such as assault or homicide to vehicular manslaughter resulting from reckless driving. Unlike other causes of wrongful death, these involve deliberate or criminal negligence, adding a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings.

Types of Criminal Acts Leading to Wrongful Death in Florida:

• Homicide: Deliberate acts of violence resulting in death, often the most direct form of criminal act leading to a wrongful death claim.
• Vehicular Manslaughter: Deaths resulting from criminal negligence on the road, such as drunk driving or egregious reckless driving. DUI accident cases are second only to homicide.
• Robbery and Assault: Fatal injuries sustained during a robbery or assault, where the perpetrator’s actions directly lead to death.
• Domestic Violence: Tragically, some wrongful deaths occur due to domestic disputes escalating to lethal violence.
• Negligent Security: This includes cases where inadequate security measures in public or private spaces lead to criminal acts that result in death.

It’s crucial for families affected by such tragic circumstances to seek legal assistance. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide them through the intricacies of both the criminal and civil justice systems. These professionals help ensure that while the state prosecutes the criminal act, the family’s rights to compensation and justice in the civil arena are also vigorously pursued.

Morey Law Firm, P.A.: Compassionate Representation 

The loss experienced in wrongful death cases is irreplaceable, but understanding these causes and legal avenues can empower families to take steps towards healing and justice. We provide representation in Orlando wrongful death cases and those across Florida. If you’ve lost a loved one due to any of these causes in Florida, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.