Compassionate Nursing Home Wrongful Death Law Firm in Florida
The unexpected loss of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. When that loss occurs because of someone else’s negligence—whether through medical malpractice, a catastrophic accident, or a defective product—the emotional pain is often compounded by unanswered questions, financial hardship, and a desire for accountability.
At Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones because of negligence and wrongful conduct. Our attorneys understand that no lawsuit can replace a family member, but pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security, answers, and justice while holding negligent individuals, healthcare providers, corporations, and insurance companies accountable.
When a preventable tragedy changes your family’s future, justice becomes personal.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin
- Content last updated on:
- July 24, 2026
Home » Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer » Florida Senior Wrongful Death Attorneys
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death claim may arise when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract of another individual or entity.
If the person would have had the right to file a personal injury claim had they survived, their surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death action.
Wrongful death claims commonly arise from:
- Medical malpractice
- Hospital negligence
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Nursing home neglect
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product liability
- Workplace accidents
- Premises liability
- Defective medical devices
Each case requires a careful review of the facts and applicable Florida law.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Fatal accidents and medical errors occur in many different circumstances.
Medical Malpractice
Preventable medical mistakes remain a leading cause of serious injury and death.
Examples include:
- Delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Medication errors
- Failure to monitor
- Sepsis
- Hospital negligence
Healthcare providers may be held accountable when they fail to meet accepted medical standards.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Negligent drivers cause fatal crashes involving:
- Cars
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Pedestrians
- Bicycles
- Rideshare vehicles
Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and reckless behavior.
Defective Products
Manufacturers have a duty to produce reasonably safe products.
Fatal injuries may result from:
- Dangerous medications
- Defective medical devices
- Unsafe consumer products
- Automotive defects
- Industrial equipment failures
Product liability claims may involve manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Nursing Home Negligence
Long-term care facilities may be responsible for deaths resulting from:
- Falls
- Sepsis
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Pressure ulcers
- Medication errors
- Failure to monitor
- Abuse or neglect
Families trust these facilities to provide safe, compassionate care.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act provides that the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate generally brings the wrongful death action on behalf of eligible survivors and the estate.
Depending on the circumstances, survivors may include:
- A surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased
Because these rules can be complex, families should seek legal guidance as early as possible.
What Must Be Proven?
Every wrongful death case is different, but successful claims generally require proof that:
- The defendant owed a legal duty.
- That duty was breached through negligence or wrongful conduct.
- The breach caused the death.
- Surviving family members or the estate suffered legally recognized damages.
Medical malpractice cases often require testimony from qualified medical experts.
Evidence Used in Wrongful Death Cases
Strong evidence is critical to establishing liability.
Depending on the circumstances, evidence may include:
- Medical records
- Autopsy findings
- Death certificates
- Hospital records
- Accident reports
- Surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Employment records
- Financial documentation
Our legal team works quickly to preserve important evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
If you lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, contact FHV Legal today for a free consultation.
Real-World Example of a Wrongful Death Case
Imagine a patient visiting a Florida emergency department with symptoms of a serious bacterial infection.
Despite abnormal vital signs and laboratory results suggesting sepsis, the patient is discharged without appropriate testing or antibiotics.
Within twenty-four hours, the patient suffers septic shock and dies.
An independent review later concludes that timely diagnosis and treatment likely would have prevented the death.
The surviving spouse and children pursue a wrongful death claim seeking accountability and financial security for the future.
Cases like this illustrate how preventable negligence can permanently affect an entire family.
Common Challenges Families Face
Following the death of a loved one, families often face overwhelming challenges.
These may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost household income
- Loss of emotional support
- Insurance disputes
- Incomplete information about what happened
- Difficulty obtaining medical records
Many families simply want honest answers about how their loved one’s death occurred.
A thorough legal investigation can help uncover those answers.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Wrongful Death Attorney
You should consider speaking with an attorney if:
- A loved one died after a preventable medical error
- A fatal accident was caused by negligence
- A dangerous product contributed to a death
- A nursing home resident died after neglect
- Hospital staff failed to diagnose a life-threatening condition
- You believe someone’s careless actions caused your loved one’s death
Early legal investigation helps preserve evidence and protects your family’s legal rights.
Your story matters—and we’re ready to fight for it in court.
How Freedland Harwin Valori Gander Investigates Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death claims require thorough investigation and careful preparation.
Evidence Collection
We obtain:
- Medical records
- Hospital documentation
- Accident reports
- Surveillance footage
- Witness interviews
- Expert evaluations
Liability Investigation
We determine:
- What happened
- Who was responsible
- Whether multiple parties contributed
- Whether industry standards were violated
Expert Review
We work with respected experts in medicine, accident reconstruction, economics, life care planning, and other specialties when appropriate.
Damages Assessment
We carefully evaluate:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost earnings
- Lost future financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental guidance
- Mental pain and suffering
- Estate damages allowed under Florida law
Trial Preparation
Freedland Harwin Valori Gander prepares every wrongful death case for trial, demonstrating our commitment to obtaining justice for grieving families.
Why Wrongful Death Cases Matter
A wrongful death lawsuit is about more than financial compensation.
It provides an opportunity to:
- Hold negligent parties accountable
- Obtain answers
- Encourage safer practices
- Protect future families from similar tragedies
- Secure financial stability after an unexpected loss
Accountability cannot erase grief, but it can help families move forward.
We’ve taken on Florida’s largest hospitals, corporations, and insurance companies—let us fight for your family.
Compensation Available in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
Depending on the circumstances and the individuals entitled to recover under Florida law, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of future income
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of parental guidance
- Certain damages recoverable by the estate under Florida law
Every case is unique and should be evaluated based on the family’s specific circumstances.
Why Choose Freedland Harwin Valori Gander?
Wrongful death litigation requires compassion, extensive legal experience, and the resources to challenge hospitals, healthcare systems, corporations, manufacturers, and insurance companies.
Freedland Harwin Valori Gander has built a national reputation for handling complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys understand the emotional and financial burdens families face, and we are committed to pursuing justice with skill, integrity, and determination.
When your family needs experienced advocates during one of life’s most difficult moments, we are prepared to stand beside you.
Contact Freedland Harwin Valori Gander Today
If your loved one died because of negligence, medical malpractice, or another preventable act, you may have legal options under Florida law.
Contact Freedland Harwin Valori Gander today for a free, confidential consultation.
While no legal action can undo your loss, pursuing accountability may provide the answers, financial support, and justice your family deserves.
Call FHV Legal today and let us help you protect your family’s future while honoring your loved one’s memory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims
What is considered a wrongful death in Florida?
A wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, wrongful act, or misconduct, and the deceased could have pursued a personal injury claim had they survived.
Who can recover compensation in a Florida wrongful death case?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the estate for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate, depending on the circumstances.
What are common causes of wrongful death?
Common causes include medical malpractice, car accidents, truck accidents, dangerous products, nursing home neglect, workplace accidents, and premises liability incidents.
What compensation may be available?
Compensation may include funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering where permitted, and other damages authorized under Florida law.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Florida wrongful death claims are subject to statutes of limitation and other procedural requirements. Consulting an attorney promptly is important to protect your rights.
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ALL FIELDS REQUIRED
CASE RESULTS
$24.5 Million
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
JURY VERDICT
Damages Jury Verdict on behalf of the family of a 34-year-old woman who bled to death during childbirth. With the assistance of top experts, we were able to demonstrate that doctors did not follow proper safety protocols, forcing the defendants to admit liability shortly before trial.
$12.2 Million
PHARMACEUTICAL LIABILITY
SETTLEMENT
A settlement won on behalf of the family of a 47 year old woman whose death resulted from the use of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug. We proved the manufacturer knew of the dangerous side effects & did not provide proper warning.
$10 Million
BIRTH INJURY
SETTLEMENT
A settlement on behalf of a child who suffered a brain injury as a result of oxygen deprivation during birth. Through years of tactical and technical litigation, we were able to prove that the nurses and physicians both failed to intervene and prevent the brain injury.
$1.2 Million
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
SETTLEMENT
A settlement on behalf of a middle-aged man who was read ended by a waste management truck.
$1.5 Million
NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE
SETTLEMENT
A settlement on behalf of the family of an elderly man who died as a result of being neglected and uncared for by a nursing home.
TESTIMONIALS
I met Dan when I was in therapy and he came and right away it felt like a family member visiting you, a connection, like a brother. He’s been on both sides of the fence. He’s represented the hospitals and the doctors, and then he jumped over to the other side. It is a fantastic group, it was like Bell Belichick leading the team. They changed my life and still check on me. I recommend FHV to anybody and they thank me.
LARRY
I met Dan about a year ago. He never made me feel that it was about the money. When he spoke with me he was asking how Bill (my brother) was and if he was doing better. He made me feel like family and always asked if I was alright. That means a lot. Everyday is something new and I challenge for my brother. I would recommend [FHV] to everybody because I really believe that they’re helping from their hearts… from a really good place.
BILL
For anyone to represent anyone for 5 years and take the time to do it, not once just “get it out of the way” and “get it done with”. It was about what was best for Hunter and our family. It was about the case and the people.
ASHLEY
999 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Suite 1030
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