Your Trusted Coral Gables Wrongful Death Attorneys at Schrier Law Group
When a loved one passes away because of someone else’s negligence or misconduct, the impact on the family can be devastating. In Coral Gables, Schrier Law Group stands as a pillar of support for families facing these tragic circumstances. As a leading personal injury law firm, we offer compassionate legal counsel to those in need.
We understand the profound emotional and financial challenges that come with the loss of a loved one. Our team is dedicated to easing the burden on grieving families by providing thorough and effective representation.
With a strong connection to the Coral Gables community, we take pride in our ability to offer services that cater to the specific needs of local families. Our attorneys are not only well-versed in Florida’s wrongful death laws, but we also have a deep understanding of the unique characteristics and challenges of cases in our city.
Understanding Wrongful Death Cases in Coral Gables
Wrongful death cases are often complicated and involve several legal intricacies that can overwhelm the families left behind. In Coral Gables, these challenges tend to stem from various types of accidents, each of which requires a tailored approach.
Here’s what you need to know about the common causes and injuries that lead to wrongful death in this area.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death
Regardless of the specific circumstances around a wrongful death, such cases almost always involve carelessness, negligence, or intentional harm. Some frequent scenarios involving this negligence and harm include:
Traffic Accidents
Coral Gables has several busy streets like Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, where heavy traffic and crowded intersections become high-risk areas for accidents. Sadly, these roads have seen several tragic outcomes.
Whether it’s due to someone’s reckless driving, speeding, or failure to follow road signals, fatal collisions are all too common. Recent statistics show a troubling prevalence of major traffic crashes in these areas, underscoring the need for vigilant advocacy in wrongful death cases that come from these accidents.
Medical Malpractice
Respected medical institutions like the Coral Gables Hospital and the Baptist Health South Florida network serve thousands of patients throughout the area. Unfortunately, errors and negligence in these facilities can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, and improper treatments are just a few examples of how medical malpractice can cause wrongful death. Families who lose a loved one in this way face not only emotional pain but also the daunting task of proving the malpractice in a legal setting.
Workplace Accidents
Coral Gables is a vibrant hub of commercial activity with several office buildings and construction sites scattered throughout the city. Sometimes, these areas can be hazardous to workers and cause fatal accidents.
Common dangers in such places include unsafe equipment, lack of proper training, and inadequate safety protocols. Workplace accidents often lead to wrongful death claims, and our team is equipped to handle their complexities.
Premises Liability
Commercial and residential properties sometimes hide dangerous conditions that can lead to deadly accidents. Poorly maintained rentals, trip hazards in local businesses, and even unsafe public spaces can all cause wrongful deaths.
Premises liability cases tend to be particularly challenging because it’s necessary to prove the owner’s negligence directly caused the fatal accident. Fortunately, Schrier Law Group has a strong track record of holding careless property owners accountable.
Typical Injuries That Lead to Wrongful Death
Wrongful death cases often involve severe physical trauma that turns fatal. Any major accident can cause these injuries, but we tend to see certain ones more often than others around our city.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
There’s a reason many people are concerned about any blow to the head. The brain is a sensitive organ, and having it knocked around too much can have severely detrimental effects on a person’s ability to function. Even an apparent minor concussion can become something much worse if left unchecked.
Falls from significant heights, high-impact car crashes, and other severe accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can be fatal, especially if the person doesn’t receive immediate medical care. TBIs tend to happen along the busiest roads in Coral Gables, where the force of the impact might cause irreversible damage to the brain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another common tragic outcome of high-impact accidents. They can lead to partial or complete paralysis and other life-threatening complications that often result in a wrongful death.
In Coral Gables, such accidents are often seen in construction-related falls and traffic accidents. The legal team at Schrier Law Group is skilled at handling the intricate details of spinal cord injury claims, ensuring that every aspect of the injury’s impact is thoroughly considered in your case.
Internal Injuries
Some of the trickiest injuries are the ones you can’t see. Internal bleeding, organ damage, abdominal injuries, and chest trauma can be hiding under the surface, even if the person barely has a scratch on them. Sadly, even when they do get treated, the individual sometimes still loses their life.
Blunt force trauma from industrial accidents, violent incidents, or severe car crashes can cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent but are often fatal. These injuries can include internal bleeding and organ damage and require immediate medical attention.
Severe Burns
Whether they come from fires, industrial accidents, or chemical exposure, severe burns can be devastating and sometimes prove fatal. Incidents at local businesses, residential fires, and workplace accidents can lead to burn injuries that claim lives.
The severity of the injury and the prolonged suffering they cause make these cases especially heart-wrenching. Our attorneys are dedicated to making sure that families affected by these tragedies receive the justice and compensation they’re entitled to.
Navigating the Wrongful Death Claim Process
The process of pursuing a wrongful death claim in Coral Gables is complex and requires careful navigation through the related legal, procedural, and emotional challenges. Schrier Law Group is committed to guiding families every step of the way to protect their rights and honor their loved one’s memory.
Seek Legal Counsel
Immediately after your loved one’s passing, you should talk to our experienced Coral Gables wrongful death lawyers. We offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and outline the best course of action. Our local knowledge ensures that the unique aspects of cases in the community are fully considered.
Gather Evidence
To build a strong case, gathering all relevant information and documentation is essential. This could include medical records, witness statements, police reports, and any other evidence that supports the claim. Our team works diligently to collect and preserve critical evidence with the understanding that time is of the essence.
Notify Authorities
It’s important to file the necessary reports with local law enforcement and regulatory bodies when pursuing a wrongful death claim. Our team helps families with these requirements to see to it that all legal obligations are met.
Secure Legal Representation for Your Claim
Our attorneys at Schrier Law Group provide comprehensive legal counsel to all of our clients. We handle all aspects of the case from start to finish so that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Documentation and Evidence
Our lawyers know how to present evidence and documentation for your case in the most compelling way possible. Whether your case includes expert testimony and accident reports or photos and videos, we’ll use it to improve your chances for the best outcome.
Negotiation and Settlement
Many wrongful death suits are settled out of court. Schrier Law Group’s attorneys are skilled negotiators who work tirelessly to reach a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of the family’s loss. Our knowledge of local regulations often proves invaluable when arguing a client’s case.
Litigation
If a settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your claim to court. The litigation process involves several steps, from filing the lawsuit to navigating the trial itself. We’re well-versed in the area’s court procedures and have a proven track record of success in Florida wrongful death trials.
The Value of Local Expertise
When dealing with a wrongful death claim, the value of local knowledge cannot be overstated. Our strong roots in Coral Gables provide a distinct advantage in handling the complexities of such cases.
Wrongful Death Statutes
Florida’s wrongful death laws are intricate, with specific statutes that apply to cases in our area. Our firm has an in-depth understanding of these laws and ensures that every legal avenue is explored in pursuit of justice for our clients.
City Ordinances
Local regulations can impact the outcome of a wrongful death claim. Whether it’s a traffic-related incident or a premises liability case, knowing city ordinances and how they apply to a particular case is vital. Our knowledge of the area’s legal landscape lets us deal with these nuances effectively.
Court Procedures
Our experience also shines in our understanding of area procedures. We’re well-acquainted with local court practices, and it allows us to streamline the process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome for our clients.
Medical Experts
Collaboration with local healthcare professionals is especially important in wrongful death cases. Schrier Law Group has established relationships with medical experts in Coral Gables who can give critical insight and testimony to support our client’s claims.
Accident Reconstructionists
In cases where the cause of death is disputed, accident reconstruction experts play a vital role. Our connections with locals in this field ensure we can provide an accurate and compelling reconstruction of the events leading to the death.
Community Contacts
Besides leading experts, it helps to also have connections within the Coral Gables community. Schrier Law Group’s ties to the area allow us to work efficiently with law enforcement and other authorities to gather the information we need to present your case.
Recent Legal Updates
Schrier Law Group stays up to date with any developments in local laws that could impact wrongful death cases in our area. Whether it’s a new city ordinance or a modification to state regulations, our firm is prepared to adjust our strategies to align with the latest changes.
Our Dedication to the Coral Gables Community
We take pride in being an integral part of Coral Gables. Our commitment to our friends and neighbors goes beyond providing legal services. We’re actively involved in local events and are dedicated to fostering a thriving community through:
- Local Initiatives: We participate in local events and sponsor initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the town
- Personalized Legal Services: Every case is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each family
- Understanding Local Values: Our strong insight into the community’s values and concerns lets us approach cases with sensitivity and respect
At Schrier Law Group, our dedication to Coral Gables runs deep. We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with our neighbors. By understanding the specific challenges and aspirations of our city, we’re better equipped to provide compassionate legal counsel to those in need.
Reach Out to Schrier Law Group for Your Coral Gables Wrongful Death Case
When tragedy strikes, and a loved one is lost to someone else’s recklessness, we can help you work through this trying time. Choosing Schrier Law Group as your wrongful death attorney means selecting a firm that is deeply rooted in the community, committed to justice, and dedicated to offering strong legal counsel.
We understand the challenges you face, and we want to take the legal burden off your shoulders so that you can move forward with your life and honor your loved one’s memory. Our knowledgeable lawyers are uniquely positioned to advocate for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
Let us leverage our extensive experience to build a strong case and help your family begin the healing process. Contact Schrier Law Group today to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Case?
The exact damages awarded in wrongful death cases vary depending on the circumstances and the relationship of the survivors to the deceased. However, damages often cover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case is usually two years from the date of the person’s death. However, there may be exceptions based on the specifics of your case. It’s important to contact our wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
Can a Wrongful Death Case Be Settled Out of Court?
Yes. More often than not, wrongful death claims are settled out of court through negotiation between the parties involved. Our skilled Coral Gables wrongful death lawyers will work on your behalf to reach a fair settlement, but if an agreement can’t be made, the case may move on to a court trial.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
Generally, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is responsible for filing a wrongful death claim in Florida. The suit is filed on behalf of all surviving family members who have an interest in the case, including the spouse, children, or parents. The claim seeks compensation for the losses suffered due to the death.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?
It may be tempting to take that first offer so that you don’t have to fight the case in court, but don’t give in to the urge. Insurance companies are notorious for lowballing the people who file the claims, and they often try to downplay the severity of the case or shift the blame to someone else.
This only adds to the family’s stress, and they may not realize the initial offer won’t reflect the value of the claim. Our attorneys can keep the insurance companies more honest and help make sure you receive fair compensation for your loss.
