Did you lose a family member in a fatal accident in New Port Richey, Florida? If so, our team at Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to provide the legal assistance you need. Contact us today at (863)-999-9000 for a free consultation with an experienced New Port Richey wrongful death lawyer.
Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience helping injury victims and grieving families recover full compensation for their losses. We’ve already recovered millions for the clients we represent, and we’re here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your loss.
Why Choose Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Handle My Family’s Wrongful Death Claim in New Port Richey, FL?
Choosing the right attorney after a tragic loss is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In wrongful death cases, insurance companies don’t just evaluate the facts—they consider who they’re up against. A law firm with a strong reputation for winning in court can make all the difference.
At Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring that credibility to every case we handle. Our founding attorney has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, a testament to his skill and dedication in the courtroom.
But it’s not just our peers who recognize our work—our clients do too. We’ve earned numerous five-star Google reviews from families who’ve trusted us during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Their testimonials speak volumes about the quality and care we bring to every case.
When you work with us, you gain a legal team that’s not only proven in court but also deeply committed to earning your trust. We’re ready to put our experience, reputation, and results-driven approach to work for your family.
Reach out today to learn how our New Port Richey wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice and accountability.
How Common Are Fatal Accidents in Florida?
Unfortunately, fatal accidents are common in Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 3,195 traffic fatalities statewide in 2024. That number included 705 pedestrian deaths.
Overview of the Wrongful Death Laws in Florida
When someone is injured due to another party’s acts, they have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. That right doesn’t disappear when a victim’s injuries are fatal.
When a victim suffers fatal injuries, Florida wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation if:
- The death was caused by another person’s wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty, and
- The victim would have been entitled to sue for damages had they lived
These laws ensure that families in Florida have a legal path to seek justice and financial support after the loss of a loved one due to someone else’s wrongdoing.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida
Wrongful death cases are handled in civil court. They follow a process that’s similar to personal injury cases.
As is true with personal injury claims in New Port Richey, wrongful death lawsuits can’t be filed by just anyone. After a victim dies, their personal representative gains the right to file a lawsuit.
Damages in wrongful death cases are distributed to the victim’s surviving next of kin, including:
- A surviving spouse
- The victim’s children
- The victim’s parents
When a victim has no surviving family, the compensation is distributed to the victim’s estate, according to their will or Florida intestate laws.
How Much Compensation Should I Expect From My New Port Richey Wrongful Death Case?
When our attorneys are assessing the value of your claim for compensation, we’ll consider any relevant factor, including:
- Your family’s current financial losses
- The victim’s life expectancy at the time of death
- The victim’s future earning capacity if they contributed financial support to the family
- Non-financial contributions the victim made to the household and family
- The nature of the at-fault party’s actions
- Your family’s grief and suffering
- Whether the victim left surviving children and dependents
As our lawyers evaluate your case value, we’ll often work with respected experts. These experts can testify about the value of your future losses–as well as provide insight into the mental trauma your family has experienced.
When we sit down at the negotiating table, we’ll be ready with solid evidence to help your family secure the maximum compensation possible. If the insurance company and defense teams refuse a fair settlement, they’ll be forced to face off against our award-winning trial lawyers in court.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Successful New Port Richey Wrongful Death Case?
Damages in wrongful death cases are intended to help surviving family members cope with the tragic loss of a loved one. The responsible party can be held liable for both economic and non-economic losses.
Examples of the damages that are available if your case succeeds include:
- Loss of the future financial support your loved one would have provided
- Loss of the reasonable value of the victim’s future household services
- Loss of support and services from the date of injury to the date of death
- Medical expenses incurred between the date of injury and the date of death
- The victim’s lost earnings between the date of injury and the date of death
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- Loss of parental guidance, support, and instruction to children
- Loss of a spouse’s companionship and protection, or loss of consortium
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of “net accumulations”, or loss of an expected inheritance
In other words, grieving families can seek compensation both for existing losses and for expected future losses. The precise nature of your damages will depend on how your life has changed due to your loved one’s death.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer in New Port Richey?
At Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You can hire our law firm without giving us a cent. Instead, you’ll agree to pay a percentage of your final settlement or verdict.
Can Florida Shared Fault Laws Impact the Value of My Wrongful Death Case?
Yes. Florida’s modified comparative negligence law applies in nearly all personal injury cases. This includes wrongful death cases. The victim’s own fault is a factor when determining a surviving family’s compensation award.
When a victim shares blame, they’ll be allocated a percentage of fault. Damages can be awarded on a reduced basis when the victim’s percentage of fault is less than 51%. If they were more than 50% responsible for their own fatal injuries, your family loses the right to damages entirely.
Your loved one isn’t here to tell their side of the story. If they’re being blamed, our New Port Richey wrongful death attorneys will do everything possible to defend them.
What Types of Situations Cause Most Wrongful Deaths in New Port Richey?
Just about any act of negligence, recklessness, or violence can lead to the death of a victim.
We represent clients in all types of cases, including:
- Car accidents, including drunk driving accidents and accidents caused by speeding or distracted drivers
- Falls from heights
- Brain injuries
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft
- Sports and recreation accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dangerous property conditions
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Intentional criminal violence
No matter how your loved one’s death occurred, our team is here to investigate the circumstances and hold the responsible parties fully accountable.
What Do I Have to Prove to Win a Wrongful Death Case in Florida?
Different legal theories may apply depending on the facts.
One of three basic legal theories may apply:
- Negligence
- Strict liability
- Intentional torts
Cases involving strict liability and intentional torts are relatively rare. Strict liability is mostly relevant in cases involving product liability or dog bite injuries. Intentional tort laws govern cases involving acts of violence.
Most claims are based on negligence. Negligence is a failure to exercise a reasonable amount of caution to prevent accidents. For example, if your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident because the at-fault driver was texting, your claim will likely be negligence-based.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Accident in Florida?
Under Florida law, survivors have two years to file a lawsuit based on wrongful death. The two-year statute of limitations period starts to run on the date of your loved one’s death. Failing to file before the deadline passes could result in your family’s loss of valuable compensation.
Acting quickly is important. Cases take time to build. Evidence can disappear and witnesses can forget important details. The sooner you act, the better.
Contact a Trusted New Port Richey Wrongful Death Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been forced to grieve the loss of a loved one because of someone else’s acts, an experienced New Port Richey wrongful death lawyer can help. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to learn more about how we can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Lakeland, FL
Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers
2306 Florida Ave S
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 999-9000