Losing a loved one is hard enough. When their death was caused by negligence—an unsafe driver, a careless business, a medical mistake, or another preventable act—your family deserves answers and accountability.
ALakeland wrongful death attorney can investigate what happened, preserve key evidence, and pursue compensation for surviving family members—without adding more stress to your life.
Why do families call us?
- We act quickly to secure reports, records, and witness statements.
- We deal with insurers and defense lawyers, so you don’t have to.
- We build a damage strategy based on the full impact—not just today’s bills.
If the wrongful death followed a fatal crash, start with our statewide resource forFlorida accident attorneys.
If your loss is connected to a preventable accident or ongoing medical care before your loved one passed, our team can also help you understand the broader claim timeline and evidence needs through ourLakeland personal injury lawyer page, which explains how injury cases are built and what insurers typically look for when evaluating liability and damages.
No fee unless we win •(844) 643-7200
Why Wrongful Death Cases Are Different (and Often More Complex)
Wrongful death claims are not “regular injury cases.” They involve specific rules aboutwho can bring the claim, how recovery is structured for survivors, and how losses are documented over time.
They also demand speed. Evidence can disappear, video can be overwritten, and witnesses can become harder to reach. Early legal guidance helps protect your family’s options and prevents the other side from shaping the story first.
Lakeland Wrongful Death Law: Who Can File and What It Covers
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act governs these cases statewide, including Lakeland and Polk County. The legal foundation begins withFlorida wrongful death law (Fla. Stat. § 768.19), which explains when a wrongful death action may apply.
In many cases, the lawsuit is brought by the estate’s personal representative underFlorida personal representative filing rules (Fla. Stat. § 768.20).
The compensation categories that may be available—depending on survivors and the facts—are detailed underFlorida wrongful death damages (Fla. Stat. § 768.21).
Deadlines apply, and exceptions may be made depending on the situation. If you suspect negligence caused your loved one’s death, it’s safer to speak with counsel early.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Lakeland
Wrongful death can happen in many ways. In and around Lakeland, we often see cases connected to:
- Car accidents (speeding, DUI, distracted driving, failure to yield)
- Truck accidents (fatigue, unsafe loads, maintenance failures, company pressure)
- Motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle fatalities
- Premises liability (unsafe property conditions, negligent security, drowning hazards)
- Medical negligence (delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes)
- Nursing home neglect (falls, dehydration, untreated infections)
- Workplace and construction incidents (falls, equipment failures, unsafe sites)
- Defective products (dangerous parts, design defects, missing warnings)
- Funeral home negligence (mishandling and preventable harms tied to improper care)
If you’re not sure whether what happened qualifies, that’s normal. A short consultation can clarify what your family may be able to do next.
What to Do After a Wrongful Death
You don’t need to handle everything at once. But these steps can protect your family’s rights:
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before legal guidance.
- Preserve documents: reports, photos, medical records, bills, emails/texts.
- Write down the names of witnesses and anyone involved in the response.
- Track expenses and losses: funeral costs, travel, lost income, and household services.
- Be cautious with early offers—they can arrive before the full value is known.
If you’re being pressured to “settle quickly,” call(844) 643-7200 for afree consultation.No fee unless we win.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Wrongful Death?
Liability depends on the facts. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Negligent drivers (including rideshare and commercial drivers)
- Trucking companies (hiring, training, dispatch pressure, maintenance)
- Property owners/management (hazards, poor security, code issues)
- Hospitals, doctors, or providers (when standards of care are violated)
- Employers (unsafe practices or negligent supervision)
- Manufacturers (product defects or inadequate warnings)
- Other third parties that contributed to unsafe conditions
A key advantage of hiring a wrongful death lawyer is identifyingevery responsible party, not just the obvious one, because that may directly affect available insurance coverage and recovery options.
Damages in a Lakeland Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim can involve both financial and personal losses. Depending on the eligible survivors and the facts, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses related to the final injury/illness
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and future support
- Loss of services your loved one provided to the household
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection (where allowed)
- Mental pain and suffering (where allowed)
Insurers may focus on immediate invoices. We focus on the full impact—future support, household contributions, and the long-term consequences your family will live with.
Call(844) 643-7200 — free consultation, no fee unless we win.
Insurance Company Tactics After a Fatal Accident
Insurance adjusters often contact families quickly. Common tactics include:
- Fast settlement offers before facts and damages are complete
- Recorded statements aimed at locking in harmful wording
- Blame shifting to the deceased or “unavoidable accident” framing
- Minimizing future losses by ignoring long-term support/services
- Delays are designed to wear families down
Representation helps keep communication controlled, evidence-based, and focused on fair compensation.
How Wolf & Pravato Build a Wrongful Death Case
Every claim is different, but our approach is built around proof and urgency:
- Immediate investigation (reports, scene evidence, video, witnesses)
- Records + documentation (medical records, billing, employment/earnings)
- Liability development (what failed, who failed, and why it mattered)
- Damages analysis (economic + personal losses where allowed)
- Negotiation or litigation based on the insurer’s position
Serving Lakeland and Nearby Areas
We represent families in Lakeland and surrounding communities throughout Polk County. If your loved one died due to negligence in the Lakeland area, you can speak with our team even if you live elsewhere in Florida (or out of state).
Talk to a Lakeland Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your loved one died because someone else failed to act responsibly, you may have options. We can review what happened, explain the next steps, and take the legal weight off your shoulders.
Free consultation • No fee unless we win
Call(844) 643-7200 or start here withcontact Wolf & Pravato
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Lakeland, Florida?
In many cases, the claim is filed by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of eligible survivors. Who qualifies and what damages apply depends on the family structure and the facts. - How long do we have to file a wrongful death claim?
Deadlines can be strict, and waiting can risk evidence. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your timeline and your options. - What damages are available in a Lakeland wrongful death case?
Depending on the eligible survivors and the facts, damages may include funeral and medical expenses, loss of support/services, and certain personal losses recognized under Florida law. - Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases settle, but strong preparation matters—because insurers take claims more seriously when your lawyer is ready to litigate if needed. - The insurance company already called—what should I do?
You can be polite, but avoid recorded statements or signing anything before you understand the full value of the claim. Early offers may not reflect long-term losses. - What if there’s also a criminal case (DUI, assault, etc.)?
Criminal and civil cases are separate. A criminal prosecution may punish wrongdoing, while a wrongful death claim may pursue compensation for the family, depending on the facts. - What if the deceased was partly at fault?
Fault can affect the claim’s value and strategy. Even if you’re hearing “they caused it,” that may not be the full story. A proper investigation can uncover negligence by others. - How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We offer a free consultation, and many cases are contingency-based—meaning no attorney fee unless there’s a recovery. We’ll explain how fees work before you decide.