Losing a family member is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. When this profound loss happens because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful act, the pain is often mixed with confusion and anger. You are left to pick up the pieces while facing emotional and financial burdens you never expected.
During this unimaginable time, you do not have to stand alone. A compassionate Coral Springs wrongful death lawyer can offer guidance and support, helping you hold the responsible party accountable.
The Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein is here to listen to your story with compassion and determination. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but seeking justice can provide a sense of closure and the financial stability your family needs to move forward. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Why Choose the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein for Your Coral Springs Wrongful Death Case
Choosing a legal advocate after losing a family member is a deeply personal decision. You need a team that is not only knowledgeable and skilled but also genuinely compassionate and dedicated to your family's well-being. At the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, we approach every case with the sensitivity and personal attention it deserves. Attorney Cindy Goldstein handles each case personally, meaning you will work directly with her and her team throughout the entire process.
With over a decade of legal experience in both Florida and California, Cindy Goldstein has a well-rounded and thorough understanding of personal injury law. She founded her firm in 2007 with a commitment to giving every client the individualized attention they need.
This client-first approach has allowed our firm to grow through the trust and referrals of families right here in the Coral Springs community. We believe in open communication and are here to answer your questions and provide support while you focus on healing.
Here is why families in Coral Springs trust our firm:
- Direct Attorney Access: Attorney Goldstein personally manages every aspect of your case, providing the dedicated attention your family deserves.
- A Commitment to Justice: As a member of the Florida Justice Association, Cindy Goldstein is dedicated to upholding the rights of those who have been wronged and seeking fair outcomes.
- A Diverse and Inclusive Practice: Our multilingual team speaks Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese, allowing us to serve all members of our vibrant South Florida community with clarity and understanding.
Our firm is built on a foundation of trust and a reputation for treating clients like family. We are prepared to stand by your side and advocate for the justice your loved one deserves.
What Constitutes Wrongful Death?
The term “wrongful death” can sound intimidating, but the concept is straightforward. A wrongful death is a death caused by the wrongful act, negligence, carelessness, or default of another person or entity. In simpler terms, if the person who passed away could have filed a personal injury lawsuit had they survived their injuries, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim instead.
These claims are established by Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, which outlines the legal framework for holding at-fault parties accountable for the loss they have caused. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is not to punish the wrongdoer with criminal charges, which are handled by the state. Instead, it is a civil action that allows surviving family members to seek financial compensation for their immense losses.
This compensation is meant to cover both the economic costs stemming from the death, like lost income and medical bills, and the profound emotional pain of losing a loved one’s companionship and support. Proving a wrongful death claim requires showing that the at-fault party had a duty to act with reasonable care, that they failed in that duty, and that this failure directly caused the death of your family member.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
The tragic circumstances that lead to a wrongful death claim can arise from nearly any type of personal injury incident. Attorney Cindy Goldstein has experience representing families who have lost loved ones in a wide variety of situations. We are prepared to investigate the unique facts of your case and build a strong claim for accountability.
Our firm is equipped to handle wrongful death cases arising from:
- Car Accidents: A collision caused by a distracted, speeding, or otherwise reckless driver on roads like the Sawgrass Expressway or University Drive.
- Truck Accidents: Incidents involving large commercial vehicles, which often result from driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or violations of federal trucking regulations.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Crashes where motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injury due to the negligence of other motorists.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Tragic events where a walker or cyclist is struck by a vehicle whose driver failed to yield or pay attention.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Deaths caused by the inexcusable decision of an individual to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Rideshare Accidents: Complex cases involving Uber or Lyft where determining liability can require a thorough understanding of insurance policies.
- Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents (Premises Liability): Fatal injuries that occur on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, such as a wet floor without a warning sign or a broken staircase.
If your family member passed away due to any of these or other similar circumstances, you may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our team can help you understand your rights and options.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Case in Coral Springs, Florida?
Florida law has specific rules about who is permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The claim cannot be filed directly by individual family members. Instead, the law requires that the lawsuit be filed by the "personal representative" of the deceased person’s estate.
So, who is the personal representative? This person is either named in the deceased’s will or appointed by a court if there is no will. The personal representative acts on behalf of all the surviving family members who have an interest in the case. While the personal representative files the lawsuit, the compensation recovered is for the benefit of the survivors and the estate itself.
The law defines "survivors" who may be eligible to receive compensation. These individuals typically include:
- The spouse of the deceased.
- The children of the deceased.
- The parents of the deceased.
- Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support or services.
Understanding who qualifies as a survivor and what they are entitled to can be complex. A Coral Springs wrongful death attorney can help your family appoint a personal representative and make certain that the rights of all eligible survivors are protected throughout the legal process.
What Damages Are Available in a Coral Springs Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
While no legal action can ever undo the loss of a family member, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burdens that often follow such a tragedy. The compensation, known as "damages," is intended to address the various ways the death has impacted the surviving family members and the deceased’s estate.
In Florida, the damages that may be available are divided into two main categories. The first category includes compensation paid directly to the survivors for their personal losses. The second category covers losses suffered by the estate.
Survivors may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Mental Pain and Suffering: This acknowledges the profound emotional anguish and grief experienced by the surviving spouse, parents, and children.
- Loss of Companionship and Protection: For a surviving spouse, this compensates for the loss of their partner’s love, companionship, and guidance.
- Loss of Parental Companionship, Instruction, and Guidance: For surviving children, this addresses the loss of a parent’s nurturing and support.
- Lost Support and Services: This covers the value of the income the deceased would have provided to the family, as well as the value of services they performed, such as household chores, childcare, and maintenance.
The estate can recover damages for:
- Lost Earnings: This is the amount of money the deceased could have reasonably been expected to earn and save as part of their estate had they lived a full life.
- Medical and Funeral Expenses: The estate can seek reimbursement for any final medical bills and funeral or burial costs that were paid by the estate or a family member.
Calculating these damages requires a detailed analysis of many factors, including the deceased’s age, health, earning capacity, and their relationship with the survivors. Our Coral Springs wrongful death attorney works with financial professionals to accurately assess the full extent of your family's losses to build a comprehensive claim for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Coral Springs Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help with Your Case
A dedicated Coral Springs wrongful death attorney from our firm can manage every legal detail, allowing you and your family to focus on grieving and healing together.
From the moment you contact us, our team will begin working to protect your rights and build a strong foundation for your claim. Here is how we can help:
- Providing a Free and Confidential Consultation: We will sit down with you to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in clear, easy-to-understand language.
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation: We will gather all necessary evidence to prove fault, which may include accident reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and medical records. In cases like truck accidents, this could involve examining data from the vehicle's "black box" recorder.
- Handling All Communication: We will manage all communication with insurance companies, opposing attorneys, and other parties on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, but we will protect you from their tactics and fight for your family’s best interests.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: We will carefully document all of your family’s economic and non-economic losses to make certain we are pursuing the maximum compensation available.
- Negotiating for a Fair Settlement: Attorney Cindy Goldstein will use her extensive negotiation experience to advocate for a full and fair settlement that addresses your family's needs.
- Representing You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and represent your family in court with the strong and compassionate advocacy you deserve.
Our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can concentrate on what matters most: your family.
Coral Springs Wrongful Death FAQs
After a tragic loss, it is natural to have many questions. Below are answers to some common concerns we hear from families in Coral Springs.
What is the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, there is a time limit for filing a wrongful death claim, which is known as the statute of limitations. Generally, your family has two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. While there are some very rare exceptions, failing to file within this two-year window will likely mean you lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your family’s rights.
What if my loved one was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule. This means that you may still be able to recover damages even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident that caused their death, as long as they were not more than 50% at fault, subject to HB837 enacted in 2023. The amount of compensation your family can receive would be reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault. For example, if they were found to be 10% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 10%.
How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?
At the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, we handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees to hire us. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your family. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award. This arrangement allows families to pursue justice without worrying about the cost of legal representation during an already difficult financial time.
Contact Our Coral Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
At the Law Firm of Cindy Goldstein, we understand the immense pain and sorrow your family is experiencing. We are committed to providing you with compassionate, personalized, and determined legal representation. As a long-standing member of the Coral Springs community, Attorney Goldstein is dedicated to helping families seek justice and accountability.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else's actions, please do not wait to seek the help you deserve. Contact our office today at (954) 346-5420 or through our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us stand with you during this difficult time and help you on the path toward healing and justice.
CALL 1-844-4LADYLAW or (954) 346-5420
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