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.