Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers | September 18, 2026 | Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligent or intentional conduct, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your loss. Navigating the wrongful death claims process can be complex, and this is where having an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side is crucial. But what exactly does a wrongful death lawyer do?
Keep reading below to learn all the details about how a wrongful death lawyer can help you.
Perform a Thorough Investigation of Your Loved One’s Death
To build a strong wrongful death claim, you first need a clear picture of the facts surrounding the accident that caused the death. Getting all the facts straight can sometimes be challenging.
Evidence may be difficult to locate, unavailable, or disputed by the parties. A wrongful death lawyer can perform a thorough investigation of your loved one’s accident to uncover exactly what happened.
This may include:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Using experts to reconstruct the accident
- Requesting surveillance footage
- Gathering copies of police reports or crash records
- Reviewing medical records and other evidence
Whether your loved one died in a car accident or as the result of medical malpractice, a detailed investigation paves the way for a strong claim. The facts uncovered during the investigation can help the lawyer use the correct legal theory for the claim and identify all potential defendants in the case.
Answer Your Questions and Advise You of Your Legal Rights
Wrongful death laws vary from one state to the next. Some states limit who may file a wrongful death claim, and each state also has strict rules about filing deadlines. Florida, for example, only allows the court-appointed personal representative of the deceased’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. Other states allow a surviving spouse, child, or parent to file a claim.
Similarly, Florida sets the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim at two years from the date of death. However, the applicable deadline can depend on the circumstances, making it important to determine the filing period that applies to a particular case.
An experienced wrongful death lawyer can answer all your questions and help ensure that your legal rights are protected. This includes making sure that your claim is filed before the deadline so that you do not miss your chance to recover compensation.
Seek Compensation Available Under Florida Law
A wrongful death lawyer can identify the losses that may be recoverable under Florida law and determine who may seek compensation. The damages available depend on factors such as the survivor’s relationship to the deceased and the losses suffered.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost support and services
- Medical or funeral expenses paid by a survivor
- Loss of companionship and protection for a surviving spouse
- Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for qualifying children
- Mental pain and suffering for certain survivors
- Certain losses suffered by the deceased person’s estate
Florida law places specific requirements on wrongful death damages, so not every category is available in every case. An attorney can evaluate the relationships and losses involved to determine which damages may be pursued.
Negotiate a Settlement or Take the Case to Court
A wrongful death lawyer can also handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the claim. This may include presenting evidence of liability and damages, responding to settlement offers, and negotiating for compensation available under Florida law.
If the parties cannot reach a settlement, the attorney can file or continue litigating the wrongful death lawsuit and prepare the case for trial when necessary. This may involve taking depositions, working with experts, filing motions, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments in court.
Contact the Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Losing a family member because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct can leave you with questions about what happened and what legal options are available. A wrongful death claim may provide a way to hold the responsible party accountable and pursue compensation available under Florida law.
If you’ve been injured anywhere in the Tampa Bay area and need legal help, please contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers. We have five convenient locations across Florida, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota, serving clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay region.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and surrounding areas across Florida:
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
Bank of America Plaza, 101 E Kennedy Blvd Suite 2400, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Phone: (813) 222-8545
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
146 2nd St N Suite 310-R, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone: (813) 536-3527
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Cleveland St Ste. 329, Clearwater, FL 33755, United States
Phone: (813) 773-8254
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Bradenton Office
1215 Manatee Ave., Ste. 106, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (813) 896-4192
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Sarasota Office
2033 Main St Ste. 514, Sarasota, FL 34237, United States
Phone: (941) 401-0141
Hours: 24/7
