Tampa Wrongful Death Lawyer

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. No amount of money can replace what you’ve lost, but holding the responsible party legally accountable can help your family find closure and financial stability.

If your loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act, our Tampa, FL wrongful death lawyer is here to help you seek justice. At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we stand by grieving families and fight for the compensation they deserve—not just for what was lost, but for what was taken from them.

Please consider calling us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and how we can help.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Tampa, FL

When tragedy strikes unexpectedly, families are often left with questions that deserve answers. How could this happen? Who’s responsible? Where do we go from here?

In Florida, wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. These claims can cover lost financial support, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one’s companionship and guidance.

Our wrongful death lawyer in Tampa, Florida, understands that these cases are deeply, deeply personal. We take the time to listen to your story and learn about the person you lost—their life, their dreams, and what they meant to your family.

Then we put our experience to work building a strong case that reflects the full impact of your loss. We handle every detail, from investigating the cause of death to negotiating with insurers and, when necessary, taking your fight to court.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we believe that your family deserves compassion and clear communication throughout the legal process. You’ll work directly with the attorney assigned to your case, and won’t have to worry about getting passed from one staff member to another.

Our focus is always on you and what justice looks like for your family.

What is the Florida Wrongful Death Act?

The Florida Wrongful Death Act is a critical piece of legislation that provides a legal framework for families who have lost a loved one due to another party’s wrongful act, negligence, or breach of duty. Under this act, surviving family members and the decedent’s estate have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages resulting from the death.

This law recognizes that wrongful death claims are distinct from criminal cases. While criminal court addresses intentional acts such as murder, wrongful death claims are civil actions focused on compensating surviving family members for their losses.

The act allows the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to initiate the claim, ensuring that the interests of all beneficiaries, including the surviving spouse, adult children, parents, and other blood relatives dependent on the deceased person, are represented.

Damages recoverable under the Florida Wrongful Death Act include economic losses like medical bills, funeral expenses, burial costs, lost support, and the replacement value of services the deceased provided to the family. Additionally, non-economic damages such as mental pain, emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and parental guidance can be compensated.

In rare cases where the death was caused by intentional or grossly negligent actions, punitive damages may also be awarded to hold the responsible party accountable.

Importantly, the act stipulates that the wrongful death claim must be filed within two years from the date the death occurred, emphasizing the need for timely legal action. The statute also requires that all interested parties in the decedent’s estate be notified and involved in the claim process.

This includes the surviving spouse, blood relatives, and any dependents who suffered losses due to the death.

Understanding the Florida Wrongful Death Act is essential for families pursuing justice and compensation. Experienced Tampa wrongful death lawyers can guide you through this complex legal process, conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence, prove negligence or wrongful acts, and advocate for the maximum recovery possible.

Their expertise ensures that the decedent’s estate and surviving family members receive fair compensation to help alleviate the financial and emotional burdens caused by the loss.

Why Experience Matters In Wrongful Death Cases

Wrongful death claims require a careful balance of legal strategy and sensitivity. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may try to limit your recovery or shift blame. Having an experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., our attorneys bring over 80 years of combined experience to every case, backed by a record of substantial results for Florida families.

Can I File a File a Wrongful Death On My Own?

Filing a wrongful death claim on your own is technically possible, but it is highly discouraged due to the complexity of wrongful death laws and procedures. The process involves strict deadlines, detailed legal requirements, and the need to prove negligence or wrongful acts by the other party. Without legal expertise, you may miss critical steps or fail to gather the necessary evidence, which could significantly weaken your case.

In Florida, only the personal representative of the decedent’s estate has the legal authority to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This representative must act on behalf of all interested parties, including the surviving spouse, children, parents, and other dependents.

The personal representative has a fiduciary duty to manage the estate and pursue claims to recover damages for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

Navigating the legal process also requires understanding the types of damages you can claim, such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and compensation for emotional pain and suffering. Additionally, wrongful death claims often involve negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigation in court.

Hiring an experienced Tampa wrongful death lawyer ensures that your case is handled with the necessary legal knowledge and sensitivity. A skilled attorney will conduct an independent investigation, gather evidence to prove negligence or wrongful acts, and advocate for the maximum compensation possible.

They will also manage all communications with the other party, insurance companies, and legal professionals, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.

In short, while filing on your own is an option, working with a qualified wrongful death attorney significantly increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation and holding the responsible party accountable.

Founding attorney Mickey Keenan offers:

• A U.S. Army veteran’s principles of duty, loyalty, and integrity
• Former insurance defense experience that gives him insight into how insurers operate
• A client-first philosophy that treats every family with care and respect
• Proven trial and negotiation experience

Notable case results include:

• $4,900,000 settlement for a commercial vehicle accident victim with severe lower body injuries
• $2,000,000 settlement for an auto collision victim
• $550,000 settlement for a slip and fall injury
• $400,000 settlement for a rideshare accident victim
• $50,000 settlement for a restaurant assault victim

Contact Our Tampa Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Let our compassionate and experienced team help you find a path forward. While you focus on healing and remembering your loved one, our Tampa wrongful death attorney will handle the ins and outs of the legal process and fight for the justice your family deserves.

We know what’s at stake, and we’ll be by your side every step of the way. If you’ve lost someone due to another’s negligence, contact Mickey Keenan, P.A. today for a complementary consultation.