--- description: Clearwater wrongful death lawyers at Fran Haasch have recovered millions of dollars in our decades of experience. Call for a FREE evaluation. title: Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorney --- Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyer | Wrongful Death Attorney [Home](https://www.lawfran.com/) » [Wrongful Death Attorney Florida](https://www.lawfran.com/wrongful-death-attorneys/) » Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyers # Clearwater Wrongful Death Lawyers Last Updated: October 16, 2025 Reading Time: 6 minutes trusted Content Legally Reviewed by: Fran Haasch Updated 8 months ago Table of Contents Our Case results $5,010,000 Motorcycle Accidents $4,000,000 Motorcycle Accidents $4,000,000 Motorcycle Accidents $4,000,000 Catastrophic Injury, Personal Injury $3,010,000 Motorcycle Accidents $2,405,000 Motorcycle Accidents $2,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents $2,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents $2,330,000 Motorcycle Accidents $2,300,000 Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury $1,800,000 Car Accidents $1,800,000 Car Accidents $1,600,000 Motorcycle Accidents $1,550,000 Motorcycle Accidents $1,550,000 Car Accidents $1,500,000 Motorcycle Accidents $1,500,000 Motorcycle Accidents $1,494,446 Motorcycle Accidents $1,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents $1,400,000 Motorcycle Accidents View All Results Our Practice Areas Testimonials Extremely attentive and considerate. Highly recommend them. When I got in my car accident they kept me up to date with everything didn’t have to be on top of them. Very professional. Thank you guys for all you help me with. Julie Rodriguez I was in a car accident a few years ago, they helped me through the process .Very professional and very generous toward the different charities that they help. I've gotten to know a lot of good people throughout the years that are affiliated with them. Thomas Scharf Attorney Fran Haasch was great in helping me with my medical bills and settling my case! They really cared about me and my family. I recommend them, if you have injuries from an automobile accident. Sofia Beshara Contact Us Today Free Consultation Call us Anytime 24/7 (727) 784-8191 X/TwitterThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Last Email Phone(Required)Are You a New Client?Are You a New Client?Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither.Case Details(Required)Communication Consent I consent to receive calls and emails from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, including via automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and prerecorded messages, regarding my inquiry and related legal services. Consent is not a condition of services. [Disclaimer](https://www.lawfran.com/disclaimer-and-terms-of-use/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.lawfran.com/privacy-policy/)SMS/Text Message Consent I consent to receive text messages from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers at the phone number provided, including messages regarding my inquiry, case updates, and appointment reminders. Frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out. Δ ## CLEARWATER WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS ## WHAT IS CONSIDERED WRONGFUL DEATH IN FLORIDA? - Negligence - Defective products - Medical malpractice - Intentional acts - Accidental death as a result of another crime ## WRONGFUL DEATH CAN OCCUR IN MANY WAYS ### Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents Negligent drivers who violate traffic regulations, use alcohol or drugs, or drive recklessly can be found legally responsible for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. ### Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Scooter Accidents People walking, running, bicycling, or riding scooters are more vulnerable to severe injury or death if they are hit by a car because they have less physical protection. Drivers who violate traffic laws or drive recklessly could be liable for damages in a wrongful death suit involving a pedestrian, cyclist, or [scooter](https://www.lawfran.com/scooter-accidents/) rider. ### Boating Accidents Florida has miles of coastline and waterways to explore. The increased access to water results in increased boating accidents. In 2020, the[ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission](https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/accidents/) reported 79 boating fatalities in Florida. When a boat operator behaves carelessly or makes poor decisions that lead to someone’s death, they could be held responsible for damages in a wrongful death case. ### Workplace Accidents We spend a lot of time where we work. As a result, occupational accidents and injuries frequently happen. In 2019, there were 306 work injury fatalities in Florida, according to the[ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/regions/southeast/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_florida.htm). There were 5,333 fatal works injuries nationwide in 2019. Deaths that occur at the workplace can be complicated cases. Certain occupations are more likely to experience fatal accidents. These occupations include construction, transportation and materials movers, and heavy truck and tractor-trailer truck drivers. There are usually several parties who could be liable, including property owners, employers, contractors, and other third parties. A wrongful death lawyer can help determine if a death was preventable and, if it was, which entity was responsible for the individual’s wrongful death. Common workplace fatalities result from: - Transportation incidents - Slips, trips, and falls - Exposure to harmful substances or environments - Workplace violence - Other injuries by persons or animals ### Medical Malpractice Medical negligence or malpractice happens when a healthcare professional fails to provide the correct or necessary intervention or provides a substandard treatment that causes harm or death to a patient. A skilled lawyer will gather the required evidence to determine if a wrongful death lawsuit is possible. Examples of medical malpractice include: - Failing to diagnose or giving the wrong diagnosis - Disregarding patient history - Prescribing or giving improper medication or dosage - Misreading or overlooking lab results - Unnecessary surgery - Surgical errors or wrong-site surgery - Premature discharge from facility or care - Lack of follow-up care ### Slip and Fall Accidents People who have [slip and fall accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/personal-injury-lawyers/slip-and-fall-accidents/) might experience minor to severe injuries and even death. Unfortunately, seniors are the most at risk for fatality after a fall. According to[ The Florida Department of Health](https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/older-adult-falls-prevention/index.html), accidental falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among individuals age 65 and older living in Florida. In 2019, 3,013 seniors in Florida died as a result of a fall. Property owners must maintain their premises, so it is safe for visitors. When the owner doesn’t uphold that duty, and someone falls on their property, they can be found negligent. In addition, a slip and fall resulting in death could lead to a wrongful death lawsuit. ### Swimming Pool Accidents Drowning accidents are a horrible tragedy and one of the[ leading causes of death for children ages 1-4 in Florida](https://www.watersmartfl.com/). Most of these devastating accidents occur in home swimming pools.[ Drowning prevention](https://www.watersmartfl.com/layers.html) includes: - Supervision - Water safety education - Physical barriers - Safe pool filters and drain system - Emergency preparedness Property owners must maintain their pool areas in a manner that protects others from injury or death. For example, a pool owner might be found negligent if: - They fail to maintain proper fencing around a pool. - They do not supervise children. - There is a defective swimming pool filter or drain system. - They do not have adequate safety equipment. ### Accidents in Airplane Crashes The majority of flights reach their destination safely. However, sometimes a disastrous event occurs that results in a deadly airplane crash. The airline, the airplane manufacturer, or another third party may be held responsible when this happens. A Clearwater wrongful death attorney will gather evidence to help file a wrongful death claim. ### Violent Criminal Acts It is possible to sue someone for wrongful death in civil court while facing criminal charges for the same death. In a wrongful death lawsuit, the defendant is liable for financial compensation the court orders them to pay to the deceased person’s survivors. This is different than a criminal homicide case. A criminal conviction can result in prison time, fines paid to the state, probation, and other penalties. ## HOW DOES AN ATTORNEY PROVE WRONGFUL DEATH? A wrongful death happens when a person’s death could have been and should have been prevented. An attorney must be able to prove the following: - The individual’s passing was a direct result of another person or entity’s negligence. - The family member is suffering financial loss, pain and suffering, and/or loss of services due to the passing of their loved one. ## WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE NEGLIGENCE IN A WRONGFUL DEATH CASE? To find a person or entity negligent in a wrongful death case, a lawyer must prove: - A legal duty of care was owed to the deceased. - The legal duty of care was breached. - The person’s death was a direct result of the breach. This may require a detailed investigation by your lawyer including, but not limited to: - Reviewing accident reports and medical records - Analyzing video surveillance - Interviewing witnesses - Obtaining safety or maintenance records and reports - Recreating the accident scene with accident reconstruction specialists ## WHO FILES THE WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM IN FLORIDA? Florida law requires a personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate to file the wrongful death claim. Thus, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed on behalf of the decedent and their family members. A complaint on behalf of all survivors means that immediate family members are eligible to be named in wrongful death suits.[ Family members typically entitled to damages](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2020/08/who-can-file-a-wrongful-death-claim-in-florida/) include: - The deceased’s spouse. - The deceased’s children. - Parents of the deceased. - Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who received support or services from the deceased. ## HOW SOON SHOULD I FILE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT? In Florida, you usually have two years after the death of a loved one to file a wrongful death suit. However, the amount of time you have to file a wrongful death claim may depend on who you are suing. To ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to file a claim, you should consult a Clearwater wrongful death attorney as quickly as possible. The Fran Haasch Law Group has 25 years of experience with personal injury cases. We have the knowledge and understanding to help you make informed decisions. ## WHAT LOSSES CAN BE CLAIMED? Our Clearwater wrongful death attorneys understand the emotional and financial hardships that occur after losing a loved one. Therefore, we will help you receive compensation for the following types of damages under[ Florida Statue 768.21](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.21.html): - Medical expenses—All medical bills associated with the accident should be included in the wrongful death lawsuit. - Funeral expenses and burial costs—Each survivor may also recover any of the funeral expenses they paid. - Loss of support and services—Each survivor may recover lost support and services from the date of the decedent’s injury to their death. Survivors may also receive compensation for future loss of support and services. *Support* is lost contributions of property and money. Whereas *services *represent tasks, such as household duties routinely performed by the decedent, that will now be an expense to the survivors. - Loss of future earnings—If the deceased brought income into the household, you might be entitled to compensation for their lost income and future wages. - Lost parental companionship—Minor children under the age of 25 in Florida may be awarded damages for the lost benefits of the parental relationship, such as parental companionship, instruction, and guidance. How involved the parent was in the child’s life may significantly affect how much compensation minor children recover in the lawsuit. - Mental pain and suffering—Emotional damages after a wrongful death can include loss of companionship and mental pain and suffering for a spouse. Emotional trauma is challenging to measure. Therefore, the jury may examine the relationship between the decedent and the surviving spouse to determine a value for mental pain and suffering. - Future therapy expenses—If a family member chooses to go to grief counseling after the wrongful death of a loved one, the cost of the counseling should be compensated. - Punitive damages—In some wrongful death cases, intentional, careless, and malicious conduct occurred. In these instances, family members might be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are implemented to punish someone for a particular behavior. ## WHAT IF MY LOVED ONE PLAYED A PART IN THE ACCIDENT? In some cases, the victim may have contributed to the accident in some way. In Florida, even if your loved one was partially responsible for the accident, you are still entitled to compensation for your losses. Florida has a[ comparative negligence](https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html) law that allows more than one party to be responsible for an accident. For example, suppose your loved one is found 15% responsible for the accident, then you will receive 15% less compensation. The other parties are still held accountable for their role in your loved one’s accident. Our experienced Clearwater attorneys can help you recover the total compensation you deserve. ## THE FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP HAS THE EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOU The loss of a loved one to an accident or neglect is a tragedy. Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys understand that surviving family members are grieving and treat you with compassion and care. We strive for an excellent attorney-client relationship. We want you to feel comfortable reaching out when you need us or have questions. We will also keep you informed of any updates and explain the details. “The people at the firm were friendly, responsive, and when I needed something explained, they were thorough in their explanation.” —Paul Mondelli INJURED IN FLORIDA? The Fran Haasch Law Group Is Here for You. Whether you’ve been hurt in a [motorcycle crash](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/), [car accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/), [truck collision](https://www.lawfran.com/truck-accident-lawyers/), or another serious incident, you deserve strong legal representation. Our experienced Florida [personal injury attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need. Schedule Your Free Consultation Share this page Find an Office Near You Our Personal Injury Locations At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. With multiple offices across the region, our team is dedicated to making it easy for you to access experienced legal help close to home. Select a location below to learn more about the services available near you. Meet Our Attorneys ## Francoise M. Haasch Founding Attorney Over 20 Years Experience Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Lifetime Member Known for extensive trial experience and consistent client advocacy across complex injury cases. Meet Francoise M. Haasch ## Joshua R. Lipton Managing Attorney Over 20 Years Experience Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Recognized for consistent results and strong client advocacy in complex accident cases. Meet Joshua R. Lipton ## David R. Fuller Attorney Over 30 Years Experience Personal Injury Litigation Secured more than a dozen seven-figure settlements for clients. Meet David R. Fuller ## Allen J. Pipkins II Attorney Over 10 Years Experiece Personal Injury Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents Combines experience from both plaintiff-side injury firms and large insurance companies. Meet Allen J. Pipkins II ## Laura Smith Davies Attorney (Of Counsel) Almost 20 Years Experiece Personal Injury Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents Known for her versatile trial experience and leadership roles across multiple legal disciplines. Meet Laura Smith Davies Related Content Want to learn more about car accidents? Whether its how to prevent them or what to do once you’ve been in one, [our blog](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/) can help you gather the knowledge and information you need. 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If you are involved in a car accident, it can Read Full Post » ## Contact Us Today (727) 784-8191 Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal rights with confidence. CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Last Email Phone(Required)Are You a New Client?Are You a New Client?Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither.Case Details(Required)Communication Consent I consent to receive calls and emails from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, including via automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and prerecorded messages, regarding my inquiry and related legal services. Consent is not a condition of services. 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