Losing a loved one is a devastating experience, and it’s even harder when their death occurs due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence. In busy tourist areas, where visitors flock to attractions like I-Drive in Orlando, accidents can happen unexpectedly, causing catastrophic injuries or even death. In those heartbreaking moments, you may feel lost and uncertain about what to do next. While no amount of money can bring back the person you’ve lost, Florida’s wrongful death laws are designed to hold the responsible party accountable and help ease some of the financial burdens left behind.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, we have been helping Florida families pursue justice in wrongful death cases for decades. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, our team is dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable and helping you seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and other damages. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Wrongful Death Claims: What You Need to Know
Losing a loved one is never easy, but when their death is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, it can feel especially devastating. In Florida, wrongful death refers to a fatality caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional wrongdoing. This can include a wide variety of incidents, such as car or pedestrian accidents, construction site accidents, or even fatalities caused by defective products. In each of these cases, the responsible party’s actions directly contributed to the loss of a loved one.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim as a Tourist in Florida?
Florida is a popular destination for tourists, drawing millions each year to its sunny beaches, theme parks, and vibrant attractions. While many people visit the state to enjoy their vacation, some tragically suffer life-altering accidents, including wrongful deaths. If you are a tourist who has lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, you may wonder if you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. The answer is yes—tourists can file wrongful death claims in Florida, just as residents can.
What Is Wrongful Death in Florida?
Wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. In Florida, this includes a wide range of situations, from car accidents to medical malpractice, where the responsible party’s actions directly lead to or cause someone’s death. Florida law allows the deceased person’s survivors to file a claim for damages.
This type of claim is different from a criminal case, as it focuses on seeking financial compensation for the survivors’ losses rather than punishing the responsible party.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the following people are eligible to file a wrongful death claim:
- The deceased person’s spouse
- The deceased’s children (minor or adult)
- The deceased’s parents
- The deceased’s siblings (if there is no spouse or children)
If you are a surviving family member, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. A Florida wrongful death lawyer can help you determine your eligibility based on your relationship with the deceased and the specifics of the case.
Damages You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages. These damages help provide financial relief for the losses you’ve suffered as a result of the death.
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the injury or illness before death
- Lost wages or future earnings of the deceased
- Loss of financial support or benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Mental anguish
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, Florida law allows for punitive damages. These are awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. They are only available in cases where the defendant’s actions were egregious, such as in cases of drunk driving or intentional harm.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Wrongful Death Claim
While the process of filing a wrongful death claim may seem straightforward, it’s often complex and emotionally overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney can make all the difference in your case.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., we understand the pain and confusion that comes with the loss of a loved one. For more than 50 years, our dedicated team of Flordia wrongful death lawyes has been helping families in Central Florida and beyond seek justice after wrongful deaths.
Here’s why working with an experienced wrongful death lawyer is crucial:
- Expert Guidance: We understand Florida’s complex wrongful death laws and can guide you through the legal process.
- Thorough investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s death to build a strong case.
- Maximized compensation: We will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your loss, including for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Compassionate support: We prioritize your well-being and will work closely with you to understand your needs and ensure that justice is served.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the thought of pursuing a wrongful death claim can feel overwhelming. However, working with the right wrongful death attorney can make a significant difference in your case. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., we’re here to help guide you through this challenging process.
Why Choose Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis for Your Wrongful Death Claim?
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, we understand the profound grief and challenges families face after losing a loved one due to negligence. With over 50 years of experience and a history of helping Florida families seek justice, our Florida personal injury lawyers are committed to holding responsible parties accountable. Our team has the skills and dedication to pursue maximum compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
When you work with us, you’ll receive compassionate support and relentless advocacy to help you navigate this difficult time. Contact us today at (407) 843-7060 or through our contact form.

Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.