Wrongful Death Claims in Florida Construction Accidents  

Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Accidents can and do happen, at times with devastating results and even wrongful death. W. Lee Clark & Associates, we will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system to pursue justice on behalf of your loved one. Contact us at (941) 207-7477.

Construction Accidents Resulting in Wrongful Death

The building trade is among the most dangerous occupations in Florida. The accidents can vary from equipment breakdowns and falls to being exposed to harmful chemicals. These deadly accidents not only kill families but also pose legal issues of negligence and liability.

Wrongful Death suits are meant to place blame on negligent parties while offering money support to the families of the deceased. These suits have to be backed with full evidence and come under the provisions of certain Florida laws.

Frequent causes of construction-site fatalities

  1. Falling from Height. The most frequent cause of construction deaths, falling, is usually brought on by the absence of proper safety harnesses or uneven scaffolding.
  2. Electrocution: Construction workers are frequently exposed to live wires and electrical parts. They are also exposed to broken equipment. This can cause fatal accidents.
  3. Struck By Object: The falling tools, falling materials, and heavy equipment crashes are all responsible for construction site fatalities.
  4. Caught Between Accidents: Workers get caught between walls, machines, or collapsed buildings. This could potentially result in death or serious injury.
  5. Toxic exposure: Breathing in nasty stuff like asbestos or silica all the time? Yeah, that can totally wreck your health—think fatal diseases, no joke.

Now, when it comes to a wrongful death case, we can actually dig in, figure out what went wrong, and point the finger at whoever’s responsible.

Who Can File a Complaint for Wrongful Death in Florida?

Under Florida law, certain family members are entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. These typically are:

  • The surviving spouse of a deceased individual
  • Children under the age of 25
  • Parents of children
  • The other dependents or relatives of the deceased who were dependent on him for financial or emotional support

Assigning Fault in Construction Accident Wrongful Death

To determine fault in a wrongful death case, you need to investigate thoroughly. Depending on the facts of the case, multiple parties could be at fault:

  1. Subcontractors and General Contractors: General contractors and subcontractors are responsible for a safe site and PLE. If there is negligence due to unsafe acts, all will be liable.
  2. Property Owners: If you have hazardous conditions on your property, you will be liable for any injuries or deaths from those conditions..
  3. Equipment manufacturers: Manufacturers of equipment may be liable under product liability laws for injuries from defective equipment.
  4. Third parties: These could include delivery and service people, and these third parties may be liable if they acted unreasonably and caused or contributed to the event.

Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Suit

Families of deceased construction accident victims are entitled to compensation.

  • Economic loss: Remunerations for lost wages, medical bills incurred in the lead up to death, and funeral expenses. 
  • Additional damages: Mental anguish and emotional distress from loss of value of society and mental injury to family members.
  • Punitive damages: If the at-fault party’s behavior was intentional or so reckless as to be considered grossly negligent, punitive damages can be awarded to punish the behavior and deter others from doing the same thing in the future.

Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to review your case and recover the full funds from the state of Florida.

Construction Law Attorney Tampa

Wrongful Deaths at Work Must Be Addressed

To reduce the number of fatalities, we need to put workplace safety first, especially in construction, where safety is often ignored. Construction is a high-risk activity, but paying attention to safety can reduce the chances of a worker losing their life in an event. Making safety the focus of the workplace requires everyone, including employers, contractors, and employees, to step up.

Safety measures to minimize fatalities

  1. Wide-Ranging Programs: Employees need to achieve a high level of understanding of how equipment safely operates, the risks involved, and how to properly handle emergencies. OSHA programs are an excellent opportunity for workers to get the skills they need.
  2. Personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure workers are supplied with PPE: safety glasses, safety helmets, gloves, harnesses, etc., and use them consistently.
  3. Safety Inspections: Safety inspections are done periodically to identify hazards and prevent accidents.
  4. Hazard Communication: Simple identification of hazardous chemicals and clear communication of potential hazards informs and prepares employees.
  5. Compliance with OSHA Standards: Using OSHA standards for scaffolding, fall protection, electrical equipment, and heavy machinery will prevent most accident fatalities.

Why Safety Compliance Helps Everybody

Putting safety first is one way employers can protect their workers and their company from costly lawsuits and fines. When safety is number one, employees are more confident and take more pride in their work. Following safety laws will also enhance the image of a business and make it an attractive place to bring in good labor.

W. Lee Clark & Associates, while wrongful death claims may bring justice to families, the ideal solution is to prevent tragedies from occurring in the first place. We can all make construction sites safer for workers and their families.

There is nothing worse than losing a family member on a construction site. The process can be overwhelming when you are also grieving for your loved ones.

Wrongful death claims: Our approach

  1. Comprehensive investigation: We collaborate with experts in safety and engineers to build a strong case.
  2. Experienced Advocacy: Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who excel at getting serious insurance discounts.
  3. Ready for Court: If the other side won’t play ball and give you a fair deal, we’re not scared to take this all the way. Seriously, our crew’s got the brains, the grit, and the firepower to back you up, every step of the way. Your family deserves real justice, not some half-baked apology—and we’re here to make that happen.

We’ve Got What It Takes to Fight for Your Family’s Justice, No Matter How Tough It Gets

  • Track Record: We have a successful record of obtaining substantial verdicts and settlements, which shows our skill level.
  • Client-Centered service: We emphasize that we communicate clearly and transparently while providing a personalized service.
  • No Fees If We Lose: Our fees are non-contingent, meaning you only need to pay us when we win you compensation.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait to seek professional advice if your family members have been involved in a construction accident that caused wrongful fatalities. W. Lee Clark & Associates, call us at (941) 207-7477 today!

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