Jacob Gordon · Former Insurance Defense Attorney Florida Wrongful Death Lawyer

I used to defend the companies and insurers in wrongful death cases.Now I represent the families.

Nothing makes this right. What a case can do is hold the responsible party accountable and protect your family’s future.

Insurers start valuing a death claim the day it happens. I know how, because I used to help them do it.

Florida personal injury attorney Jacob Gordon

What people say about Jake

AV Preeminent · Martindale    Rising Star · Super Lawyers    Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers    Member · Florida Justice Association

Quick answers.

The things people ask first.

Deadline

2 years

Most Florida negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

Cost

$0 upfront

No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.

Florida wrongful death law in plain English.

Florida law

The personal representative brings the claim

One person, usually named in the will or appointed by the court, files on behalf of the estate and all survivors. Fla. Stat. § 768.20

Florida law

Who are survivors

A spouse, children, parents, and in some cases blood relatives or adoptive siblings who depended on the person for support. Fla. Stat. § 768.18

Florida law

What can be recovered

Survivors can recover lost support and services, lost companionship, and in many cases mental pain and suffering. The estate can recover lost earnings and medical and funeral costs. Fla. Stat. § 768.21

Florida law

One exception for medical malpractice

In medical malpractice death cases only, adult children (25 and older) and parents of an adult child cannot recover for their own pain and suffering. Car crashes and other wrongful death cases don’t have this limit. Fla. Stat. § 768.21(8)

Florida law

You have two years

A wrongful death claim generally must be filed within two years of the death. Fla. Stat. § 95.11

Florida law

Common cases

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, drunk driving crashes, violent crimes from negligent security, falls and unsafe property, and medical malpractice.

How my defense experience helps you.

I know how they put a number on a life. Insurers break a death claim into pieces: lost income, lost support, and each survivor’s loss. They push each piece down. I build every piece with records, experts, and the people who knew your loved one best. That’s how the full loss gets counted.

I know who can recover. Florida law decides which family members can claim which damages. Defense lawyers use those rules to shrink the claim. I make sure every family member with a right to recover is included.

I find every policy. Auto, commercial, umbrella, property, and your own uninsured motorist coverage. Every policy found is more money available to your family.

I handle your case personally. Your family deals with me directly. You won’t be handed off.

20
Jury trials
500+
Litigated cases
10 yrs
Practicing in Florida since 2016
<10%
Of lawyers earn Martindale AV Preeminent

What to do.

Steps that protect your claim.

Step 1

Get copies of the

Get copies of the police report and death certificate.

Step 2

Keep medical bills, funeral

Keep medical bills, funeral bills, and pay records.

Step 3

Don't talk to the

Don’t talk to the other side’s insurer or sign anything.

Step 4

Don't post about the

Don’t post about the incident on social media.

Step 5

Call me

I’ll walk your family through who needs to do what.

Meet with me.

My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.

Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.

Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.

What your claim can include

  • Lost support and services
  • Lost companionship and guidance
  • Mental pain and suffering for close family
  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Lost earnings of the estate

Contact Jacob Gordon Injury Law for a free case review

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    Wrongful death FAQs.

    The personal representative of the estate, on behalf of the survivors and the estate.

    The court appoints a personal representative. I help with that.

    It depends on the facts and the insurers. I give you an honest timeline after I review the case.

    Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.

    Lost someone because of another's negligence? Talk to the lawyer who knows how they defend these cases.

    Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.

    Helpful resources