What is a wrongful-death claim after a violent crime?
When someone is killed because a property owner or business failed to provide reasonable security, the law allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful-death lawsuit. It holds the negligent party financially responsible — and it is separate from any criminal case against the person who committed the crime.
Nothing replaces the person you lost. But these cases provide a measure of justice and accountability, and they can force dangerous properties to finally become safe.
Who can file?
This varies by state. Typically a wrongful-death claim is brought by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of surviving family members — a spouse, children, or parents. We help families navigate exactly who has the right to file.
What a wrongful-death case can recover
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The loss of the deceased’s financial support and benefits
- The loss of companionship, guidance, and care the family suffered
- In some cases, the deceased’s pre-death pain and suffering
When is a property owner liable?
The same negligent-security standard applies: if the deadly crime was foreseeable — because of prior violence or obvious danger — and the owner failed to provide reasonable security, they can be held responsible for the death.
How long does a family have?
Wrongful-death deadlines vary by state and are often shorter than people expect. In Florida, the limit is generally two years. Acting promptly also preserves the evidence — surveillance footage, security records — that proves the security failure.
Standing with families
Attorney Michael A. Haggard has secured some of the largest negligent-security recoveries in the country for grieving families, including multi-million-dollar results in fatal apartment and parking-lot shootings. We handle these cases nationwide, with no fee unless we win.
Frequently asked questions
Who is allowed to file a wrongful-death lawsuit?
It depends on your state, but it is usually filed by the estate's personal representative on behalf of close survivors such as a spouse, children, or parents. We help your family determine who has the right to bring the claim.
Can we sue even if the killer is being prosecuted?
Yes. A wrongful-death civil claim is separate from the criminal case and is typically brought against the negligent property owner or business, not the perpetrator.
How long do we have to file?
Deadlines vary by state and are often short — two years in Florida, for example. It's important to speak with a lawyer quickly to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
What does it cost our family?
Nothing up front. We work on contingency — you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation.