Hundreds of people die from accidents in Jacksonville, FL, every year, and some of these deaths are preventable. According to the Florida Department of Health, Duval County recorded 642 deaths from unintentional injuries in 2024. In some cases, another person’s negligence may contribute to a fatal accident.
If you have lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, Florida law may allow certain survivors and the estate to recover compensation through a wrongful death action. Keep reading to learn more about some of the leading causes of accidental death in Jacksonville.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents consistently rank high among causes of accidental death. Florida Department of Health data show that 144 Duval County residents died in motor vehicle crashes in 2024.
Fatal accidents may involve:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
These crashes can have many causes, including speeding, distracted driving, impairment, and other unsafe driving behavior. When another driver or party is legally responsible for a fatal crash, a wrongful death claim may be available.
Falls
Falls account for more accidental deaths than many people realize, particularly among older adults. Duval County recorded 129 deaths from unintentional falls in 2024, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Falls can happen almost anywhere. Depending on the circumstances, a dangerous condition on someone else’s property may give rise to a premises liability claim. A property owner’s legal duties depend on the facts of the case, including why the injured person was on the property and what the owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
Falls are also a common cause of serious and fatal workplace accidents, particularly in construction. Families of workers who die on the job may have rights to workers’ compensation death benefits, and a separate claim against a third party may sometimes be possible.
Swimming Pool and Drowning Accidents
Swimming pools are extremely popular in Florida because of the state’s warm climate. They can also present serious risks, particularly to young children. Pools that are not properly secured or maintained can create dangerous conditions, and property owners may sometimes be held liable when negligence contributes to a drowning.
Drowning deaths can also occur in ponds, rivers, beaches, and other bodies of water. Liability depends on the circumstances, including who controlled the property and whether that person or entity failed to meet an applicable legal duty.
Drug Poisoning and Accidental Overdoses
Poisoning by external causes, such as drugs, medications, and biological substances account for a substantial share of unintentional deaths. Florida Department of Health data show that Duval County recorded 280 deaths from unintentional poisoning in 2024.
Not every overdose gives rise to a civil claim. A wrongful death case requires a legal basis for holding another person or entity responsible for the death. Whether such a claim exists depends on the facts and should be evaluated separately from the medical cause of death.
What Can I Do After a Loved One’s Accidental Death?
If your loved one died because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act may allow compensation for certain losses. The types of damages available depend in part on the survivor’s relationship to the person who died.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost support and services
- Certain medical and funeral expenses
- Loss of spousal companionship and protection
- Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance
- Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors
- Certain losses suffered by the decedent’s estate
Florida law requires a wrongful death action to be brought by the decedent’s personal representative for the benefit of the survivors and the estate. The damages available in a particular case depend on the circumstances and the requirements of Florida law.
Your time to take legal action is also limited. Florida generally provides two years to file a wrongful death action. Different deadlines or procedural rules can apply in some cases, so it is important to determine the applicable deadline as soon as possible.
After a loved one’s death, preserve any accident-related documents and evidence already available to you, including photographs, videos, witness information, incident reports, and medical records.
Contact the Jacksonville Wrongful Death Lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
Losing a family member unexpectedly can leave you with difficult questions about what happened and whether someone else was responsible.
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can review the circumstances, explain how Florida’s wrongful death law may apply, and help you understand your options. For more information, contact our experienced Jacksonville wrongful death attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and the surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 936-1034
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167