No legal outcome can undo what happened. No settlement will bring back the person you lost. Danielle understands that.
But wrongful death claims serve important purposes. They hold negligent parties accountable. They provide financial security for families facing unexpected futures. They send a message that careless actions have consequences.
Danielle Kushel handles wrongful death cases with the compassion families deserve and the fierce advocacy justice demands. As a former prosecutor who tried over 80 jury trials, she knows how to build compelling cases and present them powerfully—in negotiations and in the courtroom.
These cases are personal to her. As a mom of three and a South Florida native, she understands what families lose. She treats every wrongful death case as if it were her own family.
When a car accident takes a life, the stakes couldn't be higher. Danielle investigates these cases thoroughly—preserving evidence, identifying all responsible parties, and pursuing every avenue of recovery for the surviving family.
Commercial truck accidents often cause fatal injuries. These cases involve multiple defendants—drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers—and require an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and corporate insurance structures.
Motorcyclists and pedestrians face the highest risks on South Florida roads. When a driver's negligence kills a vulnerable road user, Danielle fights to ensure the family receives full compensation.
Fatal accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers present complex insurance questions. Danielle's rideshare expertise helps families navigate these cases and access the coverage their loved one's death entitles them to.
Not all wrongful deaths happen on the road. When inadequate security—poor lighting, broken locks, missing surveillance, no security personnel—contributes to a fatal assault or crime, property owners can be held liable.
Fatal falls, drownings, electrocutions, and other deaths caused by dangerous property conditions may support wrongful death claims against negligent property owners.
Under Florida law, wrongful death claims must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. However, the recovery is distributed to surviving family members:
May recover for loss of companionship, protection, and mental pain and suffering from the date of injury.
May recover for lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance, as well as mental pain and suffering.
If the deceased was a minor child, parents may recover for mental pain and suffering from the date of injury.
May recover if there is no surviving spouse. May also recover if the deceased parent was not married at the time of death.
Additionally, the estate itself may recover medical and funeral expenses, and lost net earnings from the date of injury to the date of death.
Note: Florida's wrongful death statute is complex. Danielle can explain exactly what recoveries may be available based on your family's specific situation.
Grieving families shouldn't have to manage legal paperwork. Danielle coordinates everything—from estate administration requirements to insurance negotiations to expert witness retention. You focus on your family. She handles the case.
Wrongful death cases require meticulous evidence preservation. Danielle moves quickly to secure accident scene evidence, interview witnesses, preserve vehicle data, and document everything needed to prove negligence.
There is no "right" timeline for grief. Danielle works at the pace you need—providing guidance when you're ready, space when you're not, and consistent support throughout the process.
Insurance companies try to minimize wrongful death payouts. They know families need money quickly and use that pressure to settle cheap. Danielle fights for the full value of your loss—including future losses the insurance company hopes you'll overlook.
Florida law provides for various types of damages in wrongful death cases:
Note: Florida caps certain wrongful death damages in medical malpractice cases, but most negligence-based wrongful death claims (car accidents, premises liability, etc.) are not subject to caps.
Under Florida law, wrongful death claims must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. However, the recovery is distributed to surviving family members:
If possible, document anything related to the accident—photos, reports, correspondence. Ask someone you trust to help if you're not up to it.
You'll need certified copies for legal proceedings, insurance claims, and estate administration.
Insurers may reach out with settlement offers or requests for information. Don't sign or agree to anything without legal advice—early offers are almost always inadequate.
Wrongful death claims in Florida must be filed by the estate's personal representative. If you haven't started estate administration, an attorney can guide you through this process.
There's no rush. But when you're ready to discuss legal options, having an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your family's interests.
There's no pressure to move quickly. When you're ready to talk about what happened—and what options exist for your family—Danielle is here to listen.
These conversations are confidential, free, and focused entirely on understanding yoursituation and answering your questions.
Every case begins with a conversation. Tell us what happened, and we'll let you know how we can help. No pressure, no obligation—just honest answers about your situation.
