What Actually Happens at Your First Meeting With a Wrongful Death Lawyer

The first meeting with a wrongful death lawyer is a free conversation, not a commitment, where the attorney listens to what happened, explains who can file under Florida law, and tells you what your family’s next steps look like. At Wolfson & Leon, that meeting can happen at the Hialeah office, at your home, or at the hospital, and it costs nothing. You do not need to have every document ready; bring what you have and the lawyer will help you get the rest.

Where does the meeting happen, do I have to come into the office?

You do not have to come to the office if it is hard for you right now. Wolfson & Leon will meet you at the Hialeah office (1840 W 49th St #734, Hialeah, FL 33012), at your home, or at the hospital, whichever is easiest for your family. The phone number 305-965-3766 is answered by a real person 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Just call that number and say where you are and what works best.

Can we speak Spanish, and can the whole family come?

Yes, you can speak Spanish, and yes, bring everyone who was close to the deceased. Most attorneys and staff at Wolfson & Leon speak Spanish. Attorney Alfie Leon often works with Hialeah clients entirely in Spanish. Bring the spouse, adult children, and parents of the deceased because Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 768.18) decides which family members may recover damages, and the attorney needs to understand who lived in the household and how the family depended on their loved one.

What should we bring to the first meeting?

Bring what you can find, but do not wait if some things are missing. Essential items include: the death certificate (or a letter from the funeral home or hospital if it is not yet issued); the crash report number or the name and badge number of the officer who responded (the lawyer can get the full report even if it is still confidential under Fla. Stat. § 316.066); all insurance cards and policy pages for every car and driver in the household, especially any uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; medical bills or hospital records related to the final injury; and government-issued ID for the person who will serve as the main contact. Helpful but not required: recent pay stubs or tax returns, marriage or birth certificates, photos from the scene, names of witnesses, and any letters or messages already received from an insurance company. Call even if you have nothing, the lawyer can start gathering records right away.

What will the lawyer ask us about?

The conversation will focus on three things. First, what happened: the date, location, how the death occurred, and who may be responsible. Second, who the deceased was to the family: their role in daily life, how they supported the household financially or emotionally, and who depended on them, because Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 768.18) defines which survivors can recover and for what kinds of losses. Third, whether any insurance adjuster has already called, sent a letter, or asked for a recorded statement. If so, tell the attorney before speaking further with the insurer.

What does the first meeting cost, and how does the firm get paid?

The first meeting costs nothing. You pay no fee and owe nothing if you decide not to hire the firm. If you do hire Wolfson & Leon, the firm works on a contingency fee, which means it is paid only if there is a recovery, and only from that recovery. If there is no recovery, you do not owe attorney’s fees. The exact percentage and how case expenses are handled will be written out in a clear agreement that you receive, review, and sign before any work begins. Ask to keep a copy.

What happens after we decide to move forward?

If your family hires Wolfson & Leon, the firm will send a representation letter to any insurance company so all communication must go through the lawyers. The firm will then gather the crash report (which it can access under Fla. Stat. § 316.066), medical records, witness statements, and other evidence while it is still available. The firm will also advise you on appointing a personal representative for the estate, which Florida law requires before filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Finally, the firm will explain the legal deadline to file, acting promptly helps protect your family’s rights. Remember, you can meet at the Hialeah office (1840 W 49th St #734), at your home, or at the hospital. Just call 305-965-3766.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have the death certificate before I call a wrongful death lawyer?
No. A preliminary notice from the hospital, medical examiner, or funeral home is enough to start. The lawyer can help obtain the official certificate later.

What if the insurance adjuster has already called us, is it too late to get a lawyer?
It is not too late. Tell the lawyer exactly what the adjuster said or asked. Do not give any more statements until you speak with an attorney.

Who in our family has the right to be part of a wrongful death case in Florida?
Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 768.18), the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased may be eligible to recover damages. Adult children of a married decedent may have limited rights if a spouse survives.

Can we get a copy of the police crash report before the first meeting?
It depends. Crash reports are confidential for 60 days under Fla. Stat. § 316.066, except to the parties involved, their insurers, and their attorneys. Once you hire a lawyer, the firm can request it as your legal representative.

What if our family member died somewhere other than a car crash, can we still call?
Yes. Wrongful death claims can arise from medical errors, slips and falls, defective products, or other negligence. Call 305-965-3766 to discuss what happened. Learn more about other types of cases at /wrongful-death.

Hurt in an accident in Hialeah? Call Wolfson & Leon at 305-965-3766 for a free consultation. We speak Spanish, and there is no fee unless we win.