Wrongful Death

Leighton Panoff Law is a personal injury and wrongful death firm dedicated to representing families of those who have been killed through negligence.

Tragic Losses…Personal Service

John Elliott Leighton, Miami and Orlando wrongful death attorney, has obtained some of the nation’s largest wrongful death awards in recent years. He is dedicated to aggressive representation and compassionate counsel to our clients. Families throughout Florida, as well as Texas, Kentucky and Illinois, have trusted Mr. Leighton to represent them in their wrongful death cases. When someone loses a spouse, parent or child, the loss is much deeper than just the legal loss. The emotional effects are felt for a lifetime. The changes to a family last generations.

Award-Winning Wrongful Death Lawyer

Mr. Leighton, long regarded as one of the best Orlando wrongful death attorneys, recently was awarded the Daily Business Review “Hall of Fame” Award for Wrongful Death in 2015 as a result of his success in obtaining a wrongful death verdict in Florida of $24.3 million. Our work on behalf of families who have lost loved ones goes far beyond the courtroom. We regularly work with clients to help them obtain grief counseling and assist them in piecing their lives back together after such a tragic loss.

No loss is greater than that of a parent who has lost a child.  Mr. Leighton and the experienced lawyers and staff we have assembled have extensive experience in helping parents whose children have been killed through negligence, whether it is a car crash, violent crime, defective product, travel accident or medical mistake.  Sadly, most of these losses are preventable. Some of our verdicts and settlements include $8 million for the loss of a child, $6 million for a father/grandfather, $5.5 million for the death of a father of three, and $4.75 million for the loss of a mother.

Click here to speak with an attorney. We’re here to offer you the support you and your family need.

Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyers

Our experienced personal injury staff and seasoned lawyers are used to working with families who have suffered these most tragic losses.  By understanding our client’s needs, and by working to improve safety so others in the future will not suffer the same fate, Leighton Panoff Law lawyers have been able to change the way business is done in Florida.

Recently John Leighton, working with one of our clients who lost her daughter to a tragic act of negligence while parasailing, was able to secure passage of the nation’s first law regulating the parasailing industry.  After several years of meetings, editing proposed laws, lobbying, media appearances, and editorializing, Leighton accomplished what had been opposed by the resort industry for over five years.  The death of our client’s daughter was not in vain.  By using the lessons of this tragic loss, we know that there will be fewer deaths from parasailing in Florida in years to come. Click to read new law.

Wrongful death cases are controlled by statutes (in Florida it is Florida Statute 768) and involve a shortened statute of limitations (two years in Florida) and other procedural requirements. The damages that are recoverable in wrongful death cases are outlined by statutory law. Retaining a wrongful death attorney early in the process is essential, both in terms of filing your case within the allotted time, and in receiving the support and guidance you need.

Having represented many families of those lost as a result of wrongful death, Leighton Panoff Law has the understanding and compassion to obtain the best recovery for those who have suffered such losses. It is our mission to help make families whole again after a loss, and we treat our clients as we would want to be treated. By understanding our clients’ losses and needs, our Miami and Orlando wrongful death attorneys can better fight for their rights in court and obtain some of the best verdicts and settlements in the country. A wrongful death is a tragedy, but you don’t necessarily have to suffer alone. We are on your side and committed to helping you explore all of your legal options.

Past Wrongful Death Cases

Because of his unique approach to wrongful death cases, Mr. Leighton has been among our most successful Miami and Orlando wrongful death attorneys and recovered the maximum damages available to our clients. Considered one of the best wrongful death lawyers in Florida, Mr. Leighton has obtained some of the largest wrongful death awards and settlements in the United States, including:

• $24,315,980 for the death of a 52 year-old police officer and father
• $8 million for the death of a 19 year-old student
• $6 million for the death of an elderly pedestrian
• $5.550 million for the death of a 49 year-old married father of three
• $4.75 million for the death of a young mother of two
• $4.3 million for the death of a 35 year-old mother of two children
• $3.65 million for the death of a teenager in motor vehicle crash
• $3 million for the death of a 35 year-old mother of three
• $2 million for the death of a teenager struck by a truck
• And many more over $1 million

Click here for examples of our pending and finalized wrongful death cases.

Disclaimer: The information about past verdicts and settlements of the firm’s cases are based on the unique facts of each case. These amounts reflect the gross recovery in each case (before attorneys fees, expenses and medical costs are deducted). Although these results were obtained by our firm, they may not indicate the success or value of any other case as each case is unique. By clicking on Verdicts and Settlements you are acknowledging that every case is different and each case must be evaluated on its own merits. The information contained here has not been reviewed or approved by The Florida Bar.