Jacksonville Wrongful Death Lawyer
John M. Phillips is a Board Certified civil trial attorney with 25+ years of experience securing maximum compensation for families devastated by wrongful death. His $495,123,680 verdict stands as the largest in Jacksonville history—a judgment that demonstrates his ability to take the most serious wrongful death cases to trial and win decisively. Forbes named him a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida.
When negligence ends a life, no amount of compensation can restore what was lost. But the law permits recovery for the economic value of a deceased’s life, the pain and suffering experienced before death, and the emotional devastation inflicted on surviving family members.
At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle wrongful death cases with the gravity they deserve. We front all costs and litigation expenses at no interest (competitors charge LIBOR + 8%). We investigate thoroughly. We secure expert testimony. And we hold defendants accountable for the loss of life caused by their negligence.
Types of Wrongful Death Cases
Car and Truck Accidents are the most common cause of wrongful death in Florida. High-speed collisions, DUI crashes, truck accidents, and failure to yield cause fatal injuries. Negligent drivers must compensate the families of those they kill.
Workplace Fatalities result from inadequate safety protocols, failure to maintain equipment, or employer negligence. Construction workers killed in falls, machinery operators killed in industrial accidents, and workers exposed to toxic substances that cause fatal illness all create wrongful death claims.
Medical Malpractice Deaths occur when healthcare providers’ negligence results in patient death. Surgical errors, medication mistakes, misdiagnosis, and failure to diagnose cause deaths that should have been prevented.
Nursing Home Deaths result from abuse, neglect, or inadequate care that hastens or causes resident death. Preventable deaths from malnutrition, medication errors, or infections create wrongful death claims against facilities.
Product Defect Deaths occur when defective products cause fatal injuries. Defective vehicles, machinery, appliances, or drugs cause deaths that result in wrongful death claims against manufacturers.
Premises Liability Deaths occur when property owners’ negligence results in fatal injuries. Inadequate security leading to assault and death, structural failures causing fatal collapses, and fire hazards causing fatal burns all create wrongful death claims.
Damages in Wrongful Death Cases
Economic Damages include the deceased’s lost wages and earning capacity, medical and funeral expenses, and the cost of services the deceased would have provided (childcare, household services). For a 40-year-old worker, lost earning capacity can exceed $2 million.
Non-Economic Damages include pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death, loss of companionship experienced by surviving family members, loss of parental guidance (for families with children), and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one. Non-economic damages are often the largest component of wrongful death recovery.
Punitive Damages are available in cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Drunk drivers, negligent employers, and defective product manufacturers should be punished and deterred.
Why Phillips, Hunt & Walker
Board-Certified Trial Excellence. John M. Phillips is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law—held by fewer than 5% of Florida attorneys. This credential demonstrates extensive trial experience, peer review, and mastery of trial practice.
Institutional Recognition. Forbes named John a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida. He holds AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Florida Super Lawyers.
Trial Strength. Our $495,123,680 verdict—the largest in Jacksonville history—demonstrates our ability to take catastrophic cases to trial and win decisively.
No-Cost, Interest-Free Litigation. We front all costs at no interest. Competitors charge LIBOR + 8%, adding tens of thousands to your bill. We don’t.
Personalized Representation. John handles your case personally. You get a Board-Certified trial lawyer’s expertise from day one.
Contact Phillips, Hunt & Walker
If you lost a loved one to negligence, don’t accept a low settlement. Get a Board-Certified trial lawyer in your corner.
Free consultation. No cost to you. No interest on litigation expenses.
Call (904) 444-4444 today.
Phillips, Hunt & Walker
660 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 444-4444
Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Offices in Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Fort Pierce.