Deerfield Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Helping Families After a Tragic Death Caused by Negligence
Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest experiences — especially when the death was caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. Whether the loss occurred in a car crash, medical malpractice, workplace accident, or another tragic event, surviving family members may have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, our Deerfield Beach wrongful death lawyers are here to help your family during this painful time. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one, but a successful wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and hold the responsible parties accountable. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our team has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
Contact us today at (888) 906-4423 to let us help your family pursue the justice your loved one deserves.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to another person or entity’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. Essentially, it’s a type of personal injury case — except the injured person is no longer alive to pursue the claim themselves. Instead, their surviving family members or estate can take legal action on their behalf.
Common examples of incidents that may lead to a wrongful death claim include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, or motorcycle crashes)
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors or misdiagnoses
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Workplace accidents or exposure to hazardous conditions
- Nursing home neglect or abuse
- Criminal acts, such as assaults or drunk driving
When negligence causes death, the law allows the victim’s family to pursue justice in the form of compensation for emotional and financial losses.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws
Wrongful death cases in Florida are governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §768.16 – §768.26). This law outlines who can bring a wrongful death claim, the damages that can be recovered, and the time limits for filing.
Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of your loved one’s passing. Missing this deadline may prevent your family from recovering compensation, so it’s critical to act quickly.
Liability in Wrongful Death Cases
To succeed in a wrongful death case, your Deerfield Beach wrongful death attorney must prove that:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the victim.
- That party breached that duty through negligence or misconduct.
- The breach caused the victim’s death.
- Surviving family members suffered damages as a result.
Because Florida’s wrongful death laws can be complex, having an experienced attorney by your side is essential. Our team at The South Florida Injury Law Firm can investigate your claim, gather evidence, and fight for full and fair compensation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative may be named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the court if none exists.
The lawsuit, however, is filed on behalf of the surviving family members, who may include:
- The spouse of the deceased
- Children (including adopted children or those born out of wedlock, in some cases)
- The parents of the deceased
- Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependent on the deceased for support or services
Each eligible survivor may be entitled to different forms of compensation depending on their relationship to the deceased and the extent of their loss.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
While no financial award can truly make up for losing a loved one, compensation can ease the financial burden and help families move forward. A successful wrongful death claim may include damages for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic Damages
These are measurable financial losses related to the death, such as:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and benefits that the deceased would have earned
- Loss of household support or services
Non-Economic Damages
These cover the emotional and personal impact of the loss, including:
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Mental and emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members
- Loss of parental companionship and instruction for children
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, our attorneys work with financial experts, medical professionals, and life care planners to accurately calculate the full extent of your family’s damages.
Contact The South Florida Injury Law Firm Today
If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice, accountability, and peace of mind. Our Deerfield Beach wrongful death attorneys at The South Florida Injury Law Firm are ready to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and determination.
Call (888) 906-4423 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.
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“In every shape way and form they have been a tremendous help in gaining my ability to perform every day activities.”- Carlota C.
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“When all the bills come rolling in and you have no idea what to do... you just pick up the phone and call Jeff, Craig or Matt they always pick up the phone, they never leave you hanging!”- Josephine B.
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“I had no idea what to do after my accident and Jeffrey took care of me. He was helpful by explaining everything to me and truest cared about how my family and I were doing.”- Stephanie M.
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“Lawyer Jeff Braxton was a huge help getting my case settled and I loved that I was able to speak with him directly whenever I needed. His firm is professional, honest, and accessible.”- Ashley H.
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“He is always prompt and available, professional, and knowledgeable in his work.”- Danielle M.
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“A year later, his law firm proved my decision to allow the firm to handle my case was the correct one!”- Liz
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“They were always easy to reach and always were available for me for any questions I had, even on the weekends!!!”- Tracy G.
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“I would like to thank Craig Posner for a wonderful job on my case. He was extremely courteous and professional and worked one on one with me throughout the entire process.”- Alberto P.
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“Jeff Braxton and his team at the South Florida Injury Law Firm are extremely professional and terrific to deal with.”- Erika P.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Wrongful Death?
A successful wrongful death claim requires strong evidence demonstrating that another party's negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death. Gathering and preserving evidence early can be critical to the outcome of the case.
Important evidence may include:
- Police and accident reports
- Medical records
- Death certificates
- Autopsy reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos
- Surveillance footage
- Expert witness testimony
- Employment and financial records
In many cases, accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economists play an important role in establishing liability and calculating damages. Evidence can disappear quickly after a fatal accident, making prompt legal action essential.
Our legal team works diligently to secure critical evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with experts to build a compelling case on behalf of surviving family members.
How Insurance Companies Handle Wrongful Death Claims
Insurance companies often become involved shortly after a fatal accident occurs. While insurers may appear sympathetic, their primary objective is typically to minimize payouts and protect their financial interests.
Common tactics used by insurance companies include:
- Offering quick settlements before damages are fully known
- Disputing liability
- Blaming the deceased for the accident
- Requesting recorded statements
- Delaying claim processing
- Challenging the value of damages
Families who accept an early settlement may unknowingly waive their right to pursue additional compensation in the future. This can be particularly harmful when the full financial impact of the loss has not yet been determined.
Our Deerfield Beach wrongful death lawyers can protect your rights during negotiations and ensure that insurance companies are held accountable. At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we handle all communications with insurers so families can focus on healing.
Understanding the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim
One of the most common questions families ask is how much their wrongful death case may be worth. Every claim is unique, and the value depends on numerous factors.
Potential considerations include:
- The deceased's age and health
- Future earning capacity
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
Economic experts are often used to calculate projected lifetime earnings and the value of household services the deceased would have provided. Non-economic damages may also be available to compensate family members for the emotional impact of their loss.
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we carefully evaluate every aspect of a family's damages to pursue the maximum compensation available under Florida law.
Why Families Choose Our Deerfield Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys
Choosing the right attorney is an important decision after the loss of a loved one. Families need legal counsel that is compassionate, responsive, and prepared to aggressively pursue justice.
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we are committed to providing personalized representation tailored to each family's unique circumstances. We understand the emotional and financial challenges that accompany a wrongful death claim and strive to make the legal process as manageable as possible.
Families choose our firm because we offer:
- Compassionate legal guidance
- Thorough case investigations
- Strong negotiation skills
- Trial-ready representation
- Direct attorney communication
- No upfront legal fees
Our goal is to help families obtain the compensation they deserve while holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they have caused.
Why Choose The South Florida Injury Law Firm?
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No Fees Unless We Win Your CaseThere are no fees of any kind until we settle or win your case in court.
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We Can Arrange to Come To YouFor our clients who are unable to travel, we make it easier for you.
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No Cost For Your ConsultationWhen you schedule a consultation, there is never an initial charge
Wrongful Death FAQs
Here are several frequently asked questions about wrongful death claims:
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
In most cases, you must file within two years of the date of death. There are rare exceptions, such as cases involving criminal acts or medical malpractice, but it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
How is a wrongful death settlement distributed?
Compensation is distributed according to Florida law, typically based on the relationship of each survivor to the deceased and their financial or emotional dependency.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if the at-fault party faces criminal charges?
Yes. A wrongful death claim is a civil action, separate from any criminal case. Even if criminal charges are pending or have been resolved, you can still pursue civil damages.
Do I have to go to court for a wrongful death case?
Not necessarily. Many wrongful death cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney can take the case to trial.
How much does a wrongful death lawyer cost?
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.
