Pompano Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Losing someone you love is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face — and when that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct, it can feel even more unbearable. At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we understand the profound pain, confusion, and financial hardship that often follow a wrongful death. Our Pompano Beach wrongful death attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and the compensation your family deserves.
If you are facing the aftermath of a tragic loss, call (888) 906-4423 today for your free, confidential consultation.
What is Wrongful Death?
A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims are meant to hold the at-fault party accountable and provide financial relief to the deceased’s surviving family members.
Common examples of incidents that may lead to a wrongful death claim include:
- Car accidents caused by drunk, distracted, or reckless drivers
- Truck accidents involving negligent truckers or trucking companies
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or misdiagnosis
- Defective products that cause fatal injuries
- Workplace accidents resulting from unsafe conditions or employer negligence
- Premises liability incidents, like fatal falls or drownings on unsafe property
In essence, if a death would not have occurred but for another’s negligence or wrongful act, surviving family members may have a valid wrongful death case in Florida.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws
Florida’s wrongful death laws are outlined in Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act. This law determines who can bring a claim, what damages can be recovered, and how compensation is distributed among survivors.
Key aspects of Florida’s wrongful death laws include:
- Filing Deadline (Statute of Limitations): In most cases, you must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of death. Failing to file within this time may permanently bar your claim.
- Liability: To succeed, you must prove that the defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act directly caused your loved one’s death.
- Personal Representative: The claim must be filed by the personal representative (executor) of the deceased’s estate, who brings the claim on behalf of eligible survivors and the estate.
Our knowledgeable Pompano Beach wrongful death attorneys can help ensure your case complies with Florida’s strict legal requirements and that your family’s rights are fully protected.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death lawsuit. However, the claim is filed for the benefit of surviving family members who suffer financial or emotional losses because of the death.
Eligible survivors typically include:
- The deceased’s spouse
- Children, including adopted or dependent stepchildren
- The parents of the deceased
- Any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were financially dependent on the deceased
Each survivor may be entitled to different types of compensation, depending on their relationship to the deceased and how the loss has affected their lives.
Compensation for Wrongful Death
While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden and provide a sense of justice. Florida law allows survivors and the estate to recover various types of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses.
Compensation for Surviving Family Members:
- Loss of support and services: Financial and emotional support the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship and protection: Available to surviving spouses.
- Mental pain and suffering: Available to spouses, children, and parents in certain cases.
- Loss of parental companionship and guidance: Available to minor children (and in some cases, adult children if there is no surviving spouse).
Compensation for the Estate:
- Lost earnings: Income the deceased would have earned from the time of injury until death.
- Future lost earnings: The projected income the deceased would have provided had they lived.
- Medical and funeral expenses: Paid directly by the estate or family members.
Wrongful Death FAQs
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
You typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, especially in cases involving government entities or medical malpractice. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
How is a wrongful death case different from a criminal case?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil action seeking financial compensation, while a criminal case seeks punishment (like jail time) for the defendant. You can pursue a wrongful death claim even if no criminal charges are filed.
How much is a wrongful death case worth?
Every case is unique. The value depends on factors such as the deceased’s income, life expectancy, the number of dependents, and the circumstances of the death. A skilled wrongful death attorney can estimate the potential value of your claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful death claim?
Yes. Wrongful death cases are complex and often involve insurance companies, corporations, or hospitals that have teams of attorneys. Having an experienced Pompano Beach wrongful death lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success.
What does it cost to hire The South Florida Injury Law Firm?
We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact a Pompano Beach Wrongful Death Attorney Today
If you’ve lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Let The South Florida Injury Law Firm provide the support, guidance, and legal strength you need during this difficult time.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Pompano Beach wrongful death lawyer.
-
“In every shape way and form they have been a tremendous help in gaining my ability to perform every day activities.”- Carlota C.
-
“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.
-
“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.
-
“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.
-
“He is always prompt and available, professional, and knowledgeable in his work.”- Danielle M.
-
“A year later, his law firm proved my decision to allow the firm to handle my case was the correct one!”- Liz
-
“They were always easy to reach and always were available for me for any questions I had, even on the weekends!!!”- Tracy G.
-
“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.
-
“Jeff Braxton and his team at the South Florida Injury Law Firm are extremely professional and terrific to deal with.”- Erika P.
Why Choose The South Florida Injury Law Firm?
-
No Fees Unless We Win Your CaseThere are no fees of any kind until we settle or win your case in court.
-
We Can Arrange to Come To YouFor our clients who are unable to travel, we make it easier for you.
-
No Cost For Your ConsultationWhen you schedule a consultation, there is never an initial charge