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West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys
The unexpected loss of a loved one is devastating. When that loss comes from someone else's negligence, the pain is compounded by anger and confusion. At South Florida Justice, we've stood beside grieving families for decades, fighting for justice when it matters most. Our seasoned West Palm Beach wrongful death attorneys are here to shoulder your legal burden.
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24/7 Free Consultations
No Fee Unless We Win
Always by Your Side
West Palm Beach Defenders
Our Track Record of Success
Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
Auto AccidentsOur West Palm Beach attorneys meticulously reconstruct accidents, utilizing cutting-edge technology and professional witnesses to prove fault. We know how to navigate Florida's complex traffic laws to build a compelling case.
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Pedestrian AccidentsPedestrian accidents in West Palm Beach are tragically common. Our team works with accident reconstruction professionals to prove driver negligence, analyzes traffic patterns to identify dangerous road designs, and fights for safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.
Medical MalpracticeWhen healthcare professionals breach their duty of care, the consequences can be fatal. Our experience covers a wide range of medical errors, from misdiagnosis and surgical mistakes to medication errors and birth injuries. Our seasoned wrongful death lawyers understand pre-suit requirements and damage caps, ensuring we navigate these cases skillfully.
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Workplace AccidentsWhether it's a construction site fatality or an industrial accident, we fight tirelessly for workers' families. Our legal team is well-versed in Florida's workers' compensation system, third-party liability claims, and OSHA regulations.
We've handled cases involving falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, electrocutions, and toxic exposure, always striving to honor deceased workers by holding responsible parties accountable.
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Defective ProductsFrom faulty car parts to dangerous medications, we take on big corporations when their products cause harm. Our law firm has the resources and tenacity to go toe-to-toe with powerful defendants and their army of lawyers.
We work with engineers and medical professionals to thoroughly investigate product defects, establish causation, and prove how the manufacturer failed in their duty to consumers.
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Premises LiabilityProperty owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail and it costs a life, our wrongful death lawyers are here to hold them responsible. We can take on a variety of cases, including fatal slip and falls at local shopping centers, drownings in unsecured hotel pools, and violent crimes facilitated by inadequate security at apartment complexes.
Nursing Home AbuseWhen nursing homes betray your trust, resulting in a preventable death, we fight relentlessly for justice and accountability. Our West Palm Beach lawyers have handled cases involving fatal falls due to neglect, medication errors, severe bed sores leading to sepsis, and physical abuse.
- Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence? We're Here to Fight for Your Family.
Our wrongful death lawyers in West Palm Beach, FL, have recovered millions for grieving families. Let us help you seek justice.
Get in Touch with UsAvailable 24/7(561) 659-8337
Our Client Testimonials
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased's estate must file a wrongful death lawsuit. This person is usually named in the will or appointed by the court. The claim is filed on behalf of both the estate and the surviving family members.
Eligible survivors who may recover damages include:
- The deceased's spouse
- Children (with special provisions for minors)
- Parents
- Any blood relative or adoptive sibling who was partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support or services
We'll help determine the appropriate representative and ensure all eligible survivors are included in the claim. This process can be complex, especially in blended families or when there's no will. Trust our experience to navigate these sensitive issues.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to in a Wrongful Death Case
No amount of money can replace your loved one. But fair compensation can provide financial security and a sense of justice. In Florida, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost support and services that the deceased provided
- Lost companionship and protection
- Mental pain and suffering
- Lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for minor children
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Lost earnings and potential future earnings
- Loss of prospective net accumulations of the estate
We work with economic professionals, life care planners, and grief counselors to fully quantify your family's losses — both economic and non-economic. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the profound impact of your loss.
Florida Wrongful Death Laws You Need to Know
Florida Wrongful Death Act
Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26 is the cornerstone of wrongful death litigation in our state. It outlines who can file, what damages are recoverable, and sets the statute of limitations. We know this law inside and out, ensuring we leverage it fully to benefit our clients.
Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the date of death to file, according to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d). But there are exceptions — like medical malpractice cases or when the defendant actively concealed their negligence. Our team tracks these deadlines, understanding that missing them by even a day can forever bar you from seeking justice.
Comparative Negligence
Even if your loved one was partially at fault, you may still have a case. Florida's pure comparative negligence system, outlined in Fla. Stat. § 768.81, allows recovery even if the deceased was 99% at fault — although damages are reduced proportionally. This law can be relevant in complex auto accident cases or workplace incidents where multiple parties may share blame.
Damages Caps
Unlike some states, Florida has no cap on wrongful death damages in most cases. This allows us to fight for full and fair compensation that truly reflects the magnitude of your loss. However, it's important to note that there are exceptions. For example, in medical malpractice cases, non-economic damages may be capped depending on the specific circumstances.
Survival Action Statute
Fla. Stat. § 46.021 is an important law that allows for the recovery of damages the deceased could have claimed had they survived. It's a separate but often related claim to wrongful death.
Survival actions can include compensation for the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased between the time of injury and death, as well as punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Why South Florida Justice Is the Right Choice for a Wrongful Death Case
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We're West Palm Beach ResidentsWe've lived and worked in this community for decades. We know the local courts, judges, and opposing counsel. This home-field advantage is invaluable in wrongful death cases.
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We're Trial WarriorsWhile many firms shy away from the courtroom, we thrive there. Our attorneys have tried numerous cases to verdict. Insurance companies know we're not afraid to go the distance.
- We're Always Available
Grief doesn't take weekends off, and neither do we. Call us at any time — we're here 24/7.
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We're Invested in Your CaseWe front all the costs of litigation — professionals, investigations, everything. If we don't win, you don't pay a dime. Our success is tied directly to yours.
Areas We Serve
At South Florida Justice, our wrongful death attorneys serve grieving families throughout South Florida. No matter where in South Florida you've suffered a loss, we're prepared to fight for you.
- Palm Beach County
- Martin County
- St. Lucie County
- Miami-Dade County
- Okeechobee County
- Broward County
- Miramar
Frequently Asked Questions
- My loved one died due to negligence. What should I do to pursue a wrongful death claim?
In the wake of a wrongful death, it's important to gather all relevant documents, including the death certificate and any accident reports. Avoid discussing the case with insurance companies or the at-fault party.
Your next step should be contacting a skilled wrongful death attorney. At South Florida Justice, our experienced attorneys will handle your case with compassion and dedication. Call us at (561) 659-8337 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your claim.
- How is compensation divided among family members?
The court will determine a fair distribution of any compensation awarded. Factors considered include the relationship to the deceased and the degree of dependency.
- What if the deceased didn't have a will?
If there's no will, the court will appoint a personal representative, often a close family member. We can guide you through this process.
- How long do wrongful death cases typically take?
The timeline varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take years. We'll work efficiently while ensuring we don't sacrifice the quality of your claim for speed.
- What if my loved one died while working?
If the death occurred on the job, you may be entitled to workers' compensation death benefits. However, there might also be grounds for a third-party wrongful death lawsuit if someone other than the employer contributed to the fatal incident. We can help you explore all possible avenues for compensation.
- Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one didn't die immediately after the incident?
Yes. In Florida, you can file a wrongful death claim even if your loved one didn't die immediately. The statute of limitations typically begins on the date of death, not the date of the incident that led to the death.