WEST PALM BEACH WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER

Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be devastating. When a death results from another person or company’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions, Florida law may allow surviving family members to seek accountability and financial compensation.

Wrongful death generally refers to a situation where a person dies due to another party’s negligence, misconduct, or other wrongful behavior. These claims are governed by state wrongful death laws.

A wrongful death claim allows certain surviving family members to pursue compensation for both the financial losses caused by the death and the personal loss of their loved one’s companionship and support.

To establish a wrongful death case in West Palm Beach, an attorney typically must show that:

• The defendant owed a duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty
• The breach directly caused the death
• The surviving family members suffered legally recognized damages

Florida law also determines who may bring a wrongful death claim and how any compensation may be distributed among eligible survivors.

Wrongful death claims may arise from a wide range of preventable incidents. While each case is unique, certain types of fatal accidents occur more often in communities like West Palm Beach.

Some common causes of wrongful death include:

• Car accidents: Often involving reckless, negligent, or distracted driving
• Pedestrian or bicycle collisions: When drivers fail to yield or operate vehicles safely around vulnerable road users
• Commercial truck accidents: Cases involving driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or unsafe driving practices
• Medical malpractice: Mistakes by doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals in hospitals or surgical facilities
• Workplace accidents: Including construction site incidents or other hazardous job conditions
• Drownings: Occurring in residential pools, public pools, or other unsafe water environments
• Premises liability incidents: Dangerous conditions at businesses, apartment complexes, or other properties
• Defective products: Consumer goods or equipment that are dangerous or malfunctioning
• Nursing home neglect or abuse: Failure to provide proper care for vulnerable residents
• Violent or criminal acts: Fatal injuries resulting from assault, homicide, or other criminal conduct

Any of these circumstances may lead to a civil wrongful death claim. These civil cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that might arise from the same incident.

If you believe a wrongful death may have occurred, taking timely action can help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence. The following steps may be helpful:

Obtain a Death Certificate

An official death certificate documents the cause of death and can be an important record when evaluating a potential claim.

Gather Evidence

Collect any information that may support the claim, such as medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, or other documentation. If the death took place in a workplace or medical setting, it may be beneficial to obtain records related to treatment, procedures, or any potential safety violations.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

A wrongful death attorney can review the circumstances and help outline potential next steps. They can also assist in identifying who may be responsible and what types of compensation may be available.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance companies may try to limit the value of a claim. It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney before providing statements or discussing the matter with insurers.

Determine Who Can File a Claim

Florida law defines who is authorized to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Typically, the claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of both the estate and the surviving family members.

Eligible survivors may include a spouse, children, parents, and, in some cases, blood relatives or adoptive siblings who relied on the deceased for support or services. An attorney can help determine who may qualify under Florida law.

Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations

Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim. If a claim is not filed within the applicable time frame, the ability to pursue legal action may be lost. Taking prompt action is important to protect your rights.

Consider the Financial and Emotional Impact

A wrongful death claim may allow surviving family members and the estate to pursue compensation for both financial and personal losses resulting from the death. Possible damages may include medical costs tied to the final injury, funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support or household services, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and protection.

An attorney can evaluate the details of the case to determine what types of economic and non-economic damages may be available under Florida law and how they may apply to the surviving family members and the estate.

Determining whether you may have a valid wrongful death claim depends on several key legal factors. The following considerations can help indicate whether a case may exist.

Was there negligence or misconduct?

A wrongful death claim generally requires evidence that another person or entity acted negligently, recklessly, or wrongfully, and that this conduct contributed to the death. Examples can include car accidents caused by reckless or distracted drivers, medical malpractice resulting from a healthcare provider’s error, dangerous workplace conditions that lead to fatal incidents, or criminal acts such as assault or homicide.

Did the death result from that negligence?

There must be a direct link between the responsible party’s actions, or failure to act, and the death. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose a treatable condition and the patient later dies as a result, that failure may potentially support a wrongful death claim.

Do you have legal standing?

Only certain individuals are authorized to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and eligibility is determined by state law. In many cases, the claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members.

Those who may qualify as beneficiaries can include a surviving spouse, children, parents, or other relatives who depended on the deceased for financial support, depending on the applicable laws.

Are there recoverable damages?

A wrongful death claim must involve legally recognized losses. These may include medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support (including future income and benefits), and the loss of companionship, care, guidance, and support.

The types of damages that may be available will depend on state law and the specific circumstances surrounding the death.

Is the claim within the statute of limitations?

Each state imposes a deadline for filing wrongful death claims. If a claim is not filed within the required time period, the ability to pursue legal action may be lost.

Florida law outlines who is authorized to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under the state’s Wrongful Death Act, the lawsuit must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.

The personal representative files the claim on behalf of both the estate and the surviving family members. Those who may qualify as survivors include a spouse, children, parents, and, in some situations, other relatives who relied on the deceased for financial support.

If a personal representative has not already been appointed, the probate court may designate one to pursue the claim on behalf of the estate and any eligible survivors.

Florida law sets firm deadlines for filing a wrongful death claim. In most instances, the time period begins on the date of the individual’s death, though certain circumstances may influence how the deadline is determined.

Different rules may apply in cases involving medical malpractice, claims against government agencies or entities, or situations where the cause of death is discovered at a later time.

Because these deadlines are strictly enforced and failing to meet them may permanently bar a claim, it is important to take action promptly to protect your legal rights.

A wrongful death lawsuit and a criminal case may stem from the same incident, but they serve different purposes and follow distinct legal standards.

Purpose

• Wrongful death lawsuit (civil case): In Florida, a wrongful death claim is usually filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the estate and surviving family members. The goal is to recover financial compensation for losses related to the death, such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost financial support.
• Criminal case: A criminal case is brought by the government when someone is accused of violating criminal law. The purpose is to impose penalties, which may include incarceration, fines, or probation.

Burden of Proof

• Civil case: The plaintiff must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant caused the harm.
• Criminal case: Prosecutors must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a much higher standard.

Who Brings the Case

• Civil case: Filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of the estate and surviving family members under Florida law.
• Criminal case: Brought by government prosecutors on behalf of the state.

Possible Outcomes

• Civil case: May result in financial compensation for the surviving family members or the estate.
• Criminal case: May lead to criminal penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or probation.

Can both happen at the same time?

Yes. A civil wrongful death claim can proceed independently of any criminal charges related to the same incident.

A wrongful death lawsuit and a survival action are both types of legal claims that may arise when someone dies due to another party’s negligence. However, they address different kinds of losses and serve different purposes.

Wrongful death lawsuit

A wrongful death claim focuses on the losses experienced by surviving family members after the death. These damages may include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship or services, depending on state law. In essence, the claim centers on how the death impacts the surviving beneficiaries.

Survival action

A survival action is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate. It seeks compensation for damages the individual could have recovered if they had survived. These may include medical expenses, lost income, or other losses incurred between the time of the injury and the person’s death.

Key difference

The primary distinction relates to timing and purpose. Wrongful death claims address the losses suffered by surviving family members after the death, while survival actions focus on the damages the deceased experienced before passing. In some cases, both claims may be pursued together.

In a wrongful death case, compensation, known as damages, is intended to address the losses suffered by surviving family members and the estate following a death. The damages that can be recovered are determined by Florida law and the particular facts of the case.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, recoverable damages may include:

Economic losses

• Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and services that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of prospective net accumulations to the estate in certain cases

Non-economic losses

• Loss of companionship, protection, and emotional support for a surviving spouse
• Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for minor children
• Mental pain and suffering experienced by eligible surviving family members

In cases involving especially reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available under Florida law.

Because each wrongful death case involves unique circumstances, an attorney can review the details to help determine which types of damages may apply based on the specific facts of the loss.

Proving liability in a wrongful death case generally involves demonstrating that the defendant’s actions, or failure to act, legally caused the death. While these cases can involve complex circumstances, they usually focus on whether the defendant acted negligently, recklessly, or intentionally.

Establishing Negligence

In many wrongful death claims, the plaintiff, usually the personal representative of the estate acting on behalf of surviving family members, must show that the defendant did not exercise reasonable care.

To prove negligence, four key elements are typically required:

• Duty of care: The defendant had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care toward the deceased. For example, drivers are expected to operate vehicles safely, and healthcare providers must deliver competent medical treatment.
• Breach of duty: The defendant failed to uphold that standard of care.
• Causation: The breach of duty was a significant factor that led to the death.
• Damages: The death caused legally recognized losses for the surviving family members or the estate.

Intentional or Reckless Conduct

In some situations, liability may be based on intentional actions or a reckless disregard for safety rather than simple negligence. Even in these cases, the plaintiff must still show that the defendant’s conduct directly caused the death.

Evidence Used to Prove Liability

Establishing responsibility often requires gathering and analyzing different types of evidence, which may include:

• Medical records
• Eyewitness testimony
• Expert analysis, such as medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists
• Police or incident reports
• Photographs or surveillance footage
• Addressing Potential Defenses

Defendants may argue that the deceased was partially responsible for the incident. Depending on state law, shared fault can reduce or limit the amount of compensation that may be recovered. Strong evidence and effective legal advocacy are often essential to addressing these defenses.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Wrongful death cases often involve complicated situations, multiple potentially liable parties, and significant financial implications. An experienced attorney can investigate the incident, gather and preserve important evidence, consult with appropriate experts, and build a case aimed at establishing liability under the applicable state law.

In a wrongful death case, an expert witness may be called upon to clarify technical or specialized matters that fall outside the typical understanding of a jury. Their role is to provide expert insight that can support the plaintiff’s case or counter the defense’s arguments. These witnesses are typically specialists in relevant fields such as medicine, accident reconstruction, or economics.

For example, a medical expert may describe the cause of death, the extent of the injuries, and how the defendant’s actions may have contributed to the fatal outcome. Similarly, an accident reconstruction specialist may evaluate the evidence to explain how the incident occurred and whether the defendant’s conduct was a factor. By offering opinions grounded in their expertise, these witnesses can help the jury better understand complex issues and reach more informed conclusions.

Yes. Insurance often plays a key role in wrongful death claims. In many cases, the person or entity responsible for the death may have insurance coverage that can help compensate surviving family members for their losses. Insurance may be involved in several ways:

Defendant’s Liability Insurance

If the responsible party carries liability insurance, for example, in a car accident or workplace incident, the policy may cover damages awarded in a wrongful death claim. The insurance company typically handles the defense and may offer a settlement to resolve the case before trial.

Life Insurance

If the deceased had a life insurance policy, the named beneficiaries, such as a spouse, children, or other dependents, may receive death benefits. These payments are separate from a wrongful death claim but can provide additional financial support to the family.

Employer or Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If the fatal incident occurred at work, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may cover certain expenses. However, these benefits generally do not include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. In some cases, a separate claim against a third party may be available if another party’s negligence contributed to the death.

Insurance Settlements

Insurance companies often try to resolve wrongful death claims through settlements before a case proceeds to trial. These settlements may provide compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, and lost income.

Insurance coverage can play an important role in wrongful death cases, whether through liability policies, life insurance benefits, or workers’ compensation. However, coverage may not extend to every type of loss, and the amount available will depend on the specific circumstances.

It is also important to recognize that insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. Legal representation can help ensure the claim is properly evaluated and that the family’s rights are protected.

Hiring a lawyer is not legally required to file a wrongful death claim, but having legal representation is often beneficial. These cases can involve complicated legal procedures, evidence collection, and negotiations with insurance companies or other responsible parties.

Florida’s wrongful death laws also contain specific provisions about who can bring a claim, the types of damages that may be recovered, and the time limits for filing a case. An attorney can help make sure the claim is properly prepared and submitted within the applicable deadlines.

Proving that negligence or wrongful conduct led to the death usually requires significant evidence, which may include accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness testimony. An experienced attorney can assist with gathering and presenting this information to support the case.

Insurance companies may try to limit the amount they pay or dispute responsibility entirely. In some cases, families may feel pressure to accept settlement offers that do not fully account for their losses. An attorney can handle negotiations with insurers and pursue compensation that more closely reflects the damages involved.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Litigation can involve preparing legal filings, presenting evidence, and making arguments before a judge or jury. An attorney can oversee these steps and advocate for the rights and interests of surviving family members throughout the legal process.

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees or expenses to start your case. In other words, the Fee Is Free™; you only pay if we win.

If your case is successful, our fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and motivates us to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

We value open communication with our clients. Most updates and questions are handled through your Case Manager by phone or email. If you would like to speak directly with your attorney by phone, we can arrange that by scheduling a call.

When you choose Morgan & Morgan, you’re supported by the resources of the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with more than 1,000 attorneys and offices across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team that may include personal injury attorneys, paralegals, and other support professionals. A lead attorney will manage the case and direct the overall legal strategy, while the broader team helps keep you informed and provides support throughout the process.

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys have represented many families facing similar circumstances and have helped recover significant compensation on their behalf. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country, with offices across the United States, the firm has the resources, experience, and commitment needed to pursue justice for those affected by negligence.

The firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, and payment is only required if a recovery is obtained. Morgan & Morgan believes access to justice should not depend on financial circumstances, which is why the firm operates under the Fee Is Free® promise, which means you only pay if compensation is recovered.

With strong roots in Florida, the firm is familiar with local courts, judges, and insurance practices. Morgan & Morgan has recovered billions of dollars for clients nationwide and has the capacity to take on large corporations, hospitals, and insurance companies.

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence can place a heavy burden on a family. If your family has experienced this type of loss, contacting Morgan & Morgan’s West Palm Beach team for a free case evaluation may help you better understand your legal options.