BOCA RATON WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYERS
The Best Wrongful Death Attorneys in Boca Raton
When a loved one dies because of negligence or misconduct, a wrongful death case gives surviving family members the right to seek compensation. Of course no amount of money could replace a spouse, child, or parent, but financial recovery can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and even lost income that previously supported the household. Without a case, these costs would fall on the grieving family when they are least prepared to handle them.
If your family needs a Boca Raton wrongful death lawyer, call 561-367-7799 or fill out our contact form for direct case guidance today.
What is a Wrongful Death?
In Florida, wrongful death is defined as any death caused by negligence, wrongful act, or breach of duty of another person or entity. For example:
- Negligence, such as forgetting to look in the rearview mirror when backing up
- Recklessness, such as running a red light
- Intentional violent acts, such as assault or homicide
Another way of thinking about it is if someone would have had the right to bring a personal injury case had they survived, their estate can bring a wrongful death case after their death.
Wrongful death cases are not the same as criminal prosecutions. Where a criminal case focuses on punishment, a wrongful death case seeks financial recovery for the surviving family. Both can happen simultaneously, but they are handled in separate courts.
Recoverable Losses in Florida Wrongful Death Cases and How Evidence is Prepared
- Unpaid medical bills tied to the final treatment
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wages, benefits, or other income the person would have provided
- The value of household services the family relied on
- The loss of a spouse’s or parent’s companionship and guidance
- Emotional pain recognized by law for survivors
Who Can File and Who Benefits From a Florida Wrongful Death Case
- A surviving spouse
- Children
- Parents of a minor child
- Relatives who depended on the person for support
- A spouse may recover for the loss of companionship.
- Children may recover for the loss of guidance and support.
- Dependent parents may recover for the loss of care and financial help.
How Insurers Push Back and How Attorneys Counter
- Offer quick settlements that fall far below the true losses
- Push survivors to give recorded statements that can be used against them
- Argue that health problems before the death were the real cause
- Dispute projected earnings by downplaying the person’s career path
What to Expect When You Work With Our Boca Raton Team
Start with a call to the office. You or your personal representative or another family member can explain how the death occurred and share any records on hand, such as medical bills, a death certificate, and employment documents.
From day one, the firm sets a single point of contact and a schedule for updates. The team returns calls when new developments arise and explains next steps so the family knows the status of the case.
Investigation comes first. The team gathers police reports, medical records, and witness statements and reviews them. After documenting liability and damages, the attorney opens negotiations with the insurer. If talks stall, the firm schedules mediation. If settlement does not follow, the attorney files suit and moves the case into court.
A clear plan keeps the family oriented and limits avoidable delays during a period of financial and practical strain.
Attorney Fees and Case Costs
Wrongful death cases in Florida are usually handled on a contingency fee basis. That means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the recovery, and families do not pay anything upfront.
Case expenses are separate from the attorney’s fee. These can include the cost of hiring experts, filing fees, obtaining medical or employment records, and other litigation expenses. The firm advances these costs during the case and recovers them from the final settlement or verdict.
Local Considerations for Families
Families in Boca Raton file wrongful death cases in the Palm Beach County civil courts. Because the docket is crowded, trial dates often sit many months out. Judges in this circuit usually direct the case to mediation first, which can push insurers to make a serious offer earlier in the process.
Paperwork from local offices can also slow things down if families wait too long to request it. The Palm Beach County Clerk provides certified death certificates, and most cases require several copies for probate, insurance, and the lawsuit. Employers in the area sometimes take weeks to turn around wage and benefits records. Getting those requests in right away helps the attorney document losses without delays later.
FAQs From Families in Wrongful Death Cases
Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim in Florida and how soon?
A: The personal representative of the estate can file the case. Due to Florida’s statute of limitations, wrongful death cases need to be filed within two years from the date of death.
Q: What if the decedent (deceased person) shared fault?
A: Florida follows a comparative fault system which reduces recovery based on a percentage of shared fault, as long as the plaintiff’s share of fault is not more than 50%. The case can still move forward as long as another party’s negligence still contributed to the death.Â
Q: How long do cases usually take?Â
A: Timelines vary, but many cases resolve in a year. More complicated disputes or cases that go to trial can take longer, sometimes two to three years. The court can sometimes schedule mediation before trial, which can lead to earlier resolution.
Q: Can a case be resolved without trial?
A: Yes. A fair amount of cases settle through negotiation or mediation. The strength of the evidence and case preparation often influence how soon insurers are willing to settle, so it’s important to work with a qualified attorney.Â
Q: What if survivors live outside Florida?
A: A case can still be filed in Florida if that is where the death occurred or if that is where the defendant is located. Much of the process may be handled by survivors remotely, though depositions and hearings may require in-person appearances at different points.
Speak With a Boca Raton Wrongful Death Lawyer
Wrongful death cases move on strict timelines, and valuable evidence can be lost if too much time passes. Insurers also work quickly to limit their exposure, which makes early action important for families.
Call 561-367-7799 or fill out our contact form today to discuss your case with a Boca Raton wrongful death attorney.
