Losing a loved one is one of life’s most devastating experiences, and when that loss is the result of someone else’s negligence, the pain can become overwhelming. A Pompano Beach wrongful death lawyer will guide you through this difficult time with compassion.
Since 2013, Blakeley Law Firm has been helping injury victims and families rebuild their lives after tragic accidents. Our personal injury lawyers in Pompano Beach will help you protect the memory of your loved one by seeking justice. Call today for a free case evaluation.
Compassionate Pompano Beach Wrongful Death Attorneys Committed to Serving You
We understand that no words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, especially when that loss could have been prevented. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys guide you through every step of the legal process with clarity. With 40 years of combined experience, we know how to make your voice heard.
As a legal family, we stand strong for every client who places their trust in us, treating each case with the personal attention it deserves. With us by your side, you have a team devoted to seeking justice and supporting your family through this difficult time.
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Types of Wrongful Death Cases We Handle
In Florida, a wrongful death claim can arise whenever a person dies due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. Our legal team has handled a wide range of wrongful death cases, and we easily adapt our strategies to fit the unique details of your loss.
Our wrongful death legal team in Pompano Beach includes:
- Car accident lawyers in Pompano Beach: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful deaths in Pompano Beach. High speeds, distracted driving, impaired drivers, and unsafe road conditions can turn a routine trip into a fatal tragedy in seconds.
- Motorcycle accident lawyers in Pompano Beach: Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable on the road, as they lack the protection of a car. Even minor collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or death.
- Truck accident lawyers in Pompano Beach: Collisions involving large trucks can be deadly due to the sheer size and force of these vehicles. Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues, including driver fatigue or employer negligence.
- Bicycle accident lawyers in Pompano Beach: Bicyclists are at high risk on busy roads, and accidents can quickly become fatal. A collision with a car, truck, or even poorly maintained roadways can cause life-threatening injuries.
- Catastrophic injury lawyers in Pompano Beach: Catastrophic injuries, such as severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal injuries, can rapidly become fatal without immediate and proper care. These incidents often occur in vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, or unsafe conditions.
- Pedestrian accident lawyers in Pompano Beach: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to fatal accidents, often caused by speeding drivers, failure to yield, or poor visibility at intersections and crosswalks. Even a minor impact can be deadly.
Every case is unique and deserves individualized attention. We offer personalized legal care, taking the time to understand your specific situation and goals. From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, we tailor our approach to ensure that you receive the guidance you need.
Our team carefully reviews the details of your case, develops a strategic plan, and communicates clearly at every step, keeping you informed. By providing focused legal care, we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes while making the process as manageable as possible for you and your family.
How Wrongful Death Is Defined in Florida
Under Florida law, a wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s legal fault. According to Fla. Stat. § 768.19, this can include a “wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty.”
In practical terms, wrongful death happens when the decedent’s death is caused by someone else’s actions or failures, whether intentional or unintentional. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Pompano Beach will explain in detail how Florida laws apply to your unique situation.
Wrongful Death Damages After a Fatal Accident
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is devastating, and Florida law allows families to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. When a case is successful, the court may order the responsible party to pay damages designed to address the losses suffered by both the surviving family members and the decedent’s estate.
Compensation for the Family
When a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, it is devastating for the family. Florida law allows surviving family members to seek compensation that helps provide support while acknowledging their grief.
These damages provide financial support and recognize the personal losses experienced by those closest to the decedent, including:
- Medical and funeral expenses paid by the surviving family members
- Loss of financial support and services the decedent provided
- Mental pain, grief, and emotional suffering
- Loss of parental guidance, instruction, and presence
- Loss of companionship, care, and protection
Compensation for the Estate
Besides helping surviving family members, Florida law lets the decedent’s estate recover financial losses from the wrongful death. This compensation helps cover the full impact of the loss and provides some financial support and stability during a difficult time.
Financial losses the decedent’s estate can recover include:
- Wages, benefits, and other earnings lost from the date of injury to the date of death
- Medical and funeral expenses paid directly by the estate
- The value of future earnings and benefits the decedent would likely have contributed to the estate
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Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim in Pompano Beach?
In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate on behalf of surviving family members. To bring a valid claim, it must be shown that the death was caused by another party’s legal fault and that surviving family members or the estate suffered measurable losses as a result.
The personal representative is typically chosen in one of the following ways:
- Named in the will: If the decedent left a valid will, it usually names a personal representative (sometimes called an executor). The probate court will generally honor this choice unless there is a legal reason not to.
- Appointed by the court: If there is no will, or if the named person is unable or unwilling to serve, the probate court will appoint a personal representative. Florida law gives priority to close relatives, such as a surviving spouse or adult children.
- Must meet legal requirements: The personal representative must be at least 18 years old and legally qualified to serve. In many cases, the person must be a Florida resident, unless they are a close family member.
Once appointed by the probate court, the personal representative has the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate, including pursuing a wrongful death claim and ensuring that any compensation is properly distributed according to Florida law. Blakeley Law Firm offers clear legal guidance.
You Have a Limited Time to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida
Florida law places strict deadlines on filing a wrongful death lawsuit. In most cases, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years from the date of death, according to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e). If the lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the court can dismiss the case, and your family may lose the chance to get full compensation.
When a death is caused by murder or manslaughter, a wrongful death claim may be filed at any time, regardless of whether a suspect has been identified, arrested, charged, or convicted. While this provision removes the usual filing deadline, working with Blakeley Law Firm early can still be critical to preserving evidence and building a strong case under Florida law.
Wrongful Death Claims vs. Criminal Cases in Florida
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal prosecution. While criminal cases are brought by the state to punish unlawful behavior, wrongful death claims are filed in civil court to hold a responsible party financially accountable for causing a death.
In many situations, the same act can give rise to both a criminal case and a wrongful death lawsuit, and the two proceedings can move forward independently of one another. A Pompano Beach wrongful death attorney will review your options to take legal action.
Purpose of Each Case
The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to secure financial compensation for the losses suffered by the family and the estate. Criminal cases, by contrast, focus on punishment and public safety. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, or probation rather than compensation to the family.
Different Burdens of Proof
Civil and criminal cases also apply different legal standards. In a wrongful death case, liability must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant caused the death.
Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a much higher standard. Because of this lower burden, a wrongful death claim may succeed even if a criminal conviction is not obtained.
Parallel Legal Actions
A person may face criminal charges (such as homicide) while also being sued for wrongful death in civil court. The outcome of one case does not control the other. Even if criminal charges are pending or have not yet resulted in a conviction, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may still pursue a wrongful death claim. Blakeley Law Firm will help.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Pompano Beach
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The Benefits of Working With a Local Florida Wrongful Death Attorney
Our local attorneys know Florida’s laws and court rules, as well as the details that come with filing wrongful death claims here. We help make the process smoother and give your case the best chance for a successful outcome.
Key benefits include:
- Familiar with local courts and judges: Our experience in local courts helps us handle deadlines, filings, and courtroom procedures smoothly.
- Faster access to evidence and witnesses: Proximity enables prompt investigation, timely collection of evidence, and easier contact with witnesses.
- Personalized support for your family: Our local attorneys can provide face-to-face consultations and maintain a personal connection throughout the case.
- Strong negotiation skills with local insurers: Familiarity with local insurance companies and their practices helps in negotiating fair settlements for families.
- Community reputation and resources: We have connections with medical experts, investigators, and other professionals who can strengthen a case.
By working with our local Florida wrongful death lawyers, you gain a trusted advocate who combines legal experience with a deep understanding of the community. Your rights are fully protected. At Blakeley Law Firm, every case is a battle; every client, a mission.
Call Our Trusted Wrongful Death Attorneys in Pompano Beach Today
Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience. Pursuing justice when you are already grieving can feel exhausting. Our Pompano Beach wrongful death attorneys guide you with unwavering commitment. We handle real cases for real families, providing personalized attention and steadfast advocacy from start to finish.
When you call Blakeley Law Firm, you are speaking with attorneys who treat your case with the seriousness and care it deserves. Don’t face this difficult journey alone; our trusted legal team is by your side. Let us help you seek justice and maximum compensation. Get the support your family needs during this painful time.
