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Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyers
Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers help families when a loved one dies because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. Under Florida law, the personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of survivors, such as a spouse, children and parents, and may seek damages for funeral costs, lost support, medical bills and loss of companionship.
If you have lost a loved one, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation. You will not pay any fees or costs unless money is recovered.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Claims at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Who files a wrongful death claim in Florida? | The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of survivors, such as a spouse, children and parents. |
| How long do families have to file? | Most Florida wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. Exceptions are very limited. |
| What damages may be recovered? | Damages may include funeral costs, medical bills, lost support and services, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering for certain survivors. |
| Should I contact an attorney after losing a loved one in a truck accident? | Speaking with a lawyer early may help preserve evidence, such as driver logs and vehicle data, before it is lost. |
| What does a wrongful death lawyer cost? | The Law Offices of Jason Turchin works on a contingency fee basis, with fees and costs waived if there is no recovery. |
The loss of a loved one is devastating, especially when it happens because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In Fort Lauderdale, families face these tragedies after car crashes on I-95, boating accidents along the Intracoastal, shootings at apartment complexes, medical errors and workplace incidents.
These losses are far too common. An estimated 2,995 people died in crashes in Florida in 2025. Beyond the emotional toll, a wrongful death often leaves families with funeral expenses, lost household income and years of grief.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case in Florida?
A wrongful death case is a civil claim brought when a person dies because of the negligence, wrongful act or breach of duty of another party. Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, including Florida Statute §768.19, allows this kind of claim if the person could have sued for the injury had they survived.
Under Florida Statute §768.20, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate files the lawsuit. The claim is brought for the benefit of the estate and the survivors, which may include a spouse, children, parents and sometimes other dependents.
These cases overlap with personal injury law but follow special rules about who can file, what damages may be recovered and how long families have to act. If an injury claim was already underway, learn what happens if a personal injury results in death in Florida.
What Types of Deaths Lead to Wrongful Death Claims in Fort Lauderdale?
Many wrongful death claims in Fort Lauderdale arise from traffic crashes, boating accidents, unsafe property conditions, medical errors, workplace incidents and drownings. Any death caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful act may support a claim.
- Car, truck and motorcycle crashes. Heavy traffic on I-95, US-1 and Sunrise Boulevard leads to fatal crashes caused by speeding, distraction or drunk driving wrongful death claims. Truck crashes may involve several defendants, such as trucking companies and logistics firms.
- Boating and waterway accidents. Collisions, intoxicated boating and missing safety equipment on Fort Lauderdale’s waterways can lead to fatal accidents.
- Negligent security. Shootings, assaults and robberies at apartment complexes, hotels and shopping centers may give rise to claims when property owners fail to provide adequate security.
- Medical malpractice. Hospitals and clinics may be liable when patients die from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes or other substandard care.
- Workplace and construction accidents. Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits, but families may also have third-party claims against contractors, equipment makers or property owners. A fatal Palm Bay construction accident shows how these cases can unfold.
- Drownings and child deaths. Residential pools, hotel pools and waterways pose serious risks when safety precautions are ignored. More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, according to a 2026 CDC report.
What Damages Can Families Recover in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?
Families may recover both economic losses, such as funeral costs and lost income, and personal losses, such as loss of companionship and emotional pain. Florida Statute §768.21 sets out which damages belong to the survivors and which belong to the estate.
| Survivors’ damages | Estate’s damages |
|---|---|
| Lost support and services the deceased provided | Lost earnings from the date of injury to the date of death |
| Loss of companionship and protection for a surviving spouse | Loss of prospective net accumulations the deceased would likely have saved |
| Loss of parental companionship, instruction and guidance for certain children | Medical and funeral expenses paid by the estate |
| Mental pain and suffering for certain survivors | Other losses the law assigns to the estate |
| Medical and funeral expenses paid by a survivor | Not applicable |
Every case is different. The damages available depend on the relationship between the survivors and the deceased, the facts of the death and the evidence presented. For more on non-economic losses, read how pain and suffering damages work in Florida.
How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, most wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. There are very limited exceptions, so it is important for families to act quickly.
Waiting too long may result in losing the right to pursue compensation. Starting early also gives your lawyer time to have a personal representative appointed and to gather evidence while it is still available.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Died in a Car Accident?
After a fatal crash, focus first on your family, then take steps to protect a possible claim, such as getting the crash report and speaking with a lawyer before giving statements to insurers. These steps can help:
- Request the police crash report and note the report number.
- Keep medical bills, funeral invoices and any letters from insurance companies.
- Write down names of witnesses and any details you learn about the crash.
- Avoid recorded statements or signing releases with an insurer before getting legal advice.
- Talk with a wrongful death lawyer about appointing a personal representative and preserving evidence.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see what to do when a loved one dies in a car accident in Florida. You can also learn more about wrongful death claims from car accidents in Florida.
How Can a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer Help?
A wrongful death lawyer can investigate the death, identify everyone who may be responsible, handle probate steps and deal with insurance companies so the family does not have to. These cases are often complex for several reasons:
- Multiple defendants. Drivers, employers, landlords or corporations may share responsibility.
- Insurance disputes. Insurers frequently fight high-value claims.
- Complicated damages. Economic and emotional losses must be carefully documented.
- Probate procedures. A personal representative must be appointed to bring the claim.
An attorney may collect police reports, medical records and surveillance footage, and may work with accident reconstruction, medical and economic professionals. When appropriate, a lawsuit may be filed in Broward County Circuit Court or federal court.
Some cases raise unusual questions, such as when the at-fault person also died. Learn about the right to pursue a wrongful death case if the defendant died.
How Much Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Cost?
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, wrongful death cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, with fees and costs waived if there is no recovery. Families do not pay upfront costs or hourly fees.
This arrangement allows families to pursue a claim without adding financial risk during an already difficult time.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin
When families ask how to find a reliable attorney after losing a loved one, independent ratings and experience with similar cases are good places to start. Attorney Jason Turchin is the founder and principal attorney of the firm, which is based in Broward County, and represents families in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida.
- Peer recognition. Attorney Jason Turchin is AV Preeminent Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence by Martindale-Hubbell in 2026.
- Client and attorney ratings. He holds an Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating and has been named to the Super Lawyers list from 2020 through 2026.
- Serious injury litigation. He is a Member of Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum List.
- Where the firm helps. The firm handles personal injury cases in Florida, New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., and throughout the U.S. with a network of co-counsels and local counsels.
The firm has represented families in wrongful death cases involving motor vehicle accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, shootings, drownings and more. Learn more about Attorney Jason Turchin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate files the claim. Any recovery is for the benefit of the estate and surviving family members, such as a spouse, children and parents.
What if my loved one was partly at fault for the accident?
Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, Florida Statute §768.81, compensation may be reduced by the deceased person’s share of fault. In most negligence cases, recovery may be barred if that share is greater than 50 percent.
Can wrongful death cases settle out of court?
Many wrongful death cases settle without a trial. Some proceed to trial if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.
Can parents bring a claim if their child dies because of someone’s negligence?
Yes, parents may have a claim. Under Florida law, parents of a deceased minor child may recover for their mental pain and suffering, along with medical and funeral expenses they paid.
Talk With Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyers Today
If you lost a loved one in Fort Lauderdale due to negligence, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can represent families throughout Broward County in cases involving fatal car accidents, medical malpractice, shootings, drownings and more. Call 800-337-7755, use our live chat or contact us online for a free consultation.
