Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Attorney
Losing someone you love is devastating. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the pain can feel unbearable. At Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorneys are here to guide you through this incredibly difficult time and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
If you’re searching for a wrongful death lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, you’ve come to the right place. We handle cases with compassion, urgency, and unmatched legal skill.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin
- Content last updated on:
- July 9, 2025
Table of Contents
- What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
- Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
- What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have?
- How Our Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help
- Proven Results: Wrongful Death Case Outcomes
- Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death FAQs
- Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
A wrongful death claim is a legal action filed when a person dies due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional act of another party. In Florida, these claims allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for their emotional and financial losses.
Wrongful death claims commonly arise from situations such as:
- Car or motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace incidents
- Dangerous property conditions (premises liability)
- Defective or faulty products
If a birth injury results in the death of the mother or child, you may be entitled to pursue additional damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida law, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This individual acts on behalf of the estate and surviving family members, including:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased
The personal representative serves as the plaintiff in the case. For example, if the deceased’s surviving spouse is also the estate’s personal representative, they will file the claim on behalf of all beneficiaries.
If you need a wrongful death attorney in Fort Lauderdale, our team is ready to help. Contact us today!
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Wrongful death lawsuits are not just about money—they’re about accountability. But financial compensation can ease the burden as your family grieves and adjusts. You may be eligible to recover:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s future earnings
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
Under Florida law:
- Surviving spouses may recover damages for loss of companionship, protection, and mental pain and suffering.
- Children under 25, and all children if there is no surviving spouse, may claim compensation for lost parental companionship and mental pain and suffering.
- Parents of minor children may recover damages for mental anguish.
Florida's “Free Kill Law”
Florida places specific limits on who can recover damages in medical malpractice wrongful death cases:
- Adult children (25+) cannot recover for pain, suffering, or companionship.
- Parents of adult children are also barred from seeking these non-economic damages.
These restrictions do not apply in non-medical negligence cases.
If you’re wondering about the wrongful death lawsuit settlements average in Florida, know that outcomes vary widely. Some cases settle for thousands, others for millions. We’ll evaluate your case thoroughly and fight for maximum compensation.
FHVG serves all of the Fort Lauderdale area, including the following neighborhoods:
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
- Davie
- Sunrise
- Plantation
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Weston
- Margate
- Coconut Creek
- North Lauderdale
- Oakland Park
- Hallandale Beach
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Parkland
- Cooper City
- Dania Beach
Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have?
Florida law imposes a strict 2-year statute of limitations from the date of death. In some medical malpractice cases, the clock may start when the cause is discovered, but there’s a hard cap at 4 years.
Missing the deadline means you lose the right to file. Don’t risk it. Let Freedland Harwin Valori Gander help you take action in time.
How Our Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help
We know how overwhelming and emotional this process can be. Our legal team brings more than just experience—we bring empathy, dedication, and relentless advocacy.
With Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, you get:
- Investigation of your loved one’s death (e.g., surveillance, medical records, witness statements)
- Handling of all legal paperwork and filings
- Strategic negotiation with insurers and defendants
- Representation in court if necessary
- Help to negotiate reductions on medical liens
- Clear, compassionate communication throughout your case
We work on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
If you’re in need of a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer, our legal team is prepared to act quickly and effectively on your behalf.
Proven Results: Wrongful Death Case Outcomes
We’ve recovered over $2.6 billion for clients across Florida. Some of our standout wrongful death lawsuits include:
- $24.5 Million jury verdict for the estate of a 34-year-old woman who died during childbirth.
- $20.2 Million jury verdict for a 54-year-old man who died due to a hospital overdose and lack of monitoring.
- $12.2 Million settlement for a woman who died due to a dangerous pharmaceutical drug.
- $9 Million settlement for a widow whose husband was killed by a distracted truck driver.
We recently obtained a Top 10 Most Impressive Verdict of 2023 in Palm Beach County, highlighted by the Courtroom View Network.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death FAQs
What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in Florida?
Wrongful death settlements can vary widely—from thousands to millions of dollars. Factors include the extent of financial losses, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage.
What if the Cause of Death Is Still Under Investigation?
You can still begin working with a lawyer. We’ll help gather evidence to prove the responsible party’s negligence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wrongful Death Case?
Potential defendants include doctors, hospitals, careless drivers, manufacturers of defective products, or property owners depending on the case.
Does Insurance Cover Wrongful Death Claims?
Some policies may cover expenses, but insurers often lowball settlements. An attorney ensures you’re not settling for less than you deserve.
Are Wrongful Death Settlements Taxable?
Generally, wrongful death settlements are non-taxable under IRS rules.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
You don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you. We work on a contingency fee basis.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you make sense of your legal options and take the next step forward. If you’re looking for trusted legal support from a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death attorney with a proven record, Freedland Harwin Valori Gander is here for you.
Schedule your free consultation today by contacting us online or calling (954) 467-6400.
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