Boca Raton Wrongful Death Lawyer | Boca Raton Wrongful Death Attorneys

Losing a loved one is always painful. But when that loss is sudden, and caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct, the grief can be compounded by anger, confusion, and a deep sense of injustice. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we help families in Boca Raton and across Palm Beach County seek justice through Florida’s wrongful death laws.

We are not a high-volume law firm that treats you like a number instead of a person. We purposely limit our caseload to focus on serious injury and wrongful death matters, ensuring every family we represent receives direct attorney access, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy. If you suspect your loved one’s death could have been prevented, our legal team is here to help you understand your rights and take the next steps forward with strength and clarity.

What Is Wrongful Death Under Florida Law?

A wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. These claims are governed by Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26, which allow surviving family members to pursue civil compensation through the estate of the deceased.

A wrongful death claim may arise from:

• Fatal auto accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Dangerous premises
• Workplace incidents
• Defective products
• Criminal acts resulting from negligent security

Florida prevents different survivors from filing separate lawsuits when there is a personal injury. Instead, the law requires an estate to be opened and for the probate court to appoint one or more individuals as personal representatives of the estate. The personal representative of the decedent’s estate brings the claim, but only the survivors and the estate may recover compensation.

Under the law, survivors may include:

• The surviving spouse
• Children (biological, adopted, or dependent)
• Parents (particularly in the case of minor children or unmarried adults without children)
• Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who relied on the decedent for support or services

Important: In most cases, Florida imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim.

Common Wrongful Death Cases We Handle in Boca Raton

Our firm has extensive experience representing families in a wide range of fatal accident cases. We serve clients throughout Boca Raton, from East Boca near Mizner Park to West Boca along US-441, and beyond.

Motor Vehicle Fatalities

• Car Accidents: Deadly crashes on I-95, Palmetto Park Road, or Glades Road caused by speeding, distracted driving, or impaired motorists.
• Truck Accidents: Collisions involving commercial vehicles or 18-wheelers, often due to driver fatigue, improper loading, or poor vehicle maintenance.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Fatal wrecks often occur when drivers fail to yield or check blind spots.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Tragic deaths caused by careless drivers in crosswalks near schools, shopping plazas, and residential areas.
• Bicycle Accidents: Fatalities from unsafe road conditions or negligent drivers failing to share the road.

Premises Liability and Property-Related Deaths

• Drownings: Accidental deaths in hotel pools, residential complexes, or unguarded private pools.
• Negligent Security: Assaults, shootings, or stabbings at apartment complexes, shopping centers, or nightclubs due to lack of proper lighting, locks, or security presence.
• Fatal Falls: Elderly or vulnerable individuals suffering fatal injuries from falls on poorly maintained properties.
• Fires and Explosions: Deaths caused by electrical malfunctions, gas leaks, or failure to follow building codes.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Fatal incidents in high-rise residential or commercial buildings due to defective equipment or negligent inspections.

Medical and Institutional Negligence

• Medical Malpractice: Deaths caused by misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, delayed treatment, anesthesia errors, or prescription negligence.
• Birth Injuries: Infant or maternal deaths related to negligent obstetric care during labor and delivery.

Workplace and Industrial Deaths

• Construction Accidents: Falls, equipment malfunctions, or electrocutions on Boca’s many commercial development sites.
• Toxic Exposure: Fatal exposure to asbestos, mold, or hazardous chemicals in industrial or commercial environments.
• Warehouse Accidents: Crushed-by incidents or machinery malfunctions in warehouses or distribution centers in the Boca area.

Other Fatal Incidents

• Boating Accidents: Drownings or collisions on the Intracoastal Waterway or Lake Boca.
• Defective Products: Fatalities caused by unsafe pharmaceuticals, defective automotive parts, or hazardous household goods.
• Air Travel Accidents: Helicopter or plane crashes caused by mechanical failures or pilot error.
• Dog Attacks: In rare but severe cases, fatal injuries from unrestrained dangerous dogs.

We leave no stone unturned in investigating wrongful death claims. Our team works with medical professionals, forensic experts, accident reconstructionists, and economists to build a strong, evidence-based case for your family.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Florida Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Florida Statute § 768.21, both economic and non-economic damages may be available. These include:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses related to the fatal injury
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of the decedent’s future income and earning potential
• Loss of benefits (e.g., health insurance, pensions)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, support, and guidance
• Emotional distress
• Loss of parental companionship for surviving children

In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

How Our Boca Raton Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help

Pursuing a wrongful death claim requires sensitivity, legal skill, and an unrelenting commitment to justice. When you hire Flanagan & Bodenheimer, you can expect:

• Thorough Investigations: We collect and preserve key evidence, review medical records, and obtain security footage, witness testimony, and expert analysis.
• Liability Identification: We identify all responsible parties — from negligent drivers to property owners, corporations, or even government entities.
• Accurate Valuation of Your Claim: We calculate both immediate and future losses to seek full compensation for your family’s suffering and financial impact.
• Skilled Negotiation and Litigation: Whether through settlement or trial, we pursue maximum compensation and never recommend a quick resolution that undercuts your family’s rights.
• Direct Attorney Access and Transparent Communication: Our attorneys stay in close contact with clients, providing regular updates and being available to answer your questions at every stage.

Free Consultation With a Boca Raton Wrongful Death Attorney

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the pain of losing a loved one under tragic, preventable circumstances. While no legal action can bring them back, holding the responsible party accountable can bring a measure of justice, financial relief, and closure. Our mission is to stand beside you and fight for the truth, so you can focus on healing.

We are proud to serve clients across Boca Raton and surrounding areas, including Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Highland Beach, and throughout Palm Beach County. You’ll never be just a case number — we treat your loss with the dignity and attention it deserves.

Call us at 305-638-4143 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. There are no upfront fees, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.