Wrongful Death Lawyer - Rafaeli Law PLLC

Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is one of life’s most devastating experiences. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our wrongful death lawyers fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the financial recovery your family deserves. With years of experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, our firm provides both legal expertise and compassionate guidance during the most difficult times.

Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits

A wrongful death lawsuit arises when a person’s death results from another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act. These cases aim not only to compensate for losses but to promote accountability and prevent future harm. For additional background, see Florida’s Wrongful Death Act explained by the Florida Senate.

Wrongful death laws allow surviving family members to seek justice for the preventable loss of a loved one. These lawsuits help cover financial burdens, emotional suffering, and the void left behind by the deceased.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim, but the compensation benefits eligible survivors. These may include:

Spouse – For loss of companionship and emotional suffering.
Children – For loss of parental guidance and support.
Parents – Particularly when the victim was a minor or dependent adult.
Dependent Relatives – Any family member who relied on the deceased for financial or emotional support.

Our wrongful death attorneys guide families through every stage of the process from estate appointment to settlement negotiations and trial. To understand how we support families in other cases, visit our Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Negligence pages.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death

Wrongful death can occur in any setting where negligence or carelessness is present. Common causes include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fatalities involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles often lead to wrongful death claims; see our Car Accidents and Truck Accidents pages for more details.
Medical Malpractice: Errors such as misdiagnosis or surgical negligence can have fatal consequences.
Workplace Accidents: Industrial or construction sites pose serious risks when safety measures are ignored.
Defective Products: Faulty design or manufacturing defects can cause fatal injuries, as described on our Product Liability page.
Premises Liability Incidents: Unsafe property conditions, including Slip & Fall or Drowning & Pool Accidents, may result in fatal outcomes.

Each case requires an in-depth investigation to determine liability and identify all potential defendants. For broader accident prevention information, visit the National Safety Council.

What Compensation Can Families Recover

A successful wrongful death claim can provide both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Medical and Funeral Expenses: Coverage for healthcare bills and burial costs.
Lost Income and Future Earnings: Compensation for financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional anguish experienced by surviving family members.
Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the absence of love, guidance, and support.
Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving gross negligence or deliberate misconduct.

Proving Negligence in a Wrongful Death Case

To succeed in a wrongful death lawsuit, the plaintiff must establish four key elements:

Duty of Care – The defendant owed a duty to act reasonably.
Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to uphold that responsibility.
Causation – The breach directly caused the death.
Damages – The family suffered measurable harm.

Rafaeli Law PLLC collaborates with expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals to build compelling evidence and prove liability. Learn how we apply this approach across various practice areas by reviewing Personal Injury and Premises Liability cases.

Wrongful Death Filing Deadline

The statute of limitations for most wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of death. Delays in filing can result in the loss of your right to recover damages. Exceptions may apply for medical malpractice or cases involving concealed negligence.

Our attorneys act quickly to preserve evidence, gather records, and file all legal documents before deadlines expire. If your case involves overlapping negligence such as Rideshare Accidents or Boating & Cruise Ship Accidents, our team ensures every responsible party is identified.

Areas We Serve

Weston

Miami

Atlanta

Comparative Overview of Wrongful Death Cases

Cause of Death	Typical Negligent Party	Common Evidence	Potential Damages
Car Accident	Negligent driver, employer, or manufacturer	Police reports, black box data, witness testimony	Lost income, funeral costs, pain and suffering
Medical Malpractice	Hospital, surgeon, nurse, or healthcare provider	Medical records, expert opinions, treatment logs	Medical bills, loss of companionship, punitive damages
Workplace Accident	Employer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer	Safety records, OSHA documentation, eyewitness accounts	Lost earnings, dependency benefits, non-economic losses
Defective Product	Manufacturer, distributor, or retailer	Product testing data, recalls, design specifications	Product liability damages, funeral expenses, emotional distress
Premises Liability	Property owner or management company	Maintenance logs, surveillance footage, inspection reports	Loss of support, mental anguish, punitive awards

This table outlines major categories of wrongful death cases, showing how liability and damages may vary by cause and evidence type. For more examples, visit our Blog to explore real-world insights.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we combine legal skill with heartfelt advocacy. Families choose our firm because:

Proven Record: Consistent success in personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Client-Centered Approach: Compassionate communication and support throughout your case.
Trial Experience: Skilled litigators ready to take your case before a jury if needed.
Comprehensive Representation: From investigation to negotiation, we handle every detail so you can focus on healing.

Explore more about our firm through Our Story & Core Values and learn how we’ve helped other families on our Case Results.

Contact Rafaeli Law PLLC for Compassionate Legal Support

You don’t have to face this journey alone. Let our wrongful death lawyers help you pursue justice and rebuild stability after your loss. For immediate help, call us directly at 954-365-5639, email us, or reach out through our Contact Us page to schedule your free consultation today.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as wrongful death?

A wrongful death occurs when negligence, reckless behavior, or intentional harm leads to a fatality that could have been prevented. Learn more about similar negligence matters in our Premises & Property Injuries section.

2. How is compensation divided among family members?

Distribution depends on the survivors’ relationship to the deceased and the financial dependency established by law. Explore Legal Disclaimer for policy-related details.

3. Can you sue a hospital for wrongful death?

Yes, if medical negligence or a breach of care standard caused the patient’s death. Visit our Medical Malpractice page to learn how such cases are handled.

4. What evidence helps prove wrongful death?

Medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and witness statements are vital forms of proof. See how our Testimonials highlight our evidence-based advocacy.

5. What’s the difference between a criminal and civil wrongful death case?

A criminal case seeks punishment for wrongdoing, while a civil wrongful death lawsuit focuses on financial compensation for survivors. You can read more legal insights on our Blog.

6. How long does a wrongful death case take?

Timelines vary based on complexity—some cases settle in months, while others may take over a year. For urgent help, contact our Attorneys directly.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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