West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Attorney

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence can leave families facing immense grief, financial uncertainty, and difficult questions about the future. If your loved one was killed in a preventable accident in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, or elsewhere in South Florida, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we understand that no legal action can undo your loss. However, a wrongful death claim can help provide financial support for your family and hold the responsible party accountable. Our attorneys are prepared to guide you through every step of the process with compassion and dedicated advocacy.

Contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today for a free consultation with a West Palm Beach wrongful death lawyer. Call (561) 655-1990 to get started.

Why Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for Your Wrongful Death Case

Wrongful death cases demand a law firm with the experience, resources, and courtroom strength to take on insurers and major corporations while supporting families through an incredibly difficult time.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our team brings decades of trial experience and a long record of results in serious injury and wrongful death litigation across West Palm Beach and South Florida. We have:

• More than 40 years of trial experience representing injured clients and grieving families
• Over $2.5 billion recovered for clients across complex injury and wrongful death cases
• More than $125 million in referral fees paid to other attorneys, reflecting the scale and seriousness of the cases we handle
• A 24-attorney trial team supported by 18 in-house paralegal investigators
• Every case is handled from start to finish by a consistent, in-house legal team
• Deep experience securing significant wrongful death recoveries in complex, high-stakes litigation throughout Palm Beach County and beyond

Notable Wrongful Death Case Results

Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath has a proven record of securing significant recoveries in high-stakes wrongful death litigation throughout Florida. These results reflect the firm’s experience handling complex and catastrophic loss cases.

• $35.5 Million – Wrongful Death
  Attorneys: Lake H. Lytal III, Kevin Smith, Trent Swift, and Marc Hernandez
• $11 Million – Product Liability / Wrongful Death
  Attorney: William S. Williams
• $10 Million – Bus Accident / Wrongful Death
  Attorneys: Lance C. Ivey & Matthew E. Haynes

When Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. These claims are designed to hold the responsible party accountable when a preventable act leads to a fatal injury.

Wrongful death cases can arise from many different situations, including car accidents, truck accidents, workplace incidents, unsafe property conditions, and other acts of negligence that could have been avoided with reasonable care.

Under Florida law, a wrongful death claim is typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or other dependents. In general, families must also act within Florida’s statute of limitations, which sets a strict deadline for filing a claim.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether you may have a viable case.

Who Is Eligible to Recover Compensation?

In Florida wrongful death cases, compensation is typically recovered on behalf of certain surviving family members and the estate of the deceased. Eligibility depends on the relationship to the person who passed away and the losses suffered.

• Spouse – May recover compensation for loss of companionship, support, and protection, as well as mental pain and suffering.
• Children – Minor children may recover for loss of parental companionship, guidance, and support. In some cases, adult children may also have limited recovery rights depending on the circumstances.
• Parents – May recover damages for mental pain and suffering if the deceased was a minor child, and in some cases when there are no other surviving close family members.
• Estate of the deceased – The estate may recover compensation for medical expenses related to the final injury, funeral and burial costs, and lost earnings or benefits that would have accumulated had the person survived.
• Dependent relatives (in certain cases) – Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were financially dependent on the deceased may be eligible to recover certain damages under Florida law.

What Damages Are Available in a Wrongful Death Case?

In a Florida wrongful death case, eligible family members and the estate may recover compensation for both financial losses and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. These damages are meant to address the full scope of harm caused by the fatal accident.

• Medical expenses – Costs for treatment provided between the injury and the person’s death.
• Funeral and burial expenses – Reasonable costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
• Loss of income and financial support – Wages, benefits, and future earnings the deceased would have likely provided to the family.
• Loss of companionship and protection – Compensation for the emotional loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
• Mental pain and suffering – Damages for the emotional distress experienced by surviving family members.
• Loss of services – Value of household services the deceased would have provided, such as childcare, maintenance, or other support.

Determining Fault After a Fatal Accident

Establishing fault in a Florida wrongful death case requires a thorough investigation into how the fatal accident occurred and who is legally responsible. Because these cases often involve disputed facts and multiple parties, a detailed legal and factual analysis is critical.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our attorneys examine all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the scene. When necessary, we work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to help determine exactly how the incident occurred.

In Florida, fault is based on negligence—meaning a party failed to use reasonable care and that failure directly caused the death. Our legal team works to identify every responsible party and build a clear case showing how their actions or inaction led to the fatal outcome.

Once liability is established, we pursue full and fair compensation on behalf of surviving family members.

What to Expect During the Legal Process in West Palm Beach

Pursuing a wrongful death claim in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving a loss. Understanding the general legal process can help families know what to expect and how their case will move forward.

Initial consultation and case review

Your case begins with a free consultation where an attorney reviews what happened, answers questions, and determines whether you have a viable wrongful death claim.

Investigation and evidence gathering

If the firm takes your case, your legal team will immediately begin investigating the accident. This may include reviewing police reports, collecting witness statements, obtaining medical records, and preserving key evidence before it is lost.

Filing the wrongful death claim

Filing the wrongful death claim

In Florida, the personal representative of the estate files the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members. The complaint outlines what happened, who is responsible, and the damages being sought.

Negotiation with insurance companies

Many wrongful death cases involve negotiations with insurance companies. Your attorneys will handle all communication and work to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full value of your loss.

Litigation and trial (if necessary)

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation. Your legal team will prepare for trial and present evidence in court to pursue maximum compensation.

Throughout every stage, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath provides guidance, updates, and aggressive advocacy focused on protecting your family’s interests.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

In Florida, wrongful death claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. In most cases, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

If a claim is not filed within this deadline, the court will typically bar the case, meaning the family may lose the right to pursue compensation altogether. Because of this time limit, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a fatal accident.

There are some limited exceptions that may affect the filing deadline depending on the facts of the case, which is another reason early legal guidance is important.

Wrongful Death vs. Survival Action: What’s the Difference?

In Florida, a wrongful death claim and a survival action are two related but distinct types of legal claims that may arise after a fatal accident. A wrongful death claim is brought on behalf of surviving family members and focuses on the losses they suffer as a result of their loved one’s death, such as lost companionship, emotional suffering, and the loss of financial support.

A survival action, on the other hand, is brought on behalf of the deceased person’s estate and addresses the damages the individual could have recovered had they survived, including medical expenses incurred before death and lost wages between the injury and death. In many cases, both claims may be pursued together to ensure that all available damages are fully recovered under Florida law.

Speak With a West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

Losing a loved one because of someone else’s negligence is overwhelming, and no legal result can ever make up for that loss. A wrongful death claim can, however, help provide financial stability and hold the responsible party accountable under Florida law. With the right legal team, families can focus on healing while their case is handled with care and urgency.

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we proudly represent families in West Palm Beach and throughout South Florida in complex wrongful death cases. If you have questions about your legal options, we are ready to help.

Call (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation or submit our online contact form to speak with our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Palm Beach Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Can multiple family members file separate wrongful death claims?

No. In Florida, a wrongful death claim is generally filed as a single action by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. That claim is brought on behalf of all eligible surviving family members, rather than through separate individual lawsuits.

What happens if the family disagrees about filing a claim?

The personal representative of the estate is typically responsible for bringing the claim. If there is disagreement among family members, the court-appointed representative still has the legal authority to proceed on behalf of all beneficiaries.

Can a wrongful death claim still be filed if no criminal charges were brought?

Yes. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case, which is separate from the criminal justice system. Even if no criminal charges are filed—or if charges do not result in a conviction—a civil wrongful death claim may still move forward.

Are wrongful death settlements taxable?

In most cases, compensation for physical injury or death is not considered taxable income under federal law. However, certain portions of a settlement may be treated differently depending on how the damages are structured, so it is important to review the specifics with an attorney or tax professional.

How long does it take to receive a wrongful death settlement?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in months, while others may take longer if litigation is required.

What if the death occurred during medical treatment or surgery?

If a death occurs during medical care, it may still be the result of negligence. In these situations, a wrongful death claim may overlap with medical malpractice principles, and a thorough investigation is necessary to determine whether the standard of care was breached.