Losing a loved one is devastating. When that death was caused by someone else’s negligence in Broward County, the pain is compounded by complex legal questions, tight deadlines, and insurance companies that don’t care about your grief. The Broward wrongful death lawyers at Madalon Injury Law help families across all 31 Broward County municipalities pursue justice and compensation when negligence takes a loved one’s life.
Broward County is the second most populous county in Florida, home to approximately 1.9 million residents spread across 31 municipalities and significant unincorporated areas. The county sits along the Atlantic coast between Palm Beach County to the north and Miami-Dade County to the south, with the Florida Everglades forming its western boundary. According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida sees over 50,000 preventable deaths annually—and Broward County accounts for more than 1,300 unintentional injury deaths each year. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Broward County alone saw 209 traffic fatalities and more than 24,000 injuries from over 40,200 motor vehicle crashes in a single year.
From the Atlantic beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach, to the family communities of Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, and Coconut Creek, to the urban core of Fort Lauderdale and the bustling commercial corridors throughout Broward, families face wrongful death scenarios as varied as the county itself. Traffic crashes on I-95, I-595, the Florida Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway, and major arterials like State Road 7/US-441, University Drive, and Federal Highway. Construction fatalities at building sites throughout the county. Medical malpractice at Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, and HCA Florida hospitals. Nursing home neglect across the county’s many senior care facilities. Drownings, premises liability incidents at shopping centers and apartment complexes, and pedestrian deaths along some of Florida’s deadliest roads.
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act provides a path forward. It can’t bring your loved one back, but it can hold the responsible party accountable and provide financial support for survivors.
At Madalon Injury Law, our Broward wrongful death lawyers represent families throughout every city and unincorporated area of Broward County. We understand the geography, the courts, the local hospitals, the police agencies, and the specific legal landscape this county creates. We handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in Broward, call us for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
Understanding the scale of wrongful death in Broward puts each family’s loss in perspective—and demonstrates why these cases require serious legal attention.
Broward County at a Glance:
Traffic Fatality Statistics:
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
According to the Florida Department of Health:
Pedestrian Death Statistics:
According to the FLHSMV and federal data:
Workplace Death Statistics:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
Medical Error Statistics:
According to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine, medical errors are estimated to be among the leading causes of death in the United States. With Broward home to multiple major hospital systems (Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, HCA Florida, Cleveland Clinic Florida), medical malpractice wrongful death cases are a significant portion of the county’s wrongful death legal landscape.
Nursing Home and Elder Care Statistics:
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) oversees Florida’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Florida has one of the largest populations of nursing home residents in the United States, and Broward’s significant senior population means elder care wrongful death cases are common across the county.
Broward’s Position in Florida:
Broward County is the second most populous county in Florida (after Miami-Dade) and the 17th most populous county in the United States. The county’s combination of dense urban areas, beach tourism, major commercial corridors, extensive senior communities, and proximity to two major airports (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and—just to the south—Miami International) creates wrongful death risk patterns that affect millions of residents and visitors each year.
“Broward’s statistics tell the story: over 209 traffic fatalities, 40,200 crashes, 1,300 unintentional injury deaths, and one of the nation’s highest pedestrian death rates—every year. Behind every number is a family. Our job is to make sure those families get the legal help they need.”
Sources: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Health, OSHA, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, U.S. Census Bureau
Broward’s geography, economy, and demographics produce a wide range of wrongful death scenarios. Understanding the most common helps families identify when negligence may be at the root of a loved one’s death.
Motor vehicle crashes are the single largest category of wrongful death in Broward. The county’s combination of dense traffic, high-speed highways, heavy tourist activity, and significant commercial vehicle traffic makes traffic fatalities a constant risk.
Common Broward traffic wrongful deaths involve:
Liability: At-fault drivers, trucking companies, employers, vehicle manufacturers (in defect cases), bars (in dram shop cases), and government entities (in certain road condition cases) can all face liability.
According to FLHSMV, Florida has the highest pedestrian death rate in the nation, and Broward contributes disproportionately due to several factors:
Common pedestrian and bicycle wrongful death scenarios include:
Broward is served by multiple major hospital systems. Medical malpractice wrongful deaths can occur from:
Florida medical malpractice cases have specific pre-suit requirements under Florida Statute 766, including obtaining a medical expert affidavit before filing suit. According to research from Johns Hopkins Medicine, medical errors remain a leading cause of death in the United States.
Broward’s significant senior population uses an extensive network of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Common nursing home wrongful deaths involve:
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) oversees Florida nursing facilities. Families can review inspection reports and file complaints. Nursing home wrongful death cases require proof of neglect, understaffing, or violations of Florida regulations.
Broward’s continuous development creates significant workplace fatality exposure. Construction wrongful deaths can occur from:
According to OSHA, construction falls are a leading cause of workplace deaths nationwide. Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits for workplace deaths, but third-party wrongful death claims allow families to pursue full damages against general contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, and other parties not protected by workers’ comp immunity.
Broward’s massive retail districts, apartment complexes, hotels, corporate offices, and recreational facilities create extensive premises liability exposure. Common scenarios:
Broward’s beaches, residential pools, community pools, apartment complex pools, and hotel pools create significant drowning risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death, particularly among children. Florida law has specific pool safety requirements under Florida Statute Chapter 515, including fencing, self-closing gates, alarms, and safety equipment. Property owners failing to comply can face wrongful death liability.
Broward’s extensive waterways, ports, and proximity to the Atlantic create maritime wrongful death exposure. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida leads the nation in recreational boating accidents. The county’s Intracoastal Waterway, Port Everglades, and Atlantic coast see significant boating traffic. Maritime cases involve specialized law (general maritime law, Death on the High Seas Act, and Florida wrongful death law depending on circumstances).
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can face liability when defective products cause death—including vehicles, medical devices, consumer products, recreational equipment, and industrial machinery.
Wrongful death claims can arise from criminal acts (homicide, assault, drunk driving prosecutions) in addition to negligence cases. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil wrongful death claim. The civil standard of proof (preponderance of the evidence) is significantly lower than the criminal standard (beyond a reasonable doubt). Civil wrongful death cases can proceed even when criminal prosecution fails.
Broward’s road network combines high-speed interstates and toll roads with dense urban arterials and beach corridors. Different road types create different wrongful death risks.
I-95 runs north-south through eastern Broward, connecting Miami-Dade to Palm Beach. The highway is one of the most heavily traveled and crash-prone routes in Florida.
Why I-95 is dangerous in Broward:
I-595 runs east-west through central Broward, connecting Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale to western Broward and I-75.
Why I-595 is dangerous:
I-75 runs north-south through western Broward, connecting Miami-Dade through the county to northern Florida.
Why I-75 is dangerous:
The Florida Turnpike runs through central and western Broward as a high-speed toll road.
Why the Turnpike is dangerous:
The Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) runs through northwestern Broward, connecting I-75 to the Florida Turnpike via Sawgrass Mills.
Why the Sawgrass Expressway is dangerous:
State Road 7/US-441 runs north-south through central Broward, passing through Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Margate, Coconut Creek, and beyond. It is one of Broward’s most pedestrian-deadly roads.
Why State Road 7 is dangerous:
Federal Highway/US-1 runs north-south along eastern Broward, paralleling I-95. The road passes through Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and others.
Why Federal Highway is dangerous:
Sunrise Boulevard runs east-west through central Broward, connecting eastern beach areas through Fort Lauderdale and Plantation to Sawgrass Mills.
Atlantic Boulevard runs east-west through northern Broward, connecting Pompano Beach to Coconut Creek and beyond.
Pines Boulevard runs east-west through southern Broward, passing through Hollywood and Pembroke Pines as a major commercial corridor.
University Drive runs north-south through western Broward, passing through Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Coral Springs.
Broward Boulevard runs east-west through central Broward, connecting downtown Fort Lauderdale to Plantation and Sunrise.
Oakland Park Boulevard runs east-west through central Broward, connecting Lauderdale Lakes through Oakland Park to the beaches.
A1A runs along the Atlantic coast through Broward’s beach communities, including Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach. Beach corridor crashes often involve tourist drivers, pedestrian activity, and impaired driving.
Among Broward’s most crash-prone intersections:
“From I-95 high-speed crashes to State Road 7 pedestrian fatalities to beach corridor tourist incidents, Broward’s road network creates a constantly shifting wrongful death landscape. Understanding which roads cause which types of fatalities is essential to building strong liability cases.”
Source: FLHSMV
Madalon Injury Law represents wrongful death families throughout every city and unincorporated area of Broward County. Below are detailed resources for some of the cities where we’ve handled cases, along with the full list of Broward municipalities we serve.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyers
Fort Lauderdale is Broward’s largest city and county seat. With a population of over 180,000 residents, a major international airport, Port Everglades, miles of Atlantic beachfront, and a dense urban core, Fort Lauderdale sees the highest concentration of wrongful death cases in the county. Common scenarios involve crashes on I-95, I-595, Federal Highway, Sunrise Boulevard, and Las Olas Boulevard, as well as cruise-related injuries, beach corridor incidents, premises liability at major commercial districts, and medical malpractice at Broward Health Medical Center—one of Broward’s Level 1 trauma centers. Our dedicated Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers page provides in-depth resources for families in the county seat.
Hollywood Wrongful Death Lawyers
Hollywood is Broward’s second-largest city, with over 153,000 residents, miles of Atlantic beachfront, and the iconic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The city is home to Memorial Regional Hospital (a Level 1 trauma center), Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Common wrongful death scenarios involve crashes on I-95, US-1/Federal Highway, Hollywood Boulevard, and Sheridan Street, as well as beach corridor pedestrian deaths, drownings, and premises liability cases. Our dedicated Hollywood wrongful death lawyers page provides comprehensive resources.
Pembroke Pines Wrongful Death Lawyers
Pembroke Pines is one of Broward’s largest cities with approximately 170,000 residents in southern Broward, bordering Miami-Dade County. The family-oriented planned community sees significant wrongful death cases involving crashes on Pines Boulevard, I-75, the Florida Turnpike, and Sheridan Street, as well as school zone pedestrian deaths, teen driver crashes, medical malpractice at Memorial Hospital West, and premises liability incidents. Our dedicated Pembroke Pines wrongful death lawyers page provides detailed local resources.
Coral Springs Wrongful Death Lawyers
Coral Springs is a master-planned, family-oriented city in northwestern Broward with approximately 134,000 residents. The city sees wrongful death cases involving crashes on the Sawgrass Expressway, University Drive, Wiles Road, and Atlantic Boulevard, as well as school zone fatalities, premises liability at major shopping centers, and medical malpractice at Broward Health Coral Springs. Our dedicated Coral Springs wrongful death lawyers page provides comprehensive resources.
Plantation Wrongful Death Lawyers
Plantation sits at the geographic heart of Broward, with approximately 85,000 residents and a mixed-use character of corporate offices, professional centers, major shopping districts, and family neighborhoods. Common wrongful death scenarios involve crashes on Broward Boulevard, University Drive, State Road 7, I-595, and the Florida Turnpike, as well as premises liability at apartment complexes and shopping centers like Westfield Broward Mall, and medical malpractice at HCA Florida Westside Hospital. Our dedicated Plantation wrongful death lawyers page provides detailed local resources.
Coconut Creek Wrongful Death Lawyers
Coconut Creek—self-proclaimed “Butterfly Capital of the World”—is a planned community in northern Broward with approximately 60,000 residents, including a significant 55+ population at Wynmoor Village. Common wrongful death cases involve crashes on Lyons Road, Sample Road, Atlantic Boulevard, and the Sawgrass Expressway, nursing home neglect cases, and premises liability at shopping centers like the Promenade at Coconut Creek. Our dedicated Coconut Creek wrongful death lawyers page provides comprehensive resources.
Lauderdale Lakes Wrongful Death Lawyers
Lauderdale Lakes is a small, dense, diverse city in central Broward with approximately 33,000 residents in just 3.6 square miles. The city features significant Caribbean and Haitian communities, heavy public transit usage, and dense apartment housing. Common wrongful death scenarios involve crashes and pedestrian deaths on State Road 7/US-441, Oakland Park Boulevard, and NW 31st Avenue, bus stop pedestrian fatalities, apartment complex inadequate security cases, and elder care neglect. Our dedicated Lauderdale Lakes wrongful death lawyers page provides detailed local resources.
Madalon Injury Law represents wrongful death families across every Broward County municipality, including:
We also serve unincorporated areas of Broward County, which are patrolled by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and follow Broward County jurisdiction.
If you’ve lost a loved one in any Broward city or unincorporated area, contact Madalon Injury Law for a free consultation.
Broward is served by an extensive network of hospitals, with two Level 1 Adult Trauma Centers handling the most severe wrongful death cases.
Location: 1600 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Broward Health Medical Center is Broward County’s primary Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, located in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The hospital handles the most severe trauma cases from throughout the county and provides comprehensive emergency, surgical, cardiac, and inpatient services.
Location: 3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
Memorial Regional Hospital, part of the Memorial Healthcare System, is Broward’s second Level 1 Adult Trauma Center. Located in Hollywood, the hospital serves southern Broward and handles severe trauma cases. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, adjacent to Memorial Regional, handles pediatric trauma cases.
Broward Health (public hospital system):
Memorial Healthcare System (public hospital system):
HCA Florida:
Cleveland Clinic Florida:
Other major facilities:
Location: 5301 SW 31st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
The Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates deaths throughout the county.
When autopsies are required under Florida law:
Florida Statute Chapter 406 requires medical examiner investigation in:
Why autopsy reports matter in wrongful death cases:
Autopsy reports are public records in Florida (with some exceptions). Families can request copies from the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office. Reports typically take weeks to complete.
Wrongful death investigations in Broward involve various law enforcement agencies depending on location:
The investigating agency depends on the location and type of incident, which affects how reports are obtained and how investigations proceed.
“Broward’s two Level 1 trauma centers and extensive hospital network handle thousands of severe injury and death cases each year. Medical records from these facilities and reports from the Broward County Medical Examiner are critical evidence in wrongful death cases.”
Broward wrongful death cases proceed under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, codified at Florida Statutes Chapter 768, specifically Sections 768.16 through 768.26.
To succeed in a Broward wrongful death negligence case, the personal representative must prove four elements:
The civil standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)—significantly lower than the criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. A wrongful death case can succeed even when criminal prosecution fails.
Under Florida Statute 768.20, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative:
Broward wrongful death cases require opening probate in Broward County Circuit Court, Probate Division (Broward County Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301).
Florida Statute 768.21 divides wrongful death damages between survivors and the estate.
Survivors who can recover:
The estate can recover:
Economic damages:
Non-economic damages:
Punitive damages: Punitive damages are rare in Florida wrongful death cases. They require proof of intentional misconduct or gross negligence—a higher standard than ordinary negligence. Most wrongful death cases proceed on compensatory damages only.
Under Florida Statute 95.11, wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of death. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in Florida personal injury law (compared to four years for most personal injury cases).
The deadline is strictly enforced. Missing it means losing the right to sue permanently. Limited exceptions exist (such as for cases involving murder or manslaughter), but these are narrow. The two-year clock runs from the date of death, not from when a personal representative is appointed.
Medical Malpractice: Florida medical malpractice cases require pre-suit investigation under Florida Statute 766. Families must serve notice of intent to sue and obtain a medical expert affidavit confirming reasonable grounds before filing suit. The pre-suit period itself has deadlines.
Dram Shop (Alcohol Liability): Florida Statute 768.125 allows limited claims against bars or restaurants that served alcohol to a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol or to a person under the legal drinking age. Standard intoxication does not trigger dram shop liability under Florida law.
Sovereign Immunity (Government Cases): Cases against Florida government entities (Broward County, cities, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, government employees) face sovereign immunity damage caps of $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Notice requirements and procedures differ from suing private parties.
Maritime Wrongful Death: Cases occurring on navigable waters may proceed under general maritime law, the Death on the High Seas Act, or Florida wrongful death law depending on circumstances.
In March 2023, Florida significantly changed its comparative negligence law through House Bill 837. Florida now uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar.
How current Florida law works:
If the deceased was 50% or less at fault for their own death, damages are reduced by their fault percentage—but recovery is still possible. If the deceased was more than 50% at fault, the family cannot recover any damages.
Example where recovery is allowed: On $1,000,000 in damages with the deceased found 30% at fault: $1,000,000 × 70% = $700,000 recovery
Example where recovery is barred: On the same $1,000,000 in damages with the deceased found 60% at fault: $0 recovery, because fault exceeded the 50% threshold.
This is a significant change from Florida’s prior pure comparative negligence system, which allowed recovery even when the deceased was 99% at fault. Cases involving deaths before March 24, 2023 may proceed under the prior pure comparative negligence rule, depending on when the injury occurred. Cases involving deaths after that date proceed under the modified system.
Insurance companies work hard to drive the deceased’s fault percentage past the 50% threshold to eliminate recovery entirely. Strong legal representation is more important than ever under the new law.
Sovereign Immunity Caps:
If the lawsuit is against a Florida government entity (Broward County, cities like Fort Lauderdale or Plantation, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Transportation, government employees acting within their employment), damages are capped at:
Higher recovery requires the Florida Legislature to pass a claims bill—a slow, uncertain process. Notice requirements differ when suing government entities; failure to comply can bar the claim entirely.
Medical Malpractice Caps:
Florida previously imposed caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. The Florida Supreme Court has struck down many of these caps as unconstitutional. Current law is complex and case-specific.
Most Broward wrongful death cases have no statutory damage caps. Cases against private individuals, businesses, or property owners proceed without statutory limits.
Broward wrongful death cases frequently involve multiple liable parties:
Identifying all liable parties maximizes available insurance coverage and assets for recovery.
Broward traffic wrongful death cases often hit insurance limit problems quickly. The at-fault driver may carry minimum Florida coverage limits, leaving inadequate compensation.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on the deceased’s own auto policy can provide significant additional recovery. Many Florida residents carry UM/UIM coverage but don’t realize how it applies after a fatal crash. A wrongful death lawyer should investigate UM/UIM coverage on every available policy—the deceased’s, household members’, and sometimes employer policies.
Common factors influencing case value:
Broward wrongful death cases proceed through Broward County Circuit Court using a specific legal process.
Main Courthouse Location: Broward County Judicial Complex 201 SE 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The Broward County Judicial Complex houses Circuit Court (which handles wrongful death cases) and County Court. Wrongful death cases are filed in Circuit Civil Division for the lawsuit, and Probate Division for the appointment of personal representatives.
Within days of death, file a petition for administration in Broward County Circuit Court, Probate Division. The court appoints a personal representative (typically the surviving spouse or, if none, the heir selected by family). This takes 4-8 weeks if uncontested—longer if family members dispute the appointment.
Critical: Florida’s two-year wrongful death statute runs from the date of death, not from probate appointment. Don’t delay.
Broward wrongful death lawyers investigate the case:
Before filing a lawsuit, attempts are typically made to resolve the case with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Pre-suit settlements can occur if liability is clear and damages are documented.
The personal representative files the wrongful death complaint in Broward County Circuit Court. The complaint identifies defendants, describes the cause of action, and requests damages.
Both sides exchange evidence through:
Discovery typically takes 6-12 months in Broward wrongful death cases.
Broward County courts require mediation before trial in most wrongful death cases. A neutral mediator (often a retired Broward County judge) facilitates settlement negotiations. The vast majority of Broward wrongful death cases settle at or before mediation.
If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial in Broward County Circuit Court. A jury of 6-12 people drawn from Broward County hears evidence and decides:
Broward wrongful death trials typically last 3-10 days depending on complexity.
Once a settlement or verdict is reached and paid:
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Broward?
Florida law requires wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of death under Florida Statute 95.11. The deadline is strictly enforced, with very limited exceptions (such as cases involving murder or manslaughter). The clock runs from the date of death, not from when a personal representative is appointed. Don’t delay opening probate or consulting a lawyer.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Broward?
Under Florida Statute 768.20, only the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The personal representative is appointed by Broward County Circuit Court, Probate Division. Survivors don’t file directly—the personal representative files on behalf of the survivors and the estate. Appointment typically takes 4-8 weeks if uncontested.
Which Broward hospitals handle the most severe wrongful death trauma cases?
Broward has two Level 1 Adult Trauma Centers: Broward Health Medical Center (1600 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) and Memorial Regional Hospital (3501 Johnson Street, Hollywood). Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood handles pediatric trauma. These facilities receive the most severely injured patients from throughout the county. Medical records from these hospitals are critical evidence in wrongful death cases.
What police agency investigates wrongful deaths in Broward?
The investigating agency depends on location. The Broward Sheriff’s Office patrols unincorporated Broward and contracts with several cities (including Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Weston, and others). Florida Highway Patrol investigates crashes on interstates and state highways. Many cities (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Davie, and others) maintain their own police departments.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one was partially at fault?
It depends on the percentage of fault. Florida uses modified comparative negligence under Florida Statute 768.81 (as amended by HB 837 in March 2023). If your loved one was 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages—reduced by their fault percentage. For example, 30% fault on a $1 million claim yields $700,000. However, if your loved one was more than 50% at fault, the family cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies push hard to drive fault past 50%, so strong representation is critical.
Can I sue Broward County or a Broward city for wrongful death?
Yes, but Florida’s sovereign immunity caps damages at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident in cases against government entities. Higher recovery requires the Florida Legislature to pass a claims bill—a slow process. Notice requirements differ from suing private parties. Common government cases involve dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, traffic signal failures, or negligence by government employees. These cases require lawyers experienced with Florida sovereign immunity law.
What if my loved one died on I-95, I-595, the Florida Turnpike, or another Broward highway?
Highway wrongful deaths typically proceed under Florida law in Broward County Circuit Court. Florida Highway Patrol investigates highway crashes. Liability investigation includes FHP crash reports, accident reconstruction, vehicle data, and witness statements. Trucking companies, employers, vehicle manufacturers, and impaired drivers can face liability in addition to at-fault drivers. Highway cases often involve significant insurance coverage limits, particularly for commercial vehicles.
What if my loved one was a passenger on a cruise leaving from Port Everglades?
Cruise ship wrongful deaths involve specialized maritime law. Cases occurring on navigable waters may proceed under general maritime law, the Death on the High Seas Act, or Florida wrongful death law depending on circumstances. Cruise contracts often contain forum selection clauses and short notice/filing deadlines. These cases require lawyers familiar with maritime and cruise litigation.
How long do Broward wrongful death cases take?
Pre-suit settlements: 6 months to a year. Cases that file suit and settle: 1-2 years. Cases going to trial in Broward County Circuit Court: 2-3+ years. Appeals can add another 1-2 years. Broward County courts require mediation before trial, which often leads to settlement. Timeline depends on case complexity, disputed liability, court schedules, and insurance company cooperation.
What if my loved one died from medical malpractice at a Broward hospital?
Florida medical malpractice cases require strict pre-suit procedures under Florida Statute 766. Families must serve notice of intent to sue and obtain a medical expert affidavit confirming reasonable grounds before filing suit. The pre-suit period itself has deadlines. Common malpractice scenarios include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, anesthesia errors, medication errors, and hospital-acquired infections. Medical records, expert testimony, and Florida pre-suit procedures are critical.
What if my loved one died in a Broward nursing home?
Nursing home wrongful death cases involve neglect (falls, dehydration, bedsores, medication errors, delayed emergency response) or abuse. File complaints with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and consult a wrongful death lawyer. Medical records, facility inspection reports, staffing records, and expert testimony are critical. Florida’s two-year deadline applies.
Does Madalon Injury Law serve all Broward cities?
Yes. Madalon Injury Law represents wrongful death families throughout every city and unincorporated area of Broward County—from Pompano Beach to Hallandale Beach, from Weston to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and everything in between. We have dedicated city pages for several major Broward cities and serve all 31 Broward municipalities.
What if the at-fault driver in a Broward crash had no insurance?
Check whether your loved one had uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on their own auto policy. UM/UIM coverage often applies to wrongful death and can provide substantial recovery even when the at-fault driver lacks coverage. You can also sue the at-fault driver personally, though collection from individuals without assets is difficult. Multi-party cases sometimes uncover other liable parties with insurance or assets.
What if my loved one was killed in a Broward construction accident?
Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits for workplace deaths—typically funeral expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, third-party wrongful death claims allow families to pursue full damages against general contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, and other parties not protected by workers’ comp immunity. These claims can recover far more than workers’ comp alone. OSHA reports, safety records, and expert testimony are critical.
What if my loved one was killed by a drunk driver in Broward?
The drunk driver remains personally liable for the wrongful death and may face criminal charges separately. Florida’s dram shop law (Florida Statute 768.125) allows claims against bars or restaurants in limited circumstances—when they served alcohol to a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol or to a person under the legal drinking age. Standard intoxication does not trigger dram shop liability under Florida law. UM/UIM coverage on the deceased’s policy may also apply.
Can adult children recover in a Broward wrongful death case?
Florida law restricts adult children’s recovery. Adult children (25+) can only recover for mental pain and suffering if there is no surviving spouse. If a spouse survives, adult children typically cannot recover unless they were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased. Minor children (under 25) can always recover regardless of whether a spouse survives.
How are Broward wrongful death settlements distributed?
Survivors’ damages (loss of support, companionship, mental pain/suffering) are distributed to each entitled survivor per Florida Statute 768.21. Estate damages (lost earnings, medical/funeral expenses) are distributed per the deceased’s will or Florida intestacy law. The personal representative collects all damages and distributes them under Broward County probate court oversight. Settlements involving minor survivors require court approval.
Do Broward wrongful death settlements get taxed?
Generally no. Under IRS rules, wrongful death compensation for personal injury or death is not taxable income. Punitive damages (if awarded) and pre-judgment interest may be taxable. Florida has no state income tax. Consult a tax professional for case-specific advice.
What if my loved one was killed in a hit-and-run in Broward?
Hit-and-run wrongful deaths can still result in recovery. Even if the at-fault driver isn’t identified, your loved one’s uninsured motorist coverage often applies. If the driver is later identified, you can sue them and any liable third parties. The investigating police agency (BSO, FHP, or city police) investigates hit-and-runs. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and apartment complexes is often critical.
What if my loved one died in a drowning at a Broward beach, pool, or waterway?
Drowning wrongful deaths can give rise to claims under Florida pool safety law (for residential, community, hotel, and apartment pools) and general premises liability. Property owners must comply with fencing, gate, alarm, and safety equipment requirements under Florida Statute Chapter 515. Beach drownings may involve premises liability against beach operators or municipalities (with sovereign immunity caps). Maritime drownings involve specialized law.
What does it cost to hire a Broward wrongful death lawyer?
Madalon Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. No retainer. No hourly fees. We collect a fee only if we recover compensation for you. The contingency fee structure means Broward families can pursue wrongful death cases regardless of their financial situation. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, agreed upon in writing before representation begins.
The unexpected death of a loved one is devastating. Florida’s wrongful death laws, Broward County probate, tight deadlines, and aggressive insurance companies make an already painful situation overwhelming. At Madalon Injury Law, we represent wrongful death families throughout every Broward County municipality. We handle the legal fight while you focus on grieving and healing.
We Serve All of Broward
Madalon Injury Law represents wrongful death families across every Broward County city and unincorporated area:
We Know Broward
We’ve handled wrongful death cases throughout Broward involving:
We Know Broward County Circuit Court
Madalon Injury Law practices in Broward County Circuit Court regularly. We understand:
We Coordinate with Broward Police Agencies
Broward wrongful death cases often involve coordination with:
We know how to obtain reports, work with investigators, and preserve evidence before it disappears.
We Work with Top Experts
Broward wrongful death cases require expert testimony:
We have relationships with top experts in their fields.
We Navigate Broward County Probate
Broward wrongful death cases require opening probate in the county. We coordinate with probate counsel (or handle probate ourselves) to:
We Fight Insurance Companies
We see through insurance company tactics:
We’re Prepared for Trial
When settlements aren’t fair, we take cases to trial in Broward County Circuit Court. We know how to present complex evidence to Broward juries.
We Work on Contingency
You pay nothing upfront. No retainer. No hourly fees. We only collect if we recover for you. This contingency model means Broward families can pursue their cases regardless of financial circumstances.
We Treat Your Family with Compassion
Wrongful death cases are different from other legal matters. You’re not just a client—you’re a grieving family. We treat you with respect, compassion, and care.
Contact Broward Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence anywhere in Broward, you’re facing one of life’s hardest experiences. You shouldn’t navigate Broward County courts, Florida’s wrongful death laws, and insurance companies alone.
The Broward wrongful death lawyers at Madalon Injury Law represent families throughout every Broward County municipality and unincorporated area. We understand Broward’s geography, hospitals, courts, police agencies, and the legal landscape unique to this part of Florida. We have the experience to handle even the most complex Broward wrongful death cases.
Call us today for a FREE consultation.
No fees unless we win.
Contact Madalon Injury Law
Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.
