Legally Reviewed by Scott Sobol on July 30, 2026
Losing a family member because of someone else’s negligence is one of the most painful experiences a family can face, and no amount of legal action can undo that loss. Florida law does, however, give surviving family members a path to hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for the financial and emotional toll left behind. Wrongful death claims in Sunrise can arise from fatal car accidents, dangerous property conditions, defective products, and other negligent acts that Florida law recognizes as grounds for civil recovery.
The Law Offices of Scott Sobol has represented families and injured clients throughout Sunrise and South Florida for more than 20 years, standing beside over 1,000 clients and earning more than 100 five-star Google reviews for the direct, compassionate representation Scott Sobol provides. We understand how overwhelming this time is for your family, and we are here to handle the legal work so you can focus on each other.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Florida Law Limits Your Family’s Window to File
Florida gives surviving family members just 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Scott Sobol has spent more than 20 years fighting for families throughout Sunrise and Broward County, working on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, a claim must be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, on behalf of the surviving family members and the estate itself. The personal representative is typically named in the deceased’s will or appointed by the probate court if no will exists.
Florida law allows certain survivors to recover damages through the claim, including:
- The deceased’s spouse
- Children of the deceased, including minor children and, in some cases, adult children
- Parents of a deceased minor child, and parents of an adult child who relied on the parent for support
- Blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support
What Compensation Is Available in a Sunrise Wrongful Death Claim?
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act separates recoverable damages into two categories — those owed to the surviving family members and those owed to the deceased’s estate.
| Recovered By | Types of Damages |
|---|---|
| Surviving Family Members | Lost support and services, lost companionship and guidance, mental anguish, and funeral expenses paid by a survivor |
| The Estate | Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, medical and funeral expenses paid by the estate, and loss of prospective net accumulations |
Every wrongful death case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the deceased’s age, earning capacity, and the nature of the relationships left behind. An experienced attorney can help your family document these losses and pursue full compensation from every liable party.
Has Your Family
Lost a Loved One to Negligence?
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
Under Florida Statutes §95.11(4), a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death — not the date of the underlying accident or incident. This deadline was unchanged by Florida’s 2023 tort reform law, House Bill 837, which affected the separate statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Filing Deadline
2 Years From the Date of Death
Because the clock starts at death rather than the triggering accident, families sometimes have less time than they expect, particularly if a loved one survived an injury for a period before passing away. Missing this deadline generally bars the family from recovering compensation, which is why speaking with an attorney as soon as possible protects your family’s rights.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death Claims in Sunrise
Wrongful death claims can arise from any situation where a person’s negligence or wrongful conduct causes another person’s death. In Sunrise and throughout Broward County, our firm has handled wrongful death matters connected to:
- Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents on Sunrise Boulevard, University Drive, and the I-595 corridor
- Premises liability incidents, including falls and negligent security at commercial properties
- Defective products that fail in a way that causes fatal injury
- Boating and watercraft accidents in South Florida’s waterways
Regardless of how a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family deserves a thorough investigation into what happened and who should be held responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims in Sunrise
Contact The Law Offices of Scott Sobol After Losing a Loved One in Sunrise
If your family lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, do not wait to explore your options. Learn more about Scott Sobol’s experience fighting for injury victims and grieving families across South Florida before taking your next step.
If the accident that caused your loved one’s death happened on the road, our Sunrise car accident team can also help investigate what happened. Consultations are free, and there is no obligation. Contact our office today to speak directly with Scott Sobol about what happened to your family.
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