Your Story Matters. Your Family Matters. Your Results Matter.
Awards and recognitions listed are not indicative of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer
When Negligence Takes a Life — Families Deserve Justice
Losing a loved one is devastating. When that loss was caused by someone else’s negligence — a reckless driver, a careless property owner, a negligent medical provider, a dangerous product — the grief is compounded by anger and a profound sense of injustice.
Florida’s Wrongful Death Act provides a path for surviving family members to hold the responsible parties accountable. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and ensure that the negligent party faces consequences for their actions.
Carlos D. Cabrera handles wrongful death cases with the compassion and determination these cases require. As a former insurance defense attorney, he knows how insurers attempt to minimize these claims — and he begins building the counter-strategy from day one.
The Florida Wrongful Death Act: Who Can Recover
Under Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, wrongful death claims are brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members. The following survivors may be entitled to compensation:
Surviving spouse — Loss of companionship, protection, support, services, and mental pain and suffering
Minor children — Lost parental guidance, instruction, companionship, and mental pain and suffering
Adult children — Mental pain and suffering for the loss of parental companionship (in most cases)
Parents of minor children — Mental pain and suffering for the loss of their child
Parents of adult children — Mental pain and suffering if there is no surviving spouse or other lineal descendants
Other blood relatives and adoptive siblings — If they were partly or wholly dependent on the deceased for support
Important limitation:
In medical malpractice wrongful death cases, adult children generally cannot recover for mental pain and suffering if there is a surviving spouse. This is a significant limitation under Florida law.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Statistics
Broward County lost 219 lives to traffic fatalities in 2023 alone. These deaths occurred on I-95, I-595, local roads, and in pedestrian and bicycle accidents throughout Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities.
| Broward County Fatalities (2023) | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Total traffic fatalities | 219 |
| Pedestrian fatalities | 62 |
| Motorcycle fatalities | 37 |
| Bicycle fatalities | 9 |
| Hit-and-run fatalities | 27 |
Every one of these deaths represents a family forever changed — and in many cases, a wrongful death claim that could provide financial security and accountability.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Fort Lauderdale
Motor vehicle accidents — Car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents
Premises liability — Negligent security, swimming pool drownings, falls from heights
Medical malpractice — Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, birth injuries, medication errors
Defective products — Dangerous drugs, defective vehicles, defective machinery
Workplace accidents — Construction site fatalities, industrial accidents
Nursing home neglect — Falls, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores leading to sepsis
Damages Available in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
Florida law allows recovery for:
Lost support and services — The financial contributions and household services the deceased would have provided
Lost companionship and guidance — The relationship value lost by surviving family members
Mental pain and suffering — The emotional anguish experienced by survivors
Medical expenses — Medical care provided to the deceased before death
Funeral and burial expenses — Reasonable costs of final arrangements
Lost net accumulations — The income the deceased would have earned over their lifetime, minus personal living expenses (available to the estate)
Wrongful Death Deadlines in Florida
| Type of Wrongful Death Case | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Standard wrongful death | 2 years from date of death |
| Medical malpractice death | 2 years + 90-day pre-suit notice |
| Government entity (sovereign immunity) | 3 years pre-suit notice; strict caps apply |
| Products liability death | 4 years (12-year statute of repose) |
Do not wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Resources
Courts
Broward County Probate Court
201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565
Miami-Dade County Probate Division
73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Vital Records
Florida Department of Health — Vital Records Death Certificate Information
About Attorney Carlos D. Cabrera
Carlos D. Cabrera leads the Personal Injury Department at Florida Advocates. He handles wrongful death cases with the compassion these families deserve and the determination these cases require. As a former insurance defense attorney, he knows how insurers attempt to minimize wrongful death claims — and he builds cases designed to defeat those tactics.
Education
- J.D. — St. Thomas University College of Law (2000)
- Managing Editor, St. Thomas Law Review
- B.A. English — Florida International University (1994)
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Carlos’s federal court admissions mean he can handle complex cases that cross state lines or involve federal questions — not just state court claims.
Credentials & Recognitions
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Florida Legal Elite Recognition
- Lead Counsel Verified (Appellate, since 2015)
- Former Insurance Defense Counsel
Learn more about Carlos D. Cabrera →
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, the claim is brought on behalf of surviving family members including the surviving spouse, minor children, adult children (in most cases), parents, and dependent blood relatives.
What damages can be recovered in a Florida wrongful death case?
Florida allows recovery for lost support and services, lost companionship and guidance, mental pain and suffering of survivors, medical and funeral expenses, and lost net accumulations.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
Generally two years from the date of death. Special rules apply in medical malpractice and government entity cases. Contact an attorney immediately.
What if my loved one was partially at fault?
Florida follows modified comparative negligence. Recovery is still possible if the deceased was not more than 50% at fault.
What does it cost to hire Florida Advocates?
Nothing unless we win. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.
Serving Wrongful Death Families Throughout Broward County
Florida Advocates represents families in wrongful death cases in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County, including:
Dania Beach — Office Location | Hollywood | Pembroke Pines | Coral Springs | Plantation
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Wrongful Death Lawyer
If your family lost a loved one due to negligence in Fort Lauderdale, contact Florida Advocates today for a free, compassionate consultation.
Call: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Call us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. After all, isn’t that what family would do?
Related Fort Lauderdale Practice Areas
Contact Us
Fill out the contact form or call us at 754-290-3803 to schedule your free consultation.
Free Consultation 
Available 24/7 
No Fees Unless You Win