Pompano Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is one of life’s most devastating experiences. In Pompano Beach, accidents on the road, in a hospital, on the water, and even on private property can tragically claim lives. These losses are compounded by the sudden financial burdens that survivors often face: funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of household income, guidance, and companionship.

At Ansel & Miller, we understand the profound impact of a fatality caused by another’s negligence or misconduct. Our Pompano Beach wrongful death lawyers have decades of experience handling these sensitive and complex cases, helping families navigate the legal system while pursuing justice and meaningful compensation. We are not a high-volume firm; we take cases that matter, giving every client the personal attention they deserve. Our guiding principle: When life hurts, we make it personal.

Florida Wrongful Death Law

Florida law recognizes wrongful death claims as a means to hold negligent or reckless parties accountable for causing a death. These claims are distinct from criminal cases. While criminal proceedings punish the wrongdoer when a criminal law has been broken, a wrongful death claim provides financial recovery for surviving family members to help address the economic and non-economic consequences of the loss.

Eligible claimants under Florida law typically include surviving spouses, children, parents, and dependent siblings in certain circumstances. These claims allow families to seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost income and loss of future earning potential, loss of care, guidance, and companionship, and pain and suffering endured by the survivors.

Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the death, making timely legal representation crucial.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Pompano Beach

Wrongful death cases in Pompano Beach often arise from incidents that are preventable and caused by negligence or recklessness. Some of the most frequent scenarios include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions with cars, trucks, motorcycles, or buses. Florida’s roads are busy, and accidents are frequent, with drivers distracted, impaired, or violating traffic laws.
Truck and Tractor-Trailer Crashes: Large commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities, especially when drivers are fatigued, improperly trained, or fail to follow federal safety regulations.
Boating Accidents: With Pompano Beach’s busy waterways, negligent operation of boats, collisions, or failure to follow safety protocols can be deadly.
Medical Malpractice: Negligence by healthcare providers can result in preventable deaths, requiring careful investigation and expert testimony.
Premises Liability: Unsafe conditions, inadequate security, or other hazards on private or commercial property may lead to fatal accidents.
Product Liability: Defective or dangerous products can result in fatal injuries, from defective machinery to unsafe consumer goods.

Each type of case requires specialized knowledge to uncover liability, navigate insurance complexities, and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.

The Distinction Between Civil and Criminal Cases

Families may assume that a criminal conviction is necessary to pursue a wrongful death claim. While criminal proceedings can support a civil claim, they are not required. It is possible for a civil case to succeed even if the at-fault party was never arrested or convicted.

The key differences include:

Purpose: Criminal cases punish the offender; civil wrongful death cases provide financial recovery for survivors.
Burden of Proof: Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases require a “preponderance of evidence.” This lower standard makes civil cases achievable even when criminal charges are declined.
Evidence: Evidence from a criminal case can be used in civil litigation, but civil attorneys also conduct their own investigations, gather expert testimony, and reconstruct accidents to prove liability.

Ansel & Miller guides families through both dimensions, ensuring they understand their rights and how the civil system can provide compensation, even when criminal proceedings are limited or nonexistent.

Investigating Wrongful Death Cases in Pompano Beach

Building a successful wrongful death case requires meticulous attention to detail. Our attorneys begin by thoroughly investigating the incident to identify all potentially liable parties. This may include reviewing accident reports, medical records, and safety documentation, consulting with medical, engineering, and accident reconstruction experts, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence before it disappears.

For cases involving vehicles, we examine driver logs, maintenance records, and traffic citations. For premises liability or product defects, we investigate building inspections, safety protocols, and product recalls. Every detail matters because even small pieces of evidence can significantly affect the outcome.

Catastrophic Impact on Families

The death of a loved one often triggers a cascade of challenges beyond grief. Financial pressures, such as unpaid medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of household income, can be overwhelming. Emotional and psychological trauma also takes a toll, affecting family dynamics and the well-being of surviving children, spouses, and parents.

Ansel & Miller recognizes that wrongful death cases are deeply personal. Our attorneys do more than fight for financial recovery; they provide guidance, compassion, and support throughout the process, helping families make informed decisions during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies know that families without legal counsel are vulnerable. They may offer a quick settlement that fails to reflect the true economic and emotional loss caused by the death. Having skilled attorneys on your side ensures that every aspect of the claim is addressed.

Our team has extensive experience negotiating with insurers, confronting negligent parties, and, if necessary, litigating in court. We fight to maximize compensation for survivors and to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused.

Why Choose Ansel & Miller

For families in Pompano Beach seeking justice after a wrongful death, Ansel & Miller offers:

Experience and Results: Decades of handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout South Florida.
Personalized Attention: Attorneys handle the case directly, building close relationships with clients and guiding them through every step.
Commitment to Serious Cases: We focus on cases that truly matter, providing the dedication and resources each case requires.
Genuine Care: Our work is meaningful to us, not just a job. We are motivated by helping families during their most difficult times, not by the potential for financial gain.

By choosing our firm, you gain not only legal representation but also an advocate who understands the personal and practical implications of a wrongful death.

Contact Our Pompano Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

Losing a loved one due to negligence is devastating, but you do not have to face the legal system alone. At Ansel & Miller, we are ready to provide guidance, support, and aggressive advocacy to pursue the compensation your family deserves. Call us today for a free consultation. We will take the time to understand your story, explain your legal options, and begin building a case that addresses both your immediate needs and long-term recovery.

When life hurts, we make it personal.