Losing someone you love is an agonizing experience, particularly when that loss stems from another party's carelessness. At The Altman Law Firm, Jeffrey S. Altman and our compassionate legal team stand beside families throughout Homestead. We help you make sense of Florida's legal landscape, providing steady guidance so you can focus on remembering your loved one and healing together.
Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
When a fatality occurs due to another person's negligence or wrongful act, Florida law establishes specific rules for pursuing accountability. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, claims must generally be brought by the personal representative of the estate on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents. This civil process allows families to seek recovery for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the deep emotional pain of losing a companion.
From heavy traffic along U.S. Route 1 and Krome Avenue to bustling commercial areas and agricultural corridors, Homestead families face unique everyday risks. Tragedies can happen unexpectedly in motor vehicle collisions, trucking accidents, or dangerous property conditions. The Altman Law Firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding each incident, gathering police reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to build a clear picture of what happened.
Florida law enforces a strict statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit, which generally requires action within two years of the date of passing. Waiting too long can allow physical evidence to fade and key witnesses' memories to blur. Reaching out to The Altman Law Firm early allows our team to preserve critical evidence, handle insurance communications, and protect your family's rights from the very beginning.
Under Florida law, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate must file the lawsuit. They do so on behalf of surviving family members, which typically includes the spouse, children, parents, and any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were dependent on the decedent for support.
For most wrongful death cases arising from negligence, Florida law mandates that a lawsuit be filed within two years from the date of the person's death. Missing this strict deadline can permanently bar your family from seeking compensation through the court system.
Families may be eligible to recover various economic and non-economic damages, including loss of future financial support, medical bills incurred prior to the passing, funeral and burial expenses, and compensation for mental pain and suffering.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If the deceased person is found to have shared some responsibility for the incident, any recovered compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. An attorney can help analyze how this law applies to the specific facts of your case.
Contact The Altman Law Firm today for a confidential conversation about your family's circumstances. Call (305) 373-3730.