When a preventable tragedy takes someone you love, the emotional toll is often compounded by sudden financial worries and complex legal questions. Families in Wellington facing this painful reality deserve steadfast support and clear guidance. At The Altman Law Firm, led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, we help grieving families throughout Palm Beach County pursue accountability and justice under Florida's Wrongful Death Act.
Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
Under Florida law, a wrongful death claim arises when a person's passing is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act of another individual or corporate entity. Rather than allowing individual relatives to file separate lawsuits, Florida law requires the personal representative of the deceased person's estate to bring the legal action on behalf of all eligible surviving family members. This group typically includes a surviving spouse, children, and parents, as well as any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who relied on the decedent for financial support or services. Recoverable damages can address both economic losses, such as lost financial support and funeral expenses, and non-economic hardships like the mental pain and suffering of losing a cherished companion.
Wellington's unique geography features heavy commuter traffic, equestrian transport areas, and busy commercial intersections. Tragically, severe collisions frequently occur along key local corridors such as State Road 7, Forest Hill Boulevard, and South Shore Boulevard. Whether a fatal crash involves a passenger car, a commercial truck, or a vulnerable pedestrian, determining liability requires a meticulous review of the physical evidence, witness accounts, and potential safety violations. The Altman Law Firm carefully investigates the contributing factors behind these catastrophic incidents to uncover the truth and hold negligent parties fully accountable.
Time is an essential factor when pursuing a civil claim after a fatal accident. In Florida, the statute of limitations generally requires a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed within two years from the date of the passing. Waiting past this statutory deadline can permanently strip your family of the right to seek financial recovery. Furthermore, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which means insurance companies and defense teams will often attempt to shift blame onto the deceased. Having a knowledgeable legal team allows Wellington families to counter these tactics with thorough, independent investigations while evidence remains intact.
Under Florida law, the wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This representative acts on behalf of surviving family members, including the spouse, children, parents, and dependent relatives.
Families may be eligible to recover various forms of compensation, including loss of future support and services, medical or funeral expenses paid by survivors, and compensation for mental pain and suffering.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. Because investigating these complex cases takes time, consulting legal counsel promptly is vital.
The Altman Law Firm provides compassionate, personalized legal support to families navigating profound loss. We handle the investigative and legal burdens so you can focus on healing and supporting one another.
Contact The Altman Law Firm today for a confidential consultation regarding your family's situation in Wellington. Call (305) 373-3730.