What are the top causes of wrongful death in West Palm Beach? The sudden loss of a loved one due to negligence is devastating, and it happens too often in West Palm Beach. Our busy roads and active public spaces can turn dangerous in an instant.
In 2024 alone, Palm Beach County saw 214 traffic deaths, many on major routes like I-95 that we all drive every day. At Bill Bone Law Group, we’ve been helping families through wrongful death claims for over 25 years, fighting for justice when they need it most.
You May Need This Article If:
- A loved one passed away due to a car accident, medical error, or other negligent act in West Palm Beach.
- You’re unsure who’s liable or whether you can sue.
- A family member was killed in a crash, fall, or violent incident.
- You’re overwhelmed by insurance paperwork or denied claims.
If your family has been affected by a wrongful death in West Palm Beach, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida law. The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Bill Bone Law Group are ready to fight for your rights.
Call us today at (561) 786-2641 for a free consultation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Case?
A wrongful death case arises when a person’s death is caused by the negligent, reckless, or intentional act of another, allowing eligible survivors to seek damages for their losses. Florida Statutes § 768.19.
Top Causes of Wrongful Death in West Palm Beach
Palm Beach County’s unique blend of heavy traffic, coastal recreation, and urban growth creates environments where negligence can lead to fatal outcomes. Families affected by fatal injuries in a West Palm Beach wrongful case often turn to a trusted law firm for guidance.
Major roads like Okeechobee Boulevard and Southern Boulevard see frequent crashes, often worsened by Florida’s rainy season. Shopping areas such as Rosemary Square or events at the South Florida Fairgrounds can also be sites of premises liability if safety measures fail.
Local media outlets like WPTV and the Sun Sentinel frequently report on tragedies, from drawbridge falls to boating accidents, highlighting the preventable nature of these losses.
When a wrongful death occurs, the surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and mental pain suffered.
Here are the top causes of wrongful death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, based on data and reports:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, motor vehicle accidents are the top cause of wrongful death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard reports that in 2024, Florida saw 3,195 traffic fatalities, with Palm Beach County contributing 214 fatal incidents.
Behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, aggressive driving, ignoring traffic laws and regulations, and fatigued driving are the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents.
Additionally, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County are leaders in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities within the state. When fatal injuries result from a party’s negligence, families may pursue a wrongful death suit to recover compensation and seek financial compensation for the damages caused.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a significant cause of wrongful death, often ranking as one of the leading causes of death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, following diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Wrongful deaths in this category can result from a variety of medical errors, including misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a fatal condition, surgical errors, medication and anesthesia errors, and errors in triage or treatment.
In these cases, wrongful death lawyers and an experienced attorney can guide families through the legal process to hold negligent providers accountable and to address medical expenses incurred by the deceased.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are a significant cause of wrongful death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, with the construction industry being a major contributor. Deaths often result from falls from heights, being struck by objects, or incidents involving heavy machinery.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office frequently investigate these incidents to determine if negligence or a failure to follow safety protocols, such as a lack of proper machine guarding or inadequate training, played a role.
These fatal accidents highlight the inherent dangers in high-risk labor environments and underscore the importance of strict adherence to workplace safety regulations in these sectors. Families may seek financial compensation and financial support through the guidance of a skilled legal team.
Premises Liability
Premises liability is a significant cause of wrongful death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, with property owners and managers being held responsible for fatal accidents resulting from unsafe conditions.
Common scenarios leading to wrongful death claims include drowning accidents in improperly secured or maintained swimming pools, falls due to unmarked hazards or poorly maintained stairwells, and deaths from fires or other structural failures.
A particularly notable subcategory is negligent security, where a person is fatally injured by a foreseeable violent crime – such as a shooting or assault – that could have been prevented with adequate security measures, such as proper lighting, functioning locks, or security personnel in a high-crime area.
These cases demonstrate that a property owner’s failure to address a known or preventable danger can have fatal consequences, leading to civil action on behalf of the deceased’s family. Families often work with wrongful death lawyers to seek compensation for funeral expenses, mental pain, and the loss of financial support.
The primary causes of wrongful death in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County are not isolated incidents but rather reflect broader trends of negligence and preventable harm.
From the high number of fatal motor vehicle accidents to the sobering reality of medical malpractice, the statistics underscore a persistent threat to public safety.
Additionally, fatal workplace accidents, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction, and premises liability claims arising from a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment, all contribute to this tragic pattern.
Families in West Palm Beach may also explore legal options for loss of consortium in wrongful death claims, which address the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support caused by a loved one’s death. Courts recognize these damages as a vital part of ensuring surviving spouses and family members receive fair compensation for their profound personal loss.
These data points highlight that a wide range of negligent acts and omissions can have fatal consequences, and they are the foundation for the legal actions taken by families to recover compensation and seek financial compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. F.S. §§ 768.16–§768.26.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, eligible survivors – spouses, minor children, parents, or the estate’s personal representative – can file a lawsuit if the death resulted from negligence or intentional acts.
In West Palm Beach, Florida, courts oversee wrongful death settlements to ensure they are fair and properly distributed among surviving family members. Judges carefully review the terms to confirm compliance with state laws and protect the rights of beneficiaries.
A skilled wrongful death attorney can guide surviving family members through the complex process of pursuing Florida wrongful death claims. Families seeking justice in cases of Palm Beach wrongful death can rely on experienced legal representation to protect their rights.
In general, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. F.S. § 95.11(5)(e). Damages may include funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. F.S. § 768.21.
What to Do Next
After a wrongful death, families should act quickly to protect their rights. Document the incident by gathering medical records, accident reports from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and scene photos.
Preserve evidence by avoiding alterations to the scene or related items. Refrain from discussing the case with insurers without legal counsel because they may offer low settlements.
Consulting an attorney early is crucial to navigating deadlines and building a strong case. At Bill Bone Law Group, we advise prompt action to maximize your claim’s potential.
Ready to Speak With a Lawyer?
Bill Bone Law Group has helped thousands of Florida families seek justice and financial recovery after wrongful deaths. Contact us today for a free consultation and case review.
Call us today at (561) 786-2641. To learn more, visit our Wrongful Death Practice Area page. Keep these top causes of wrongful death in West Palm Beach so you’re informed all the time.
