Orange Park - Jacksonville - Clay, Duval & St. Johns County
North Florida Wrongful Death Attorney
Lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence in Orange Park, Jacksonville or anywhere in North Florida? We are truly sorry for your loss. Florida law allows a wrongful death claim when a death is caused by another person's wrongful act or negligence, and in general the claim must be filed within two years. Attorney Jeff Soud has handled serious injury and wrongful death cases in North Florida courts for more than 30 years.
- Free consultation - no fee unless we win your case
- Wrongful death cases receive top priority at our firm
- You will deal with Attorney Soud, not a case manager
Call (904) 353-9000 or text the SMART Line™ at (904) 639-5308 anytime.
Free consultation · No fee unless we win
From Attorney Jeff Soud
These cases are never just another file
After 30 years, I have seen hundreds and hundreds of cases. Some attorneys grow numb to the experience and treat each case as just that: another case. That is not the treatment my clients receive.
When a wrongful death case comes through my door, I press pause. These cases get top priority and the attention and compassion your family deserves. I make myself available to my clients for whatever they need, return calls promptly, and answer every question in full.
You need an attorney you can trust right now. Someone who keeps you up to date on how the case is proceeding and explains everything in plain English while your family grieves. That is the job, and I take it personally.
How wrongful death cases work in Florida
The personal representative files the lawsuit. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, your loved one's personal representative (usually named in their will, or appointed by the court) files the lawsuit on behalf of the estate. Damages are generally allocated to surviving family members.
The deadline is strict. In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. Waiting too long can end your family's claim before it starts.
These cases are more complex than the average injury case. You must demonstrate that another party's wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract directly caused your loved one's death. Building that proof takes experience, resources, and early investigation.
Florida law at a glance
- Florida law allows a wrongful death action when a death is caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another and the person who died could have sued for the injury had they lived. § 768.19, Fla. Stat.
- The complaint must identify all potential beneficiaries, including the estate, and the statute sets out which damages each survivor may recover. § 768.21, Fla. Stat.
- In general, a wrongful death action must be filed within two years. § 95.11(5)(e), Fla. Stat.
General information about the 2026 Florida Statutes, not legal advice. Deadlines and exceptions depend on the facts of each case.
Wrongful death questions, answered
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law requires the personal representative of your loved one's estate to file the lawsuit. The suit is brought on behalf of the estate, and damages are generally allocated to surviving family members under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.
How long do we have to file?
In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of death. There are exceptions in limited circumstances, but the safe course is to speak with an attorney as early as your family is able.
What do we have to prove?
That another party's wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract directly caused your loved one's death. These cases are more complex than the average personal injury case and require early, thorough investigation.
What does a wrongful death attorney cost?
The consultation is free and we work on a contingency fee. Your family pays no fee unless we win the case.
Will we actually work with the attorney?
Yes. Attorney Soud gives wrongful death cases top priority and is always available for your calls. A small senior team works the case with him, so someone who knows your file answers when you reach out.
When your family is ready, we are here.
There is no pressure and no obligation. The consultation is free, the deadline to file is strict, and the earlier we can start preserving evidence, the stronger your family's case will be.
Office: (904) 353-9000