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When a loved one is taken from you because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, the emotional and financial aftermath can feel overwhelming. Plata Schott Law represents families in Jacksonville, Duval County, and throughout Northeast Florida — including Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau Counties — and we are here to fight for the justice your family deserves.
We are award-winning trial lawyers with decades of combined experience in high-stakes cases across Florida. Our team is led by two Board-Certified Specialists in Juvenile Law, giving us rare insight into wrongful death cases involving children and teenagers—a devastating reality no family should face alone.
We’ve recovered millions for families after fatal accidents, medical negligence, shootings, jail deaths, car and truck collisions, and more. Whether the loss occurred at a school, in custody, on the road, or in a hospital, we understand how to build a case that honors your loved one and holds the responsible parties accountable.
We’re Not Just Lawyers—We’re Litigators: We’ve tried over 60 cases to verdict and don’t hesitate to take a case to trial when settlement doesn’t serve your family’s best interests.
We Know How to Navigate Complex Systems: Wrongful death lawsuits often involve government entities, hospitals, law enforcement, or large insurance companies. We have the experience, grit, and strategic insight to navigate those systems—and win.
Direct Access to Real Lawyers: From day one, you speak directly to the attorneys working your case—not just case managers or call centers. We guide you through every step, explaining your options with transparency and compassion.
Bilingual Advocacy: Our entire staff is bilingual. Founding attorney Belkis Plata’s first language is Spanish, and we are proud to serve Florida’s Hispanic and immigrant communities without the need for an interpreter.
Children’s Cases Require a Different Approach: If your child died because of negligence or misconduct, we bring deep understanding of the legal nuances involved, and both of our partners are Board-Certified Specialists in Juvenile Law.
Fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
School and daycare negligence
Medical malpractice and delayed care
Jail and prison deaths
Deaths in custody and in-custody medical neglect
Drowning or unsafe property conditions
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Wrongful death claims in Florida can include compensation for:
Medical and funeral expenses
Loss of companionship or parental guidance
Emotional pain and suffering
Loss of income and support
Punitive damages in extreme cases
We will help you understand every category of potential compensation and fight to maximize your recovery.
Time limits apply in wrongful death cases. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more we can do to preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build a powerful case.
📞 Call us now or send a message to start your free case review.
At Plata Schott Law, we don’t just represent clients—we stand beside families who are going through the unimaginable. You are not alone.
A wrongful death claim seeks justice and compensation for families and bereaved parents when a loved one’s death results from another party's negligence or intentional harm. This can involve car accidents, medical malpractice, negligent security incidents, or defective products. Our goal is to hold the responsible party accountable and help your family receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including funeral expenses, medical bills, and the profound loss of companionship.
Navigating a wrongful death claim is complex and requires experienced legal guidance. At Plata Schott Law, our attorneys ensure:
Proper filing of claims within legal deadlines
Thorough investigation and evidence collection
Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
Compassionate representation in court, if necessary
To pursue a wrongful death claim, it is crucial to establish:
Duty of Care: The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased.
Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet this duty through negligence.
Causation: The breach directly caused the death.
Damages: The loss resulted in significant harm to surviving family members.
In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased's estate typically files the claim on behalf of surviving family members, including spouses, children, parents, and other dependent relatives.
Successfully proving a wrongful death claim requires substantial evidence, including medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony. Our team at Plata Schott Law has the resources and trial experience to build a strong case and ensure that your family’s rights are protected.
The statute of limitations in Florida for injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of loss. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to preserve your right to compensation.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Schedule your free consultation today.
At Plata Schott Law, we are committed to providing compassionate support and experienced legal representation to bereaved families in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward the justice your family deserves.
Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida?
Under Florida's Wrongful Death Act, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate files the lawsuit, but they do so on behalf of surviving family members — typically the spouse, children, and parents. If no personal representative has been appointed yet, we can help your family through that step.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?
Generally two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities require formal written notice on a shorter timeline, and some cases involving medical negligence follow different rules. Because these deadlines are strict and evidence disappears, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as you are able.
What compensation can our family recover?
Depending on who is filing, recoverable damages can include medical and funeral expenses, lost support and services, lost companionship and protection, mental pain and suffering, and in rare cases punitive damages. Florida law treats these categories differently for spouses, children, and parents, and we walk families through exactly what applies to them.
We are still waiting on the police or medical examiner. Should we wait to call a lawyer?
No. Investigations can take months, and critical evidence — vehicle data, surveillance video, maintenance records, witness memories — degrades quickly. Speaking with an attorney early costs nothing and protects your family's options.
What does it cost to hire Plata Schott Law?
Nothing up front. Wrongful death consultations are free and confidential, and we work on a contingency fee: no fees unless we win.
Car seat safety is crucial for protecting your child while on the road. In Florida, following guidelines for the proper use of car seats and understanding when a child can sit in the front seat can prevent injuries and save lives.
In Florida, juveniles are not granted bond as in adult cases. Instead, the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation and safety, assessing each case through a detention hearing within 24 hours to determine whether the child should remain detained or be released under supervision.
Board Certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in their area of specialization. Attorneys who earn this designation have demonstrated not only extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in their field but also a commitment to professionalism and ethics. In Florida, fewer than 7% of licensed attorneys are Board Certified, making this a distinctive and significant achievement.
Discover the crucial deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. Protect your rights and contact Plata Schott Law for expert legal advice.
Discover what damages you may be entitled to after losing a loved one in Florida. Plata Schott Law explains economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases.
