Personal Injury Lawyer Guide – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Introduction: Why Fort Lauderdale Injury Victims Need a Local Guide

Fort Lauderdale’s sunny beaches, busy cruise port, and ever-expanding road network make it one of South Florida’s most vibrant cities. The same factors that draw more than 13 million visitors to Broward County each year also increase the likelihood of car collisions on I-95, slips on crowded hotel premises, and boating accidents along the Intracoastal Waterway. When an unexpected injury occurs here, Florida law provides clear—but sometimes complex—paths to compensation. This guide was written for people searching online for a personal injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale Florida, and it explains the rights, deadlines, and procedural rules that shape every local claim. All information is drawn from authoritative sources such as the Florida Statutes, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, and published opinions from Florida’s District Courts of Appeal. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed Florida attorney.

1. Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Florida

1.1 The Legal Basis of a Personal Injury Claim

Most personal injury cases in Florida are grounded in negligence—meaning someone breached a legal duty, causing damages. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, Florida follows a “pure” comparative negligence system. If you were partly at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you are not barred from recovery unless you were 100 percent at fault.

1.2 Statute of Limitations

The time limit to file a lawsuit is strictly enforced. Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a) sets a general two-year statute of limitations for negligence actions involving injuries occurring after March 24, 2023 (four years if the incident occurred earlier). Missing this deadline can permanently extinguish your right to sue.

1.3 No-Fault Insurance and Serious Injury Threshold

Florida’s No-Fault system, found in Fla. Stat. § 627.736, requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits that pay up to 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages, regardless of fault, up to $10,000. To file a liability claim for additional damages against an at-fault driver, your injuries must meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold—significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.

2. Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Fort Lauderdale

While every injury is unique, the following fact patterns appear frequently in Broward County courts:

• Auto, Truck, and Rideshare Crashes: Congested segments of I-595, US-1, and Sunrise Boulevard see daily collisions. Local ride-hailing traffic around Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport also contributes to injury claims.

• Boating and Jet-Ski Incidents: With year-round boating weather, negligence on the Intracoastal Waterway and Port Everglades inlet often leads to collisions or propeller injuries.

• Premises Liability (Slip, Trip & Fall): Tourists frequenting Las Olas boutiques, beachfront resorts, and cruise terminals suffer falls caused by wet floors or uneven walkways.

• Hotel and Cruise Ship Injuries: Under federal maritime law and state premises principles, passengers may pursue claims for onboard hazards occurring before ships reach international waters.

• Medical Malpractice: Claims against Broward Health Medical Center or Holy Cross Hospital typically involve alleged failures to meet accepted medical standards under Fla. Stat. § 766.

• Hurricane-Related Claims: Post-storm cleanup accidents and falling debris injuries surge during Atlantic hurricane season.

3. Florida Legal Protections & Injury Laws You Should Know

3.1 Comparative Negligence in Practice

Example: If a jury finds you 20 percent responsible for a distracted-driving crash on Broward Boulevard and your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $80,000 under Fla. Stat. § 768.81.

3.2 Damage Categories Available

• Economic Damages: Medical bills, future treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity.

• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.

• Punitive Damages: Allowed under Fla. Stat. § 768.72 when clear and convincing evidence shows intentional misconduct or gross negligence; capped at three times compensatory damages or $500,000 in most cases.

3.3 Wrongful Death Actions

If a loved one dies, Fla. Stat. § 768.21 permits the personal representative of the estate to sue for funeral expenses, lost support and services, and emotional damages for certain survivors. The statute of limitations is two years.

3.4 Pre-Suit Requirements and Filing Procedure

• Presuit Investigation: Under Rule 1.650, Fla. R. Civ. P., medical malpractice claims require a verified medical expert affidavit before notice is served.

• Complaint: Filed in the Broward County Circuit Court for claims exceeding $50,000.

• Service of Process: Governed by Rule 1.070, Fla. R. Civ. P.

• Discovery: Interrogatories, requests for production, and depositions pursuant to Rule 1.280.

• Mediation: Broward Circuit Courts routinely order mediation under Rule 1.700.

4. Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Florida

4.1 Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Under Fla. Stat. § 627.736(1)(a), you must receive initial medical services within 14 days of a motor-vehicle accident to trigger PIP benefits. Broward Health Medical Center on S Andrews Avenue and Holy Cross Hospital off Federal Highway are two Level II trauma facilities conveniently located for Fort Lauderdale residents.

4.2 Report the Incident

• Motor Vehicle Crashes: Call 911 and file a crash report with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the Broward Sheriff’s Office as required by Fla. Stat. § 316.066.

• Premises Injuries: Notify the property owner or manager in writing and request an incident report.

4.3 Preserve Evidence

• Photograph injuries, vehicle damage, and hazardous conditions.

• Collect witness names, phone numbers, and statements when possible.

• Keep all medical records and receipts.

4.4 Notify Insurance Carriers

Most auto policies require prompt notice. Provide factual information only; avoid recorded statements without legal counsel.

4.5 Calculate Deadlines

Mark the two-year statute of limitations on your calendar. If a government entity (e.g., a Broward County Transit bus) is involved, Fla. Stat. § 768.28(6) requires a written notice of claim within three years, with a 180-day investigatory period before filing suit.

5. When to Seek Legal Help in Florida

5.1 Indicators You Need an Attorney

• Serious or permanent injuries meeting the PIP threshold.

• Disputed liability or multiple at-fault parties (e.g., multi-vehicle pileups on I-95).

• Complex insurance arrangements (commercial trucks, cruise lines, rideshare companies).

• Settlement offers that do not cover future medical care.

5.2 Attorney Qualifications

Florida personal injury lawyers must be licensed by The Florida Bar and remain in good standing. Board Certification in Civil Trial Law, governed by Rule 6-4, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, denotes specialized expertise.

5.3 Contingency Fees

Under Rule 4-1.5(f)(4)(B), contingency fees up to 33⅓ percent of any recovery up to $1 million are presumed reasonable before filing suit, rising to 40 percent after an answer is filed.

6. Local Resources & Next Steps for Fort Lauderdale Residents

6.1 Medical Facilities

Broward Health Medical Center Holy Cross Health

6.2 Courthouse Information

Most civil cases worth over $50,000 are heard at the Broward County 17th Judicial Circuit courthouse located at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale.

6.3 Government & Transportation Data

Crash statistics and traffic reports can be obtained from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

6.4 Victim Assistance Programs

The State Attorney’s Office for the 17th Judicial Circuit offers Victim Advocate services, including help with crime-victim compensation applications under Fla. Stat. § 960.

6.5 Practical Next Steps

• Schedule recommended follow-up medical appointments.

• Continue documenting pain levels, treatment, and limitations in a daily journal.

• Consult an attorney before signing any release or accepting a settlement.

Authoritative External Sources

Florida Statutes (Official) Florida Courts Docket Search The Florida Bar – Access to Justice

Legal Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and the application of law depends on the specific facts involved. You should always consult a licensed Florida attorney regarding your particular situation.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.