If you have suffered personal injury due to negligence by another person or business in Florida’s Gold Coast, you may need professional legal representation from an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
Last year, there were more than 250,000 injuries in Florida caused by motor vehicle accidents alone. Dangerous conditions in stores, parking lots, and office buildings injured many thousands more people. Others suffered disabling injuries at work or from defective and dangerous products and medicines.
While people usually think of only needing a lawyer when appearing in court, the typical personal injury case requires the involvement of a competent and skilled lawyer to achieve the best result. Contact the team of experienced personal injury lawyers serving Fort Lauderdale and the Gold Coast at Steinger, Greene & Feiner today to discuss your case for free.
Personal Injury Law in Fort Lauderdale
If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury that occurred because of the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity, you already know how much a significant injury and the resulting pain and disability impact your life.
Most people who want to focus only on recovering and adapting to changed life circumstances are unable to deal with insurance companies or corporations that prioritize their interests over theirs. That’s where the experienced team of injury lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner can help.
Florida law generally requires that a case of negligence demonstrate that another person or business owed a legal duty to the injured person or to the public to act with reasonable care. If that legal duty is breached and results in injuries, the injured person is entitled to recover damages. Additionally, Florida law places higher standards on businesses and property owners, requiring them to maintain safe premises for guests and customers.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. This rule changed in March 2023, replacing the previous system that allowed recovery even when the injured party was more than 50% at fault. For cases filed after March 24, 2023, injured parties can only recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault.
Other types of injury cases involve damages resulting from intentional, reckless, or criminal acts or selling or marketing defective products.
For general personal injury claims based on negligence, such as car accidents, it is crucial to note that the statute of limitations was recently reduced from four years to two years in March 2023.
Choosing the Right Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Choosing the right Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer is vital to the success of your case. In choosing Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we ask you to consider our experience, success in similar cases, and our local presence in Fort Lauderdale and all the cities and counties on the Gold Coast.
Trust our experience and skills to handle your case professionally and effectively.
Our Attorneys Serve the Following Areas Around Fort Lauderdale
- North Fort Lauderdale
- Lauderdale Manors
- Central Fort Lauderdale
- Melrose Manors
- South Fort Lauderdale
- River Oaks
- Edgewood
- Tarpon River
- Victoria Park
- Lauderdale Isles
- Central Beach
- Oakland Park
Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
Our personal injury lawyers have proven themselves for more than 20 years. Many of our attorneys at our personal injury law firm in Fort Lauderdale worked for insurance companies, so we know exactly how to fight for your compensation. We have handled thousands of cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers’ compensation, or an accident involving property owners. Our priority is to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Their goal is to reduce payouts on claims so they can remain highly profitable. Our proven and committed legal team understands the tactics these companies regularly use to pay claimants as little as possible. We routinely battle their schemes in and out of court and have developed effective methods for doing so.
With a legal team of more than 30 lawyers and more than 140 staff, including investigators and other assistants, we have the resources needed to get the job done efficiently. You can bring your personal injury case to us with confidence, knowing you will pay nothing until we recover the compensation you deserve. Throughout the entire case, we will be by your side, providing the guidance you need.
Personal Injury Case Types and Practice Areas
Car Accidents
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data, Broward County reported over 41,000 crashes in 2022, including a significant number in Fort Lauderdale, due to its dense urban layout and high traffic volumes. We have extensive experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents involving drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians injured by other drivers. Our lawyers take on cases involving significant injury and will aggressively hold those responsible who have caused injury through negligent, reckless, or criminal driving.
Motorcycle Accidents
Fort Lauderdale is known for its favorable weather, making motorcycle riding popular year-round. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders and passengers often suffer serious injuries in accidents or collisions with other vehicles with motorcycle fatalities accounting for nearly 14% of total traffic deaths in Florida, according to FLHSMV’s 2022 data. Our lawyers have experience with the specific requirements of establishing negligence and protecting clients from claims they were negligent while operating their motorcycles.
Trucking Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), South Florida consistently ranks among the top states for large truck crashes, with Broward County contributing significantly to these numbers. Successful trucking cases involve experience with the complex interplay of state and federal trucking laws and the aggressive collection of evidence to support your case. Our lawyers handle serious accident cases involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles.
Wrongful Death
Any personal injury case can result in the death of a person harmed by another’s negligence or intentional act. There are additional requirements for prosecuting and settling these cases under Florida law. Our lawyers handle the entire process involving damages law and probate law to protect the dependents and family of a person killed by another’s actions.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Fort Lauderdale’s status as a tourist destination means businesses and property owners have a high duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. Slip and fall cases are common due to the large number of visitors and residents frequenting public and private spaces. We handle injury cases resulting from unreasonably dangerous conditions that result in slips and falls or other types of injuries.
Medical Malpractice
We handle cases involving injury caused by the failure of healthcare professionals to provide the recognized standard of medical care required of every Florida doctor, nurse, or other medical professional.
In addition to surgical errors, missed or delayed diagnosis of disease, and negligence of hospital staff, we also handle cases involving errors in administering or prescribing medications.
Products Liability
These cases involve holding the manufacturers of dangerous consumer products, medicines, medical products, and industrial machinery liable for injuries.
Workers’ Compensation
Work-related injuries are a frequent issue in Fort Lauderdale, where industries like construction, tourism, and healthcare employ large numbers of workers who face various hazards. We handle claims for all work-related injuries resulting in temporary or permanent disability.
We Handle The Following Personal Injury Cases in Fort Lauderdale
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accident
- Premises Liability
- Slip and Fall
- Workers’ Compensation
- Property Damage
- Boat accidents
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Wrongful Death Claim
- Defective Product Liability
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Medical Malpractice
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Product Recall
- Social Security Disability
Steps To Take After an Injury in Fort Lauderdale
You should not agree to or sign a settlement document without consulting a competent personal injury attorney. In addition to consulting with our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible, there are some important steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention for all injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Follow medical advice carefully and keep all appointments. If symptoms worsen or new ones develop, return to your doctor for further evaluation.
- Report the accident to the authorities. If you were involved in a car accident, report it to the police, especially if injuries occurred or damage exceeds $500. For workplace or business-related injuries, notify your employer or the business management immediately to create an official incident record.
- Preserve evidence, including photos or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. If you were injured at a business, request a copy of an incident report as soon as possible. For car accidents, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and collect the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- File a claim. For car accidents, Florida drivers must first file claims with their own insurer under PIP coverage, before seeking additional compensation from other parties. This approach is part of Florida’s no-fault insurance law, which ensures quicker access to medical care regardless of fault.
- Do not discuss fault or details of the accident with anyone other than your attorney or healthcare provider. Anything you say could potentially be used against you when negotiating with insurers or in court.
- Track all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, transportation to medical appointments, and any other costs you’ve incurred as a result of your injury. Keeping organized records will help in calculating a fair settlement amount. Also, you might keep a personal diary of medical treatments, symptoms, and the daily recovery and rehabilitation process.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and guide you through the complexities of Florida’s personal injury laws to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Continue medical care even if you feel better. Stopping treatment prematurely can weaken your claim and make it seem like your injuries were not serious or fully recovered.
Compensation and Settlements
In Fort Lauderdale personal injury cases, compensation includes:
- Past medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Property damage including vehicles in the case of car accidents, as well as any other property damaged as a result of the injury.
- Lost wages covers income lost due to the injury, including any time taken off work for recovery, medical treatment, or rehabilitation. It can also include compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injury prevents the person from returning to their previous job or reduces their ability to earn a living in the future.
- Wrongful death damages including funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of future income, and the emotional impact on surviving family members.
- Punitive damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, if there is clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Punitive damages in Florida are generally capped at three times the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater, unless the defendant was motivated by financial gain.
Each case is unique, and settlement amounts vary. Our personal injury lawyers will evaluate the specific circumstances of your case when developing a settlement position.
Our Personal Injury Case Results
Our trial-tested methods have been proven to result in successful past case outcomes, including some of the following cases we’ve won for our clients:
- $723,700 Slip and Fall Settlement for a client injured at a shopping mall.
- $5.9 MILLION Auto Accident Verdict for a client who sustained serious nerve injuries.
- $2 MILLION Truck Accident Outcome for a client rear-ended by a garbage truck, causing major injuries to his head, neck, and back.
- $2.3 MILLION Bicycle Accident Verdict for a cyclist client struck by a company vehicle.
Our results speak for themselves, and we make sure that every one of our clients is happy with their compensation. We understand how difficult this time can be in your life. Personal injuries can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on your life. The medical bills, lost wages, and changes in the standard of life can all be drastic. Work with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer that understands how difficult this time can be, and will fight for you as if you were family.
Navigating the Legal Process
The Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner handle the entire legal process on behalf of clients from beginning to end.
The process starts with a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you decide to hire us and we accept your case, your attorney will investigate all of the facts and circumstances involved in the incident causing your injuries and your medical condition. Your lawyer will prepare all the documents and arguments necessary to present your claim to the insurance companies and other parties responsible for settling your claim for damages.
Your attorney will handle all aspects of the negotiation process on your behalf and will keep you fully updated on all developments as they occur. You will approve any final settlement in advance.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file an appropriate legal action to prosecute your claim and to protect your legal rights within the applicable statute of limitations. Your attorney will prepare your case for trial, including obtaining discovery documents, taking depositions, and representing your interests in court.
From the beginning of the process, your attorney will work on collecting and putting together the medical evidence necessary to prove your injuries and the cost of past and future medical expenses. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, including examining witnesses and statements, compiling photograph and video evidence, and consulting as necessary with various expert witnesses who may be essential to proving your case.
The team of experienced and skilled personal injury lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner will research the applicable laws affecting your claim to structure effective legal arguments for a settlement for maximum compensation and court proceedings.
Your lawyer will work diligently at every step to aggressively and properly advance and represent your legal interests in your personal injury claim.
Check Out Our Reviews in Fort Lauderdale
The personal injury lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner work daily to provide every client with the best and most efficient representation possible in all cases we take on. It does not matter if a case is settled quickly or proceeds to a lengthy and complex trial — we treat every case as if it were for our only client.
Our record of client satisfaction speaks for itself, and we take great pride in being allowed to represent hard-working Floridians and their families every single day. We leave no stone unturned and no question unasked in seeking the best possible result for every client. We invite you to look at our client reviews to evaluate our dedication to helping every client move forward from their accident.
Call a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Florida due to negligence or an intentional act by another person or business, your right to seek a legal claim is subject to important time limitations.
There is no need to take on a massive insurance company and its office building full of attorneys or a corporation on your own. Act quickly to speak with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney to discuss your case and protect your right to a fair and speedy settlement.
Contact the team of experienced and skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case. Our lawyers have successfully represented injury victims in the recovery of millions of dollars across the Sunshine State.
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Personal Injury FAQs
Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers handle cases arising from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and workplace injuries. They also handle cases involving injuries caused by defective products and medical products. Every personal injury case must be approached with an individualized strategy to address its specific facts and circumstances.
Fort Lauderdale is home to several high-traffic areas and intersections that have gained a reputation for frequent accidents, particularly for cars, motorcycles, and trucks. According to local traffic reports and government data, the following locations are known to be particularly dangerous:
– I-95 Corridor: This major highway runs through Fort Lauderdale and is notorious for heavy congestion and high-speed accidents, especially involving cars and trucks. The I-95 and I-595 interchange is a particularly hazardous spot due to merging lanes and fast-moving traffic.
– Broward Boulevard: One of the city’s busiest streets, Broward Boulevard has seen a high number of car and pedestrian accidents, especially in the downtown area where foot traffic and vehicles intersect.
– Las Olas Boulevard: Known for its nightlife and tourism, Las Olas Boulevard is another area where accidents involving cars and pedestrians are common, particularly at busy intersections.
– Sunrise Boulevard and US-1 Intersection: This intersection is a high-risk zone for accidents involving all types of vehicles, from cars to motorcycles, due to frequent lane changes, heavy traffic, and proximity to shopping centers.
– A1A (North Ocean Boulevard): Popular among motorcyclists for scenic rides, A1A has seen numerous motorcycle accidents, particularly in areas with sharp turns and tourist traffic near the beach.
If you’ve been involved in an accident in any of these or other locations, our personal injury lawyers are here to assist you.
Generally, you have two years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. The state law is found at Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(a) and requires a lawsuit to be filed within two years of a negligent act causing personal injury. It is vital that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury so that preparation to settle your claim or file appropriate action within the time allowed can get underway.
Personal injury law in Florida generally requires an injured person to establish negligence by another person or business. That means showing a duty to act reasonably to the injured person and a breach of that duty in some way. If that act causes an injury as defined by the law, an injured person can recover damages that the law permits. A defendant in a lawsuit can claim that an injured person was responsible in some way for causing their own injury to reduce their liability.
Florida bodily injury law does not require bodily injury liability coverage unless a driver has had a previous car accident or has been convicted of certain traffic violations. The state does require $10,000 in minimum coverage for personal injury protection and property damage liability regardless of fault, and which is mandatory for drivers. Because Florida differs from most states in requiring substantial insurance coverage to drive, it is very important that you maintain acceptable levels of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy to protect yourself against loss.
Personal injury settlements are usually paid out in Florida as lump-sum payments, structured settlements over time, or some combination of the two. In either event, certain expenses like attorney’s fees, reimbursement of some medical expenses, and certain types of fees are usually paid out at the time of the final settlement. Every settlement depends on specific circumstances and only upon the complete approval of all terms by the injured person.