1. Rosen Injury Law, P.A.
Focus Area: Catastrophic injuries and wrongful death litigation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death
Background: Firm founder Eric S. Rosen holds Florida Board Certification as a Civil Trial Specialist, a distinction achieved by fewer than two percent of licensed Florida attorneys. He has secured jury verdicts exceeding $125 million for clients. The firm has represented seriously injured clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Broward County, and South Florida for nearly a decade.
Location: 3860 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Contact: (954) 787-1500 | Toll-Free: (844) 935-1500 | https://roseninjury.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation. All injury cases handled on a contingency fee basis with no payment unless the firm wins your case.
2. Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic injury claims
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, rideshare accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall injuries, premises liability
Background: Attorney Devon Workman has recovered more than $40 million for clients and won over 1,000 cases. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer in Florida. The firm maintains membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Location: 633 S Andrews Ave, Suite 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Contact: (954) 361-3997 | https://www.workmaninjurylaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation offered. Contingency fee arrangement with no upfront costs.
3. Meldon Law
Focus Area: Personal injury representation for accident victims across Florida
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall injuries, premises liability, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse
Background: Founded in 1971, the firm brings more than 50 years of experience to personal injury litigation. Founding attorney Jeffrey Meldon holds membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm maintains statewide practice capabilities throughout Florida from multiple office locations.
Location: 1 East Broward Blvd, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Contact: (800) 373-8000 | https://www.meldonlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultations available. Cases accepted on contingency fee basis.
4. Kelley | Uustal
Focus Area: Catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation
Practice Areas: Catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, product liability, medical malpractice, trucking accidents, aviation accidents, premises liability, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Background: Established in 2008 by founding partners Robert Kelley and John Uustal. The firm has obtained verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 billion for clients. U.S. News and World Report has designated the firm as a Tier 1 law firm. The attorneys concentrate on complex cases involving life-altering injuries.
Location: 500 N Federal Highway, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Contact: (954) 522-6601 | https://www.kutriallaw.com/
Consultation: Free case review available. Contingency fee structure with no recovery, no fee arrangement.
5. Cohen & McMullen, P.A.
Focus Area: Criminal defense and personal injury litigation
Practice Areas: Personal injury, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, criminal defense, DUI defense, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Background: Lead attorney Bradford M. Cohen established the firm in 2014. The legal team combines more than 40 years of collective experience. Attorney Cohen has appeared as a legal analyst on national television programs and has handled high-profile cases. The firm serves clients throughout South Florida.
Location: 1132 SE 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Contact: (954) 523-7774 | https://www.bcohenlegal.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation provided. Personal injury cases handled on contingency basis.
Personal Injury Laws in Florida
Statute of Limitations: Florida law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years from the date of injury. This deadline changed from four years to two years effective March 24, 2023, under House Bill 837. Missing this deadline typically bars victims from pursuing compensation through the court system.
Negligence Rule: Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system enacted in 2023. Injured parties who are found more than 50% at fault for their accident cannot recover damages. Those 50% or less at fault will have their compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
Damage Caps: Florida does not impose caps on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages in most personal injury cases. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, also remain uncapped in standard personal injury claims. Medical malpractice cases maintain specific damage cap rules that vary based on practitioner type.
Auto Insurance Requirements: Florida operates as a no-fault auto insurance state requiring drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage:
The minimum required coverage includes $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL. PIP coverage pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages regardless of fault in the accident. Florida does not require bodily injury liability coverage as a minimum, though lenders often require it for financed vehicles.
14-Day Rule: Injured parties must seek medical treatment within 14 days of an accident to qualify for PIP benefits. Failure to receive treatment within this window results in forfeiture of PIP coverage for that incident.
Serious Injury Threshold: Florida law permits injured parties to step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly only when injuries meet the “serious injury threshold.” This includes permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I wait too long to file my personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale?
Florida’s two-year statute of limitations represents a strict deadline for personal injury lawsuits. The court will almost certainly dismiss your case if filed after this period expires. Evidence deteriorates over time, witnesses become harder to locate, and memories fade. Consulting an attorney soon after your accident helps preserve your legal options and strengthens your case documentation.
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance system affect my car accident claim?
Florida’s no-fault system requires your own PIP insurance to cover initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage applies up to policy limits. You can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver only if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, which typically means permanent injury, significant scarring, or death. Property damage claims can be filed directly against the at-fault party’s insurance.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my accident in Florida?
Florida’s 2023 tort reform changed the rules significantly. You can recover damages if you bear 50% or less fault for the accident, though your compensation decreases by your fault percentage. A victim found 30% at fault recovers 70% of total damages. However, if found more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover any compensation from the other party.
What types of compensation can I receive for a personal injury in Fort Lauderdale?
Recoverable damages in Florida personal injury cases include economic losses such as medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may apply to punish the wrongdoer.
Why is the 14-day rule important for Florida car accident victims?
The 14-day rule requires accident victims to receive medical attention within two weeks of the crash to qualify for PIP insurance benefits. This rule exists to prevent fraudulent claims. Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, many injuries manifest symptoms days later. Seeking prompt medical evaluation protects both your health and your legal rights to insurance benefits covering treatment.