If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, finding the right personal injury attorney can make the difference between a fair settlement and being left with mounting medical bills and lost wages. South Florida’s busy highways, active construction sites, and thriving tourism industry unfortunately create conditions where accidents happen regularly.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the personal injury legal landscape in Fort Lauderdale, introducing you to some of the area’s most respected law firms while explaining exactly what to look for when choosing representation.
Why Fort Lauderdale Has High Personal Injury Case Volume
Fort Lauderdale sits at the heart of one of Florida’s most densely populated metropolitan areas. Broward County is home to nearly 2 million residents, and the region sees millions of tourists annually visiting its famous beaches, cruise port, and entertainment venues.
Several factors contribute to the high volume of personal injury cases in the area:
Heavy Traffic Congestion: Interstate 95, I-595, the Florida Turnpike, and US-1 create a complex network of highways where accidents occur daily. The mix of local commuters, tourists unfamiliar with the roads, and commercial vehicles creates dangerous conditions.
Construction Activity: South Florida’s continuous development means construction zones are everywhere. These sites create hazards for both workers and the general public.
Hospitality Industry: Hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and entertainment venues see high foot traffic, leading to slip and fall accidents, foodborne illnesses, and other premises liability issues.
Medical Facilities: With numerous hospitals and medical centers in the area, medical malpractice cases are unfortunately common when patients receive substandard care.
Leading Personal Injury Law Firms in Fort Lauderdale
The following firms have established strong reputations for handling personal injury cases in Broward County. This is not an exhaustive list, and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement—rather, these are firms that have demonstrated consistent results and community presence.
Steinger, Greene & Feiner
With offices in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has been representing injured victims for over 25 years. The firm is known for taking on complex cases including catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and cases involving commercial vehicles.
Notable strengths:
- Extensive experience with trucking accidents
- Strong track record in premises liability cases
- Multilingual staff serving diverse South Florida communities
- No recovery, no fee guarantee
Morgan & Morgan
As one of the largest personal injury firms in the nation, Morgan & Morgan has a significant presence in Fort Lauderdale. Their “For the People” approach emphasizes accessible legal representation for everyday individuals.
Notable strengths:
- Vast resources for investigating complex cases
- Nationwide network for cases involving out-of-state defendants
- Experience handling mass torts and class actions
- 24/7 availability for new clients
Rubenstein Law
Founded by attorney Robert Rubenstein, this firm focuses exclusively on personal injury cases in South Florida. Their Fort Lauderdale office handles everything from car accidents to nursing home abuse.
Notable strengths:
- Boutique firm attention with substantial resources
- Strong focus on client communication
- Experience with insurance bad faith claims
- Spanish-speaking attorneys available
Anidjar & Levine
Known throughout Florida for their television presence, Anidjar & Levine has built a large practice handling personal injury cases. Their Fort Lauderdale office serves Broward County residents.
Notable strengths:
- High volume of cases gives insight into insurance company tactics
- Quick response times for new clients
- Experience with rideshare accident claims
- Established relationships with medical providers
The Haggard Law Firm
A respected local firm focusing on serious personal injury cases, The Haggard Law Firm has deep roots in the Fort Lauderdale legal community.
Notable strengths:
- Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
- Strong courtroom reputation
- Focus on quality over quantity of cases
- Extensive local knowledge and connections
Wolf & Pravato
With offices in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida, Wolf & Pravato handles a wide range of personal injury matters with particular strength in medical malpractice cases.
Notable strengths:
- In-house medical experts for case evaluation
- Experience with complex product liability claims
- Strong appellate practice
- Community involvement and recognition
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney
Selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident. Here are the key factors to consider:
Experience With Your Type of Case
Personal injury law covers a broad range of incidents. An attorney who excels at car accident cases may not be the best choice for a medical malpractice claim. Ask potential attorneys about their specific experience with cases like yours.
Questions to ask:
- How many cases similar to mine have you handled?
- What were the outcomes?
- Will you personally handle my case or will it be assigned to another attorney?
Track Record of Results
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a firm’s history can indicate their capabilities. Look for:
- Verdict and settlement amounts in cases similar to yours
- Whether they’ve taken cases to trial (insurance companies know which firms will actually litigate)
- Recognition from legal organizations like Super Lawyers or Martindale-Hubbell
Resources and Staff
Complex personal injury cases require investigation, expert witnesses, and significant preparation. Smaller firms may struggle to advance costs on major cases, while larger firms have the resources but may provide less personalized attention.
Consider:
- Does the firm have investigators on staff?
- Do they work with medical and accident reconstruction experts?
- How will your case be staffed?
Communication Style
You’ll be working with your attorney for months or even years. Make sure their communication style matches your preferences.
Evaluate:
- How quickly did they respond to your initial inquiry?
- Did they explain things in terms you could understand?
- Will you have direct access to your attorney or primarily work with paralegals?
Fee Structure
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. However, the specifics matter.
Clarify:
- What percentage will the attorney take?
- Are costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, etc.) deducted before or after the attorney’s percentage?
- What happens if you don’t win?
What to Expect During Your Personal Injury Case
Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations and reduces anxiety during what’s often a stressful time.
Initial Consultation
Most Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. During this meeting, the attorney will:
- Listen to your account of what happened
- Review any documentation you’ve brought (police reports, medical records, photos)
- Explain whether you have a viable case
- Discuss their fee structure
- Answer your questions
Investigation Phase
Once you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll begin gathering evidence. This may include:
- Obtaining the complete police report
- Collecting medical records and bills
- Interviewing witnesses
- Hiring accident reconstruction experts
- Preserving evidence from the scene
- Reviewing surveillance footage
Medical Treatment
Your health comes first, but your medical treatment also documents your injuries. Your attorney will likely:
- Help you find appropriate medical providers if needed
- Ensure your treatment is properly documented
- Obtain medical opinions about your prognosis
- Calculate future medical needs
Demand and Negotiation
After you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or your damages are clear, your attorney will:
- Prepare a detailed demand package
- Submit it to the insurance company
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Advise you on whether offers are reasonable
Litigation (If Necessary)
If negotiations don’t produce a fair result, your attorney may file a lawsuit. This opens the formal legal process:
Discovery: Both sides exchange information, take depositions, and gather evidence.
Mediation: A neutral third party tries to help reach a settlement.
Trial: If no settlement is reached, a judge or jury will decide your case.
Most cases settle before trial, but having an attorney willing to go to court strengthens your negotiating position.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Fort Lauderdale
Car Accidents
Vehicle accidents are the most common source of personal injury cases in Broward County. Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires you to first seek compensation from your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but you can pursue claims against at-fault drivers for serious injuries.
Key considerations:
- Florida’s comparative negligence laws (modified as of 2023 reforms)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Time limits for seeking additional compensation beyond PIP
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face heightened risks on South Florida roads and often suffer catastrophic injuries. Unlike car accidents, motorcycle injury claims can proceed directly against at-fault drivers since motorcycles aren’t covered by no-fault insurance.
Truck Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the size differential. These cases are complex because they may involve:
- Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, maintenance providers)
- Federal regulations governing the trucking industry
- Sophisticated evidence preservation requirements
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Common scenarios include:
- Wet floors in grocery stores or restaurants
- Uneven sidewalks and parking lots
- Inadequate lighting or security
- Swimming pool accidents
Florida law changed significantly in 2023, shifting more burden to plaintiffs to prove the property owner’s negligence.
Medical Malpractice
When healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, patients may suffer preventable injuries. These cases require expert testimony and face specific procedural requirements under Florida law.
Common examples:
- Surgical errors
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
Wrongful Death
When negligence results in death, surviving family members may bring wrongful death claims. Florida law specifies who can bring these claims and what damages are recoverable.
Nursing Home Abuse
Fort Lauderdale’s large senior population makes nursing home abuse cases tragically common. Signs include unexplained injuries, bedsores, malnutrition, and sudden behavioral changes.
Florida’s Tort Reform: What Changed in 2023
The Florida legislature passed significant tort reform in 2023 that affects personal injury cases. Understanding these changes is crucial:
Comparative Negligence: Florida switched from pure comparative negligence to a modified system. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Statute of Limitations: The time limit for filing most personal injury lawsuits was reduced from four years to two years.
Bad Faith Claims: New requirements make it harder to bring bad faith claims against insurance companies.
Medical Malpractice: Changes to damage caps and expert witness requirements affect these specialized cases.
These reforms make it more important than ever to consult with an experienced attorney quickly after an injury.
Questions to Ask During Your Free Consultation
Prepare for your initial meeting with potential attorneys by having these questions ready:
- How many years have you practiced personal injury law?
- What percentage of your practice is devoted to personal injury?
- Have you handled cases like mine before?
- What is your assessment of my case’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Who will actually work on my case day-to-day?
- How will you communicate with me about case developments?
- What is your fee percentage, and how are costs handled?
- How long do you expect my case to take?
- Are you prepared to take my case to trial if necessary?
- What challenges do you anticipate in my case?
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all personal injury attorneys provide the same level of service. Watch for these warning signs:
- High-pressure tactics: A good attorney gives you time to decide
- Guarantees of specific outcomes: No honest attorney can promise results
- Difficulty reaching the attorney: Communication problems early on typically worsen
- Unwillingness to discuss fees clearly: Everything should be in writing
- Negative reviews about communication: Online reviews often reveal patterns
Taking the First Step
If you’ve been injured in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Florida’s shortened statute of limitations means time is working against you, and evidence becomes harder to preserve as time passes.
Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer free consultations with no obligation. Use these meetings to gather information, ask questions, and find an attorney whose approach matches your needs.
The right attorney can make a significant difference in your recovery—both financial and physical. Take the time to find someone who will fight for your interests and guide you through this challenging process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you’ve been injured, consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Last updated: February 2026