Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
Meet Your Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
At Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we help injured victims throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and surrounding communities recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, our award-winning legal team brings the same care, professionalism, and aggressive advocacy to every case. From the moment of your accident to the final resolution, we are by your side, ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Why Clients Choose Schilling & Silvers for Personal Injury Claims
We’ve helped clients injured in car crashes on I-95, motorcycle accidents on Sunrise Boulevard, and slip and fall incidents at shopping centers like The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. When an injury upends your life, trust a legal team that knows how to win.
- Local experience with Fort Lauderdale courts and insurance companies
- 24/7 availability and free consultations
- No fee unless we win
- Deep understanding of Florida personal injury law, including comparative negligence and PIP regulations
Types of Personal Injury Cases in Fort Lauderdale
We’ve helped clients injured in car crashes on I-95, motorcycle accidents on Sunrise Boulevard, and slip and fall incidents at shopping centers like The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. When an injury upends your life, trust a legal team that knows how to win.
- Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle injuries
- Uber, Lyft, taxi, and bus accidents
- Slip and fall and premises liability claims
- Boating accidents and drowning cases
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Product liability and defective products
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Case?
At Schilling & Silvers, we understand that every case is unique, and when it comes to liability, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- Negligent drivers or distracted motorists
- Property owners and business operators
- Employers under vicarious liability
- Product manufacturers or distributors
- Medical professionals for malpractice claims
- Government entities responsible for road or property maintenance
Our experienced team investigates thoroughly to identify all liable parties and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Personal Injury Case Recovered Damages
By partnering with Schilling & Silvers for your personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases
Florida Personal Injury Laws That May Affect Your Case
In the field of law, in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of Florida’s legal system can make or break your case. At Schilling & Silvers, our lawyers carry years of experience in personal injury and bring forth a passion for helping clients achieve the best possible outcome.
We’ll guide you every step of the way, staying transparent and ensuring you are well-equipped with the knowledge to beat your case. Here is a snapshot of what you should know when getting involved in a personal injury claim in Florida:
- Modified Comparative Negligence Law:
This means that if you’re partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover compensation, as long as you’re not found to be more than 50% at-fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 in damages, but finds you 30% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, resulting in a final recovery of $70,000. If you are found 51% or more at-fault, your recovery would be completely barred.
- Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Law
Under Florida Statute § 627.736, all drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage, which pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages after an auto accident, regardless of fault (up to the PIP limit). To qualify for benefits, treatment must begin within 14 days of the crash. PIP also provides up to $5,000 in death benefits. These benefits apply to the insured, household relatives, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the accident.
- Florida Statute § 768.19:
Governs wrongful death claims, allowing families to recover damages when a loved one is killed due to negligence.
- Statute of Limitations:
As of recent changes, personal injury victims in Florida have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
We’re Ready When You Are
If you’ve been injured, the clock is ticking. Let’s talk! We’ll review your case for free, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
We’re Ready When You Are
If you’ve been injured, the clock is ticking. Let’s talk! We’ll review your case for free, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
Who Do I Sue After an Accident or Injury in Fort Lauderdale?
Identifying the responsible party is a core aspect of any personal injury claim. Depending on your circumstances, one of many potential parties may be liable:
- Negligent Drivers: In motor vehicle accidents, the driver responsible for causing the crash through reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding or texting while driving, can be sued for the resulting injuries.
- Property Owners: In premises liability cases, such as slip and falls, property owners can be held accountable if their negligence leads to unsafe conditions on their property. This could include businesses, homeowners, or landlords who failed to maintain their premises properly.
- Employers: If an employee causes injury while performing job-related duties, the employer can be liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability.” This applies to delivery drivers, truck drivers, and even medical professionals acting within the scope of their employment.
- Manufacturers and Distributors: If a defective product caused your injury, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. These parties can be liable for producing or selling dangerous or faulty products.
- Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers can be sued for medical malpractice if they fail to meet the standard of care and cause injury through misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or other negligent actions.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government agencies or municipalities may be held responsible for personal injuries. For example, if unsafe road conditions cause a car accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could be liable.
When Should I Hire a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. In Fort Lauderdale, many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the case’s complexity, can influence when you should seek legal help.
Generally, consulting with experienced attorneys early in the process is wise if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence. This allows the lawyer to gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights.
Signs You Need Legal Representation
There are specific scenarios where hiring a legal representative is particularly important:
- Serious Injuries: If you’ve sustained significant or catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment or long-term care, an attorney can help ensure you get total compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Insurance Issues: If an insurance company denies or delays your claim or offers a low settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and challenge any unfair practices.
- Disputed Liability: If the other party is disputing fault or multiple parties are involved in the accident, hiring an attorney is essential to building a solid case and proving who is responsible.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After an Accident or Injury
Hiring a skilled legal representative can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Attorneys understand the legal system and know how to navigate the complexities of Florida personal injury law. They can:
- Maximize Your Compensation: A lawyer will evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and future expenses, to help you recover everything you’re entitled to.
- Handle Complex Negotiations: Attorneys specializing in personal injury law are skilled negotiators, mainly when dealing with aggressive insurance companies.
- Provide Legal Expertise: Having an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case, from collecting evidence to filing paperwork.
If you’ve been injured, it’s best not to wait to consult an attorney early to protect your rights.
How Does Comparative Negligence Work in Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claims?
Florida follows a legal principle called “pure comparative negligence” in personal injury cases, which also applies to claims in Fort Lauderdale. Under this system, a victim’s compensation is reduced based on the percentage of fault in the accident.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for an accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. This system allows individuals to recover damages even if they share some of the blame, but it also means that your role in the incident can directly affect how much you can recover.
What is Pure Comparative Negligence?
Pure comparative negligence allows a person to recover damages, no matter how much they are at fault. Unlike some states that bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault, Florida’s system permits you to pursue compensation even if you are 99% responsible for the accident. However, the amount you receive will reflect your degree of responsibility. If your total damages are $100,000 and you’re 30% at fault, you would still receive $70,000.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Personal Injury Claims
Comparative negligence determines how much compensation you will be awarded in a personal injury claim. Insurance companies and opposing parties often try to place more blame on the injured party to reduce the payout. Having a lawyer can help protect you from unfair blame and ensure that your percentage of fault is accurately assessed.
In Fort Lauderdale personal injury claims, understanding how comparative negligence works is crucial to knowing what to expect when pursuing compensation. Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages, making it essential to seek legal advice from a skilled and experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney early in the process to safeguard your rights.
Additional Laws and Regulations Which May Affect Your Injury or Accident Claim
In Fort Lauderdale personal injury cases, various state laws and regulations can influence the outcome of your claim. It’s essential to be aware of these laws as they dictate how claims are filed, the timeframe for seeking compensation, and even the amount of damages you may recover.
Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help you better understand your rights and protect your ability to seek compensation.
Florida Statute § 627.736
One significant law that affects many accident claims in Fort Lauderdale is Florida Statute § 627.736, also known as the personal injury protection (PIP) law. This statute requires drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP insurance, designed to cover immediate medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.
However, PIP only covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, which may not be enough for those who suffer serious injuries. Understanding how this law works is essential for navigating insurance claims in Florida.
Florida Statutes Section 768.19 for Wrongful Death Claims
In cases involving a fatality, Florida Statutes Section 768.19 governs wrongful death claims. This law allows the family of a deceased person to seek damages if their loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence or a wrongful act.
The damages in wrongful death cases can include compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Families must understand their rights under this statute, which sets the legal framework for pursuing such claims.
Understanding these laws can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you navigate these regulations to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney Specializing in Personal Injury Claims?
Hiring an attorney typically doesn’t require upfront payment, as most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive if your case is successful.
You generally won’t owe any legal fees if you don’t win your case. The standard contingency fee in Florida is usually around 33.33% if the case is settled before trial, though this may increase to 40% if the case goes to court.
Aside from contingency fees, additional costs may be associated with pursuing your claim. These can include court filing fees, expert witness fees, and costs for obtaining medical records.
These expenses are often deducted from the final settlement amount, so discussing them with your lawyer is important. While the costs can add up, the contingency fee model allows you to pursue justice without paying anything out of pocket until your case is resolved.
What Can I Expect in Compensation For My Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim?
Compensation in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim is generally divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Each type covers different aspects of your injury and its impact on your life. Here’s what you can expect:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to your injury.
- Lost wages: Compensation for your lost income due to missed work during your recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your job or impacts your ability to earn in the future.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs if your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more subjective and address your injury’s emotional and psychological effects. They include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Emotional distress: Psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury prevents you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Loss of companionship: Compensation if your relationships with loved ones are negatively affected by injury.
Understanding these two categories will give you a clearer idea of what to expect in compensation for your claim.
To learn more about the potential damages you can recover and the average settlement value for Florida personal injury claims, contact the legal team at Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today.
What Are "Damage Caps" in Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claims?
In personal injury cases in Fort Lauderdale, “damage caps” refer to the limits set by law on the amount of money the court can award to a plaintiff for certain damages. The state of Florida has unique rules regarding damage caps in personal injury cases.
However, the rules are different when it comes to non-economic damages, which cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. As of now, there are generally no caps on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.
It’s crucial to note that there is an exception in medical malpractice cases. While there were previously caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, the Florida Supreme Court declared these caps to be unconstitutional in 2017.
For punitive damages, which the court uses to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior, the damage cap in Florida is generally three times the number of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. There are exceptions to this rule under certain circumstances.
For more information on damage caps reach out to the experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at our law firm today. We offer free consultations and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Is There a Time Limit to File an Accident or Injury Claim in Florida?
There is a time limit to file an accident or injury claim in Florida, known as the statute of limitations; under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), individuals typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim.
This recent change reduced the previous four-year window, making it crucial for victims to act quickly. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations
Although most cases must be filed within two years, certain exceptions may extend or shorten the time limit. For example, the deadline may be adjusted if the injured party is a minor or the injury was not immediately discovered.
Additionally, claims against government entities often have shorter time frames and specific notice requirements. These exceptions make it even more important to consult with a legal professional who can help you determine the exact deadlines applicable to your case.
Acting swiftly after an injury is essential to protecting your right to compensation. Waiting too long could limit your ability to seek justice, so it’s wise to start the claims process as soon as possible.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there are many exceptional resources who can provide the care and support you need.
Back to Health Physical Therapy Center: Their team of experienced clinicians dedicate themselves to providing high-quality care to their patients, from back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and more. They are located at 2840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306.
Hernandez Therapy Clinic is a provider of physical therapy and chiropractic services. Their expert team committed to your recovery. Their office is at 2950 W Cypress Creek Rd, Suite 104, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.
ProCare Physical Therapy provides a range of therapeutic services to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall wellness. You can find them at 2151 E. Commercial, Suite #305, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.
Rio Vista Wellness Center offers patient-centered services to treat total body wellness, designed to get you back to your regular activities safely and efficiently. They are located at 608 SE 6th Street, Suite 1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be challenging, but the Fort Lauderdale community has resources available to help you on your road to recovery.
Always remember that early intervention and professional care are vital to ensuring the best possible outcome, and you have several options available in Fort Lauderdale.
Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury claims in Fort Lauderdale. With a deep understanding of Florida’s personal injury laws and a commitment to fighting for fair compensation, our firm has helped countless clients recover the damages they deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, or other serious injuries, we provide compassionate, dedicated representation every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys if you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process to get the compensation you need to move forward.
In addition to Fort Lauderdale, our legal team also serves Hialeah, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, North Andrews Gardens, North Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Wilton Manors, Coral Ridge, and more.
Real Stories. Real Results.
What Our Clients Say
We treat every client like family — and it shows. Here’s what real people have to say about working with The Bald Injury Lawyers.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans
We hired Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers after being unable to reach an acceptable settlement with an insurance company. Aaron handled everything professionally, kept us informed regularly, and quickly negotiated the settlement we were looking for. I would highly recommend Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers for your legal needs!
Farrah Caroll
Farrah Caroll
I hired Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to help with my Insurance claim. Mr.Silvers was able to get my case settled fairly quickly. He was very professional.i would recommend him in the future to anyone needing assistance with claims. Thank you so much.
Crystal McLaughlin
Crystal McLaughlin
Mr. Silvers and staff are wonderful. They keep you updated on your case. They have quick response time. I highly recommend Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury FAQ's
Still feeling unsure? More questions? These might help!
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
As soon as possible after an accident. Early legal help ensures proper evidence gathering, claim filing, and protection of your rights.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Don’t accept a settlement without speaking to a lawyer. Insurers often offer low settlements. We can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate for more.
What if I was partially at fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident — as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, your final recovery would be $70,000. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim in Florida.
Get Help From a Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t face it alone. Contact Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our skilled legal team is here to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
We serve clients across Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, North Andrews Gardens, Wilton Manors, and all of South Florida. Call (954) 869-9533 to get started. Available 24/7. No fees unless we win.