Experienced Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

A serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence can disrupt every part of your life — physically, financially, and emotionally. In Fort Lauderdale, accidents happen on congested highways, at beach properties, on hotel grounds, in construction zones, and across the entertainment districts that define this city. When they do, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the party responsible.

A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to help. Our team includes a Board-Certified Civil Trial attorney with decades of experience litigating personal injury cases in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit. We have recovered over $200 million for injured clients across Florida. We work on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call 844-643-7200 for a free case evaluation.

What to Do After an Injury in Fort Lauderdale

The steps you take immediately after an accident may significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. If you have been injured in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, consider these actions:

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible — even if injuries appear minor, some symptoms develop hours or days after the incident.
2. Report the incident — file a police report if the injury involved a vehicle, or report the hazardous condition to the property owner or manager.
3. Document everything — photograph the scene, the hazard that caused your injury, any visible injuries, and any relevant surroundings.
4. Collect contact information from witnesses and anyone involved.
5. Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company before consulting a personal injury attorney.

Evidence fades quickly, and Florida’s filing deadline applies regardless of how complex your situation is. Speaking with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer as early as possible may help protect your right to pursue compensation. Call 844-643-7200 — no fee unless we win.

Why Personal Injury Claims in Fort Lauderdale Are Unique

Fort Lauderdale is not a generic Florida city for legal purposes. Its combination of year-round tourism, active nightlife, beach and waterfront activity, ongoing construction and development, and dense commercial corridors creates injury risks and legal dynamics that are specific to this market.

Visitors injured at Las Olas Boulevard restaurants, beach hotels, resort properties, or Port Everglades cruise terminals face different liability structures than residents injured on residential streets. Accidents near Sawgrass Mills, the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, or construction zones in downtown involve property owners, contractors, municipalities, and insurers who are experienced at minimizing claims. Fort Lauderdale’s heavy pedestrian and tourist traffic also contributes to a pattern of accidents where the injured party is unfamiliar with their legal options under Florida law.

Our team handles personal injury cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (Broward County) and is familiar with the local procedures, court schedules, and insurance practices that shape how these cases are resolved.

Where Personal Injury Accidents Happen in Fort Lauderdale

Personal injuries in Fort Lauderdale occur across a wide range of settings. Some of the most common locations include:

• Las Olas Boulevard — Restaurant, bar, and retail premises liability incidents involving negligent security, slip and falls, and alcohol-related injuries
• Fort Lauderdale Beach and boardwalks — Pedestrian congestion, water sports accidents, and hotel or resort property hazards
• Port Everglades — Cruise terminal and maritime-adjacent incidents involving visitors unfamiliar with the area
• I-95, US-1, and Sunrise Boulevard — High-volume motor vehicle corridors with elevated crash risk
• Downtown construction zones — Active development creates ongoing fall, struck-by, and equipment hazard risks for workers and passersby
• Hotels and resort properties — Premises liability incidents involving pool areas, parking structures, lobbies, and guest rooms
• Retail centers (Sawgrass Mills, Galleria) — Slip and fall, parking lot, and negligent security incidents

No matter where your injury occurred, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer on our team can evaluate whether a claim may be viable.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Fort Lauderdale

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato handles a full range of personal injury matters in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County. Practice areas include:

Motor vehicle accidents and car crashes remain one of the most common causes of serious injury in Broward County. According to publicly available Florida traffic safety data, Florida roads produce tens of thousands of injuries annually. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer team handles collisions ranging from rear-end impacts to multi-vehicle crashes involving commercial vehicles.

Truck and commercial vehicle accidents. Commercial trucks present unique liability questions involving drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer team is experienced in investigating these complex claims.

Slip and fall/premises liability Property owners in Florida have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail — whether at a beach resort, retail center, parking structure, or private property — an injured visitor may have a claim. Our slip and fall lawyer in Fort Lauderdale team handles these matters across Broward County.

Motorcycle and bicycle accidents Motorcyclists and cyclists have limited physical protection and face elevated injury severity in crashes with larger vehicles. Florida law provides these riders with the same road rights as motor vehicle drivers.

Pedestrian accidents Fort Lauderdale’s heavy foot traffic — particularly near beach areas, entertainment districts, and tourist corridors — produces a significant number of pedestrian-vehicle collisions each year.

Wrongful death When negligence causes a fatal injury, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. Our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer team handles these sensitive and legally complex cases.

Additional practice areas include:

• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Product liability (defective products and medications)
• Construction accident injuries
• Uber, Lyft, and rideshare accidents
• Brain and traumatic head injuries
• Negligent security

Common Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Accident Cases

Injuries resulting from another party’s negligence vary widely in severity and type. Injuries our team commonly sees include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated or bulging discs
• Bone fractures — simple and compound
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Burns and lacerations
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of limb or permanent disability
• Internal injuries
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Some injuries — particularly spinal, neurological, and internal injuries — do not present full symptoms immediately after the incident. This is one reason why seeking prompt medical evaluation, even when injuries seem minor, is strongly advisable.

Florida Laws That Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Florida’s legal landscape for personal injury claims changed significantly in 2023. Understanding these laws may help you make informed decisions about your case.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations (HB 837)

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most negligence-based personal injury claims in Florida must now be filed within two years of the date of injury. This deadline was shortened from four years effective March 24, 2023 (Chapter 2023-15, HB 837). Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline.

Missing this deadline may permanently bar you from pursuing compensation in court, regardless of how strong your claim would otherwise be. Acting promptly is essential.

Modified Comparative Fault — The 50% Bar

Florida now applies a modified comparative fault standard under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule (Florida Statutes § 768.81). Under this rule:

• Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
• If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

Insurance adjusters frequently attempt to assign partial or majority fault to injured claimants to reduce or eliminate payouts. Having an attorney evaluate and counter these tactics from early in the process may significantly affect the outcome of your claim.

PIP and the No-Fault System

Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, PIP may cover up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages after a motor vehicle accident — regardless of fault — subject to a $10,000 limit when an Emergency Medical Condition is established.

Critical: You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for PIP benefits. If no Emergency Medical Condition is determined, reimbursement may be limited to $2,500.

To pursue additional compensation beyond PIP — such as for pain and suffering — your injuries must typically meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If the at-fault party did not carry adequate insurance coverage, your own UM/UIM policy may be your primary path to compensation. An attorney can identify all available coverage sources and help maximize the recovery available to you.

Important: Florida’s 2-year filing window is strictly enforced. If you were injured in Fort Lauderdale, do not delay. Call 844-643-7200 for a free case evaluation — no fee unless we win.

Compensation Available in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the circumstances and severity of your injury, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses with a definitive dollar value, which may include:

• Emergency room care, hospitalization, surgery, and medications
• Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing specialist care
• Future medical expenses for long-term or permanent conditions
• Lost wages during your recovery period
• Reduced future earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent limitations
• In-home aide or childcare costs during recovery
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

These reflect personal and subjective losses that are harder to quantify but no less significant, which may include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages

In cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional, a court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. They are not commonly awarded, but our team can evaluate whether the facts of your case may support them.

How the Personal Injury Claim Process Works in Fort Lauderdale

Filing a personal injury claim involves several stages. Here is a general overview of how the process works when you work with our team:

1. Free case evaluation We review the details of your incident, explain your legal options, and assess whether a claim may be viable — at no cost to you.
2. Investigation and evidence gathering We examine the accident scene, collect police or incident reports, obtain medical records, request surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial analysts.
3. Identifying all liable parties In many personal injury cases, more than one party may share responsibility — a driver and their employer, a property owner and a maintenance contractor, or a product manufacturer and a distributor. We file claims against all responsible parties.
4. Calculating your full damages We document every economic and non-economic loss you have suffered and work to establish a complete and well-supported claim value.
5. Negotiating with insurance companies, we handle all communications and negotiations. Our goal is a fair settlement, but we prepare every case for trial from the start.
6. Filing a lawsuit if necessary Cases that do not resolve through settlement may be filed in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court. We are fully prepared to litigate and are not afraid to take cases to trial.

How Insurance Companies Handle Injury Claims — What to Expect

Insurance companies are businesses that operate to protect their financial interests. When you file a personal injury claim, you should expect the following common tactics:

Delay — Adjusters may delay responding to or processing your claim, hoping that the pressure of time will push you toward accepting less than you deserve.

Recorded statements — Insurance representatives may ask you to give a recorded statement shortly after the incident, before you have had time to fully understand your injuries or consult an attorney. These statements can be used to minimize your claim.

Early low offers — Insurers frequently extend a quick, low settlement offer before the full extent of your injuries is known. Accepting this offer typically waives your right to seek additional compensation later.

Fault shifting — Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule, an insurer may attempt to assign significant fault to you — even in scenarios where their policyholder was clearly negligent — to reduce or eliminate their payout obligation.

Minimizing injuries — Adjusters may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or that the treatment you received was unnecessary or excessive.

Our team handles all communications with insurance companies on your behalf from the moment you hire us, helping protect you from these common strategies.

Why Choose Wolf & Pravato — Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Team

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has represented injury victims in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County for decades. Our team combines 75+ years of combined legal experience, a Board-Certified Civil Trial attorney, and over $200 million recovered for clients with a commitment to individualized attention on every case we accept.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in getting started.

Richard P. Pravato — Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney

Richard P. Pravato, Esq. is the Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato and a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer — a designation earned through the Florida Bar’s rigorous certification program in 2004 and held by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys.

Attorney Pravato has litigated personal injury cases in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit for nearly three decades. His trial-ready approach means that every case our firm handles is prepared with the same rigor whether it resolves through settlement or proceeds to a jury verdict.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Brian was amazing throughout this entire process. His expertise, patience, and dedication made a long and stressful situation so much easier to navigate. The communication from him and his team was always clear, timely, and reassuring. I truly appreciate the support and professionalism they provided from start to finish. Highly recommend!.”

– FRANCINE SIMMONS

“They worked very hard for me and I strongly recommend Wolf & Pravato. Brian has went above and beyond to help me with my case. I had lots of questions and needed lots of help, and these guys walked me through it every step of the way.”

– Zachariah Rowland

Source: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DveVQ1WtjneiEnbw7

Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in Broward County, you may have legal options — but Florida’s two-year deadline means there is no benefit to waiting. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is ready to evaluate your case at no cost and explain what your options may be.

📞 Call 844-643-7200 — No fee unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale?

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most negligence-based personal injury claims must now be filed within two years of the date of injury — a deadline shortened from four years by Florida HB 837, effective March 24, 2023. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline. Missing this window may permanently bar recovery, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury is strongly advisable.

What does “no fee unless we win” mean?

It means you pay no attorney fees out of pocket. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis — our fees are only collected if and when we recover compensation on your behalf. If we do not recover, you do not owe us attorney fees.

What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Florida’s modified comparative fault rule allows you to recover compensation even if you shared some degree of fault — as long as your fault is determined to be 50% or less. Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Insurance companies often attempt to inflate the claimant’s fault percentage to limit payouts.

What is the serious injury threshold in Florida?

To pursue non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) from an at-fault driver’s insurance in a motor vehicle case, your injuries must typically meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. Qualifying categories include: 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.

How much is my personal injury claim worth?

The value of a personal injury claim depends on many factors — the severity and permanence of your injuries, your total medical expenses, lost income, the degree of fault involved, and available insurance coverage. There is no standard formula. Our team can help evaluate the full extent of your damages and work to pursue the maximum compensation available in your specific situation.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

Bring whatever documentation you have available: the police or incident report, medical records and bills, photographs from the scene, pay stubs reflecting lost wages, insurance information, and any correspondence from insurance companies. You do not need everything to get started — our team can help gather what is missing.

Can I file a personal injury claim if the at-fault party was uninsured?

Yes, in many cases. If the at-fault party was uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage may provide a path to compensation. Florida has one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country. An attorney can identify all available coverage sources and help determine the best strategy for your claim.