Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney
How we can help you after an accident
When you are injured in an unexpected accident caused by the negligence of others, the aftermath can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. In addition to medical bills and lost wages, you may suffer severe injuries that result in disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. At Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law, we use our skills and resources to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve for these damages. Let an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney from our firm assist you today.
We help you determine fault through an in-depth investigation of the accident and the use of medical, vocational and financial experts. Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers guide you through each step of your case, whether it involves negotiating with insurance companies or litigating in court. Keep in mind that under Florida law you may have as little as two years for medical malpractice to file your personal injury claim, which makes it essential to act quickly.
- Airbnb Injury
- Auto Accident
- BJs Injury
- Burn Injury
- Catastrophic Injury
- Complex Regional Pain
- Construction Accident
- Costco Injury
- CVS Injury
- Cruise Ship Injury
- Defective Drug
- Dog Bite
- Galleria Mall Injury
- Home Depot Injury
- Lowes Injury
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accident
- Premises Liability
- Publix Injury
- Sawgrass Injury
- Slip & Fall
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Target Injury
- Theme Park Accident
- Trampoline Accident
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Truck Accident
- VRBO Injury
- Walgreens Injury
- Wrongful Death
Types of injury and accident cases our attorneys help with in Florida
Our injury attorneys assist with a broad range of cases in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state of Florida, including:
- Premises liability: Our premises liability attorneys assist victims who are injured or who have lost a loved one because of landowners and others in control of property who fail to reasonably maintain their premises or to warn of known dangers that are not remedied.
- Wrongful death: We help surviving family members recover compensation for the wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal accident caused by the negligence or wrongful acts of others.
- Theme park accidents: Our firm works with safety experts and investigators to determine the cause of carnival, trampoline park or theme park accidents, and helps you recover for injuries or death resulting from operator negligence, poor maintenance, poor design or construction and malfunctioning equipment.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Brain injuries may be caused in accidents ranging from slip and fall accidents to car crashes. Our personal injury lawyers help you recover compensation that reflects the full extent of your traumatic brain injury.
- Catastrophic injuries: We provide compassionate, accessible service for those suffering from all types of catastrophic injuries, and help you recover compensation for permanent disabilities or long-term medical conditions.
- Spinal cord injuries: A spinal cord injury may range from whiplash to a severe injury resulting in paralysis. We guide you through your claim after an accident caused by others to make sure you receive the compensation you need to recover from the resulting serious injuries.
- Burns, scars and disfigurement: Whether you were injured in a fire, an animal attack or a motorcycle accident caused by others, we provide the full-service representation and resources you need to obtain a fair recovery for burns, scars and disfigurement.
- Construction accidents: Whether you were injured while working or because of the negligence of a third party, our attorneys can guide you through your construction accident case to obtain the verdict, settlement or workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to receive.
- Medical malpractice: Using our years of legal experience and a network of medical professionals and other experts, we help you recover compensation in medical malpractice claims when a doctor, surgeon or other medical practitioner harms you through substandard care.
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: Cases involving reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) are highly complex, but our attorneys have the experience to help victims suffering from ongoing pain to identify and hold the negligent party responsible through intensive examination of medical records and opinions from medical experts.
- Drug litigation: When a doctor or pharmacy is negligent, a drug is mislabeled or contains inadequate warnings, or a drug is otherwise dangerous or defective, our skilled drug litigation lawyers help you recover for the serious illness, injury or death that may result.
Common injuries in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury in Fort Lauderdale. With its busy roads and high traffic volume, the city sees a significant number of collisions each year. Common injuries from car accidents include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck.
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) resulting from impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are prevalent in Fort Lauderdale, especially in places like shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. These accidents often occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting. Common injuries include:
- Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments and muscles, particularly in the ankles and wrists.
- Fractures: Broken hips, arms, or legs are common in slip and fall incidents.
- Head Injuries: Concussions or more severe brain injuries from hitting the head on the ground or other surfaces.
- Back Injuries: Herniated discs or other spinal injuries resulting from falls.
Boating Accidents
Given Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the “Venice of America,” it’s no surprise that boating accidents are a common cause of injury. These accidents can result from operator inexperience, alcohol use, and failure to follow safety protocols. Common injuries include:
- Drowning: Sadly, one of the most serious outcomes of boating accidents.
- Lacerations: Cuts and scrapes from propellers or other sharp objects.
- Fractures: Broken bones from falls or collisions.
- Head Injuries: Trauma from falls or being struck by parts of the boat.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents
Fort Lauderdale’s warm climate encourages outdoor activities like biking and walking, but it also increases the risk of bicycle and pedestrian accidents. These incidents often result from driver negligence, poor road conditions, or lack of proper signage. Common injuries include:
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in collisions between vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and TBIs are significant concerns, especially for those not wearing helmets.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, sprains, and strains from impact or falls.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs from severe impacts.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can happen in any industry, but they are particularly common in construction, manufacturing, and hospitality in Fort Lauderdale. Common injuries include:
- Repetitive Strain Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions.
- Falls: Falling from heights, especially in construction work.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Injuries from machinery or tools.
- Exposure to Harmful Substances: Chemical burns or respiratory issues from inhaling toxic fumes.
Understanding the common causes of injuries can help residents and visitors take precautions to avoid accidents. However, when accidents do happen, knowing where to turn for legal assistance can make a significant difference in recovering from the incident and moving forward. Stay safe and informed to enjoy all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in Fort Lauderdale, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to understand your rights and options. An experienced personal injury attorney serving FLL can help you navigate the complexities of your case, whether it involves negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit for fair compensation.
Compensation for personal injuries
One of the primary purposes of bringing a personal injury claim is to be made “whole.” In legal terms, this means being put in the position you occupied before you were injured in a crash. Personal injury settlements are made up of money damages which can compensate for various losses our clients suffered in an accident.
In Florida, compensation can make up for certain economic and non-economic losses. Some clients might also receive punitive damages. Economic losses are things like:
- Medical care, including surgery and rehabilitation, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and prosthetics. This can include reasonably certain future medical care for permanent or long-lasting injuries.
- Lost income or lost wages, when our client’s injuries prevent them from going back to work. If a client is permanently disabled, they might receive damages for loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage, such as damage to a motor vehicle.
These types of economic losses are easy to calculate. Our clients have a bill that lays out the amount of money they owe, and we can typically seek 100% of this amount from the person or entity responsible for the accident. Our clients might also receive compensation for non-economic losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Emotional or mental distress
- Changes to the marital relationship (loss of consortium)
Unlike economic losses, these less tangible losses are difficult to translate into monetary terms. However, a victim can still receive money as compensation. Punitive damages are not available in every case. Instead, Florida Statute § 768.72 reserves them for situations where a defendant intentionally injured a victim or was grossly negligent. These damages are focused on punishing the defendant, and a victim can keep them in addition to the compensatory damages listed above.
If you lost a loved one in an accident, then the damages available differ slightly. Surviving family members might receive compensation based on how much the deceased used to earn, as well as the cost of medical care and funeral expenses.
How a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can help
Some accident victims believe they can handle their own settlement discussions with an insurance company following an accident. They don’t see how a lawyer adds anything of value, and they probably don’t feel they can afford an attorney in the first place. However, a skilled personal injury lawyer is an excellent benefit to have when seeking compensation. Our attorneys help our clients in many ways. Let’s look at a few.
First, we can fully investigate an accident and seek evidence to support our client’s claim. We might end up interviewing anyone who witnessed the accident, or we could seek surveillance or closed-circuit tv video that shows how the accident happened. Evidence is hard to obtain, and the public has no idea where to look. In truck accident cases, for example, we can seek out electronic information stored by the truck’s “black box” which might prove useful.
Second, we can be your voice with the insurance adjuster. Too many accident victims are in pain, and they should be resting to spur physical recovery. Let our attorneys handle every communication you need.
Third, we know how to negotiate a tough but fair settlement. Many large insurers protect their bottom line by offering small settlements and refusing to budge. When a victim has no legal representation, they might quickly accept the first offer to their detriment.
Fourth, we are not afraid to go to court. Although most cases settle, the only way to break an impasse in some cases is to present a claim to a judge and jury. By litigating a dispute, we can put pressure on the other side to come to the bargaining table with a fair offer of settlement.
Factors which limit a settlement
Ideally, a victim receives 100% of their losses listed above. However, certain factors can cause a person to get less than they deserve:
- The defendant’s lack of resources. A defendant cannot pay a victim anything if they have no money or assets. In most cases, insurance policies pay out claims, but some defendants are uninsured or they have policies with low limits. When that is the case, it can be hard for our clients to be made whole because there is simply no money to be had from the defendant.
- The victim’s own negligence. Florida’s comparative fault rules are found at Florida Statutes, Section 768.81. A victim’s compensation is reduced by their degree of fault. Someone who is 40% responsible will receive 40% less in damages.
- A victim’s failure to mitigate damages. If you were injured but refused to go to the hospital, you might have made your own injuries worse by your own choices.
- Waiting too long. The longer a victim waits, the more likely evidence will disappear. If you wait too long, then a court might refuse to consider a lawsuit for violating the statute of limitations.
Determining a fair settlement amount is complex. Many people have no idea how much their claims are actually worth. Let our legal team review the facts of your case to determine how much will compensate you in a meaningful manner.
A seasoned advocate is affordable
Accidents often cause tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses—possibly quite more. It is therefore perfectly natural for accident victims and their families to be worried about how they can afford a lawyer at a time when they might struggle to pay their mortgage or rent or put food on the table. Fortunately, Boone & Davis represents our personal injury clients using contingency fee agreements. Essentially, this means we will not require that you pay attorney’s fees as the case moves along. Instead, we reach an agreement with our clients to accept a portion of any settlement or jury verdict should we win.
Contingency fee agreements work for everyone involved in the case. Our clients know they will not owe attorney’s fees if they do not win. Further, our firm has an incentive to only accept cases that we believe have merit and will result in a payout. If we didn’t, then we would be wasting our time on cases that are sure losers. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with our firm. We can discuss your case and contingency fee agreements in more depth.
Popular neighborhoods & attractions in Fort Lauderdale
Las Olas Isles
Las Olas Isles is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most prestigious neighborhoods, known for its luxury waterfront homes and proximity to the Las Olas Boulevard. This area offers stunning views, private docks, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Attractions: Las Olas Boulevard is the main draw, lined with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining restaurants. The Las Olas Art Fair and the Winterfest Boat Parade are annual highlights.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a charming, historic neighborhood characterized by tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved homes. It’s a favorite among families and young professionals due to its community feel and proximity to downtown.
- Attractions: Holiday Park, offering sports facilities and outdoor activities. The neighborhood also hosts various community events, including the Victoria Park Holiday Home Tour.
Harbor Beach
Harbor Beach is an exclusive gated community offering some of the most luxurious residences in Fort Lauderdale. It’s known for its private beach club and marina.
- Attractions: Harbor Beach Club, a private beach area, and the nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, offering public access to sandy shores and picnic areas.
Flagler Village
Flagler Village is a rapidly growing neighborhood, popular for its vibrant arts scene and urban vibe. Once an industrial area, it has transformed into a hub for creatives and young professionals.
- Attractions: The FATVillage Arts District, known for its monthly ArtWalk event showcasing local artists, and a variety of trendy coffee shops, breweries, and co-working spaces.
Rio Vista
Rio Vista is one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest and most desirable neighborhoods. With its picturesque streets and waterfront properties, it attracts those seeking a tranquil yet upscale living environment.
- Attractions: Proximity to the Lauderdale Yacht Club and scenic walks along the New River. The neighborhood also hosts community gatherings and holiday events.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is iconic, attracting sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts from around the world. Its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
- Activities: Beach volleyball, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. The beachfront promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a lively spot day and night.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
This historic estate offers a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale’s past. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens features art, history, and nature in one stunning location.
- Highlights: Guided tours of the house, exploring the beautiful gardens, and special events such as concerts and art exhibits.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an urban oasis offering a variety of outdoor activities. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Activities: Kayaking, biking, hiking, and picnicking. The park also has a beachfront area and is home to a diverse array of wildlife.
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale
For shopping enthusiasts, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit. This upscale mall features a wide range of stores, from high-end boutiques to popular retailers.
- Features: Dining options that include both casual eateries and fine dining restaurants, making it a great place for a full day of shopping and dining.
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is the cultural heart of Fort Lauderdale. It stretches along the New River and includes numerous cultural attractions.
- Attractions: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum. The district also hosts festivals, concerts, and art shows.
What to look for in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney
South Florida has thousands of lawyers, and you might not know how to choose which one to hire. Fortunately, during a consultation, you can meet directly with an attorney and ask questions about your case. This is a good opportunity to get a feel for the lawyers’ communication style and approach to personal injury claims.
We recommend that accident victims approach the consultation process deliberately. Write out questions you want to ask ahead of time. Bring a notepad or paper to write down answers. Raise any concerns you have with the attorney so that you can get his or her input. The more prepared you are, the more you will get out of a consultation.
Also give some thought to what you value most in a lawyer. Ease of communication? Experience? Location? Fee structure? Choosing a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer often involves relying on your “gut” that you and the attorney will mesh.
Serving Fort Lauderdale & beyond
- Pompano Beach
- Victoria Park
- Las Olas Isles
- Harbor Beach
- Hollywood
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Weston
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
Seek the caring help you deserve from an experienced personal injury attorney in Ft Lauderdale
With more than 40 years of experience, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law have the skills, resources and dedication to the open communication you need and deserve from a law firm. Our firm never charges fees — not even for our expenses — unless and until we recover for you. To learn more about how we can assist with your case, contact us online or call us at 954-566-9919 today for a free initial consultation.
