Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney | Mark Schiffrin P.A.

 Exclusively Practicing Personal Injury Law Since 1983 | Serving Fort Lauderdale & All of Broward County

Accidents happen without warning — but what happens next doesn’t have to be left to chance. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in Fort Lauderdale due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation. At Mark Schiffrin P.A., we’ve spent more than four decades fighting for injured people across Broward County, and we know exactly what it takes to win in Florida’s courts and against South Florida’s toughest insurance companies.

Call 954-961-2082 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Fort Lauderdale’s Roads, Venues, and Waterways Create Real Injury Risks

Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s most dynamic cities — a hub for tourism, commerce, boating, and residential life. But that activity comes with serious accident risks that residents, workers, and visitors face every day.

I-95 and the Florida Turnpike funnel thousands of commuters through Broward County each morning, while surface roads like US-1 (Federal Highway), Broward Boulevard, Oakland Park Boulevard, and Sunrise Boulevard see constant congestion that leads to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and pedestrian accidents. Las Olas Boulevard — a centerpiece of Fort Lauderdale’s dining and nightlife scene — draws heavy pedestrian traffic, rideshare drop-offs, and cyclists sharing the road with distracted drivers.

Fort Lauderdale’s marina district and Intracoastal Waterway are home to one of the largest boating communities in the country, creating a unique category of watercraft accident cases. Meanwhile, aging commercial properties along Federal Highway, Davie Boulevard, and Andrews Avenue see frequent slip and fall incidents caused by deferred maintenance.

These aren’t abstract statistics — they are the circumstances behind many of the cases we handle every year. We know where accidents happen in Fort Lauderdale, what causes them, and how to build a case that holds negligent parties fully accountable.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Fort Lauderdale

Mark Schiffrin P.A. represents injured clients across the full range of personal injury claim types. Below is a detailed overview of the cases we most frequently handle in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are the most common personal injury case in Fort Lauderdale. Whether you were rear-ended on I-95, struck at an intersection on Andrews Avenue, or sideswiped on Sunrise Boulevard, a collision can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and weeks of missed work.

Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but PIP benefits are limited to $10,000 and often fall far short of actual losses. When injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold — including significant and permanent impairment, permanent scarring, or disfigurement — you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver for the full value of your damages.

We handle car accident cases involving distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, drunk or impaired drivers, uninsured motorists, and hit-and-run incidents throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

Rideshare and Uber/Lyft Accidents

Rideshare vehicles are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale — at the airport, outside Las Olas restaurants, and at the beach. Accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers raise complex insurance coverage questions, since liability depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash (logged off, waiting for a ride request, or actively carrying a passenger). We navigate these layered policies to identify all available coverage and maximize your recovery.

Slip and Fall / Premises Liability

Property owners in Fort Lauderdale — from beachfront hotels and shopping plazas to office buildings and restaurants — have a legal obligation under Florida law to maintain safe conditions for guests and customers. When a wet floor, broken stair, uneven pavement, or inadequate lighting causes someone to fall and suffer injury, the property owner can be held liable.

These cases move fast. Surveillance video is routinely overwritten, witnesses forget, and property managers are quick to make repairs that erase evidence. Involving an attorney immediately after a slip and fall is critical to preserving the proof needed to support your claim.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Commercial trucks, delivery vans, and 18-wheelers travel I-95, I-595, and the Port Everglades access roads daily. Accidents involving these vehicles are among the most catastrophic on Fort Lauderdale’s roads — and among the most legally complex. Trucking companies, their insurers, and fleet operators retain defense teams immediately after a crash. You need an attorney in your corner just as quickly.

We investigate driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, cargo loading procedures, and electronic data from the truck’s black box to identify every source of liability and pursue maximum compensation.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists in Fort Lauderdale face disproportionate risks. Drivers frequently fail to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes, and Fort Lauderdale’s tourist traffic adds an additional layer of unpredictability on roads near the beach and downtown. When a motorcycle crash occurs, injuries are often severe — road rash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and spinal damage are common outcomes.

We fight aggressively on behalf of injured riders and counter the unfair bias that motorcyclists sometimes face when dealing with insurance adjusters who assume rider fault without justification.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Fort Lauderdale has invested heavily in its walkability and cycling infrastructure — Las Olas, the Riverwalk, and the beachfront area see heavy foot and bicycle traffic year-round. Unfortunately, distracted and speeding drivers continue to strike pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks, intersections, and dedicated bike lanes. When a pedestrian or cyclist is hit by a vehicle, the injuries are almost always serious. We pursue full compensation for the short- and long-term consequences.

Boating Accidents

With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, the New River, and the Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale sees more recreational and commercial boating than almost any other city in the country. Boating accidents — caused by operator inexperience, impairment, excessive speed, or equipment failure — can result in drowning, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and death. Florida boating accident cases involve specific maritime statutes and different liability frameworks. Our firm handles them with the same level of experience we bring to any catastrophic injury case.

Wrongful Death

When someone dies because of another party’s negligence, Florida law gives surviving family members the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Eligible survivors may include a surviving spouse, children, parents, and other dependents who relied on the deceased. Recoverable damages include medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of the deceased’s guidance, protection, and companionship.

These are among the most emotionally demanding cases we handle, and we approach them with both thoroughness and genuine compassion for the families we serve.

Medical Malpractice

Fort Lauderdale is home to major healthcare facilities including Broward Health Medical Center, Holy Cross Health, and Cleveland Clinic Florida. When a doctor, nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist, or hospital fails to meet the standard of care expected of their profession, patients can suffer permanent, life-altering harm. Medical malpractice cases in Florida require pre-suit investigation, expert testimony, and careful legal strategy. Our firm has the experience to handle these complex claims.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners when their animal bites someone in a public place or on private property where the victim had a right to be. The victim does not need to prove the dog had prior dangerous behavior. Dog bites can cause severe lacerations, nerve damage, infection, and lasting psychological trauma, particularly in children. We pursue compensation for all physical and emotional consequences.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect in Fort Lauderdale’s assisted living facilities and nursing homes is a serious and underreported problem. Signs of nursing home negligence include unexplained bruising or injuries, sudden weight loss, bedsores, emotional withdrawal, and unsanitary living conditions. Florida law provides specific protections for nursing home residents, and families have the right to pursue both civil remedies and, in some cases, punitive damages against negligent facilities.

Catastrophic and Catastrophic Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries change every aspect of a person’s life. We work with medical specialists, rehabilitation experts, and life-care planners to calculate the true long-term economic and personal cost of these injuries — ensuring that any settlement or verdict reflects not just today’s bills, but the full financial impact of a permanently changed life.

What Compensation Can Fort Lauderdale Injury Victims Recover?

Florida personal injury law allows injured victims to pursue compensation in two broad categories:

Economic damages are your quantifiable financial losses, including:

• Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, and surgery costs
• Ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Lost wages during recovery
• Diminished future earning capacity
• Vehicle or property repair and replacement

Non-economic damages address the human toll of an injury, including:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities
• Loss of consortium (the impact on your relationships with family members)

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious — such as a drunk driver who caused a fatal crash, or a business that knowingly ignored a dangerous condition — Florida courts may also award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

We never push clients toward quick, low settlements. Our job is to pursue the maximum compensation that fully reflects the scope of your injuries and losses.

Florida Law Points You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Most personal injury claims in Florida must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline. Missing this window permanently forfeits your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. This makes early legal involvement essential.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Florida adopted a modified comparative negligence standard in 2023. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced proportionally by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies frequently try to inflate a victim’s share of fault to limit payouts. Having an experienced attorney is the best defense against that tactic.

Florida’s No-Fault System

Florida requires drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays a portion of your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. However, PIP covers only 80% of medical expenses up to $10,000 — far less than the cost of serious injuries. When your injuries qualify as “serious” under Florida law, you gain the right to pursue additional compensation directly from the at-fault party.

What to Do After an Accident in Fort Lauderdale

The decisions you make in the immediate aftermath of an accident have a direct impact on the strength of your injury claim. Here is what we recommend:

1. Call 911 and get medical help. Emergency documentation creates an official record of the accident and your injuries. Do not decline medical care at the scene, even if you feel okay — symptoms often emerge hours or days later.

2. Document everything you can. Photograph the scene, any visible injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any contributing hazards. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.

3. Do not discuss fault at the scene. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admissions of responsibility, even casual ones like “I’m sorry.”

4. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without legal counsel. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize your claim. Speaking with an attorney first protects your rights.

5. Seek follow-up medical care promptly. Insurance companies use gaps in medical treatment to argue that your injuries weren’t serious. Stay consistent with treatment recommended by your doctors.

6. Contact Mark Schiffrin P.A. The sooner we are involved, the faster we can secure evidence, identify all liable parties, and protect your right to full compensation.

Why Fort Lauderdale Injury Victims Choose Mark Schiffrin P.A.

Over 40 Years of Exclusive Personal Injury Practice

Mark Schiffrin has practiced personal injury law exclusively since 1983 — he handles nothing else. That singular focus builds deeper expertise than a general practice firm can offer, and it means insurance carriers know our track record before negotiations even begin.

Direct Attorney Access

When you hire Mark Schiffrin P.A., you work directly with Mark. Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate. Not a case manager. You get the attorney himself — accessible, communicative, and committed to your case from start to finish.

Deep Familiarity with Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

We know Fort Lauderdale’s streets, landmarks, courts, and local legal landscape intimately. We know which intersections generate the most accidents, how Broward County judges tend to handle personal injury cases, and how local insurance adjusters operate. That specific knowledge shapes our case strategy and strengthens your position.

5.0 Rating Across 140+ Google Reviews

Our reputation is built on results and on the experience of real clients. A consistent 5.0 rating across more than 140 verified reviews reflects our commitment to honest communication, dedicated representation, and genuine care for the people we serve.

Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods and Areas We Serve

We represent injury victims throughout every part of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Broward County area, including:

• Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the Riverwalk District
• Las Olas Boulevard and the Arts and Entertainment District
• Victoria Park and Flagler Village
• Coral Ridge and Wilton Manors
• Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, and Lauderhill
• Plantation and Davie
• Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach
• Hallandale Beach and Dania Beach
• All communities throughout Broward County

Whether your accident happened on the beach, in a parking garage off Federal Highway, or on the ramp to I-595, we handle cases throughout the area and come to you when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale? Florida’s statute of limitations gives most injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims also generally carry a two-year deadline. Acting quickly is critical — evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and missing the deadline means losing your right to recover any compensation.

What if the other driver was uninsured? Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may cover your damages. We help clients navigate UM claims and explore every available source of compensation when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault? Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to establish the other party’s liability clearly and push back against insurance company attempts to shift blame onto you.

How long does a personal injury case in Fort Lauderdale typically take? It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. Some straightforward cases resolve in a matter of months. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, or uncooperative insurers may take a year or more. We keep you informed at every stage and will never pressure you into a settlement that doesn’t reflect the full value of your claim.

Do I have to go to court? Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as though it will go before a jury — that preparation is precisely what gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared and experienced to take your case to trial in Broward County.

What does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale? The cost of hiring a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale varies depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and the services required. Attorney fees can range from a few thousand dollars for straightforward matters to significantly more for cases involving extensive investigation, expert witnesses, or litigation. Additional expenses such as court filing fees, medical record retrieval, expert witness fees, and other case-related costs may also apply.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in Fort Lauderdale, every day you wait makes it harder to build a strong case. Evidence fades, witnesses move on, and legal deadlines approach. The consultation is free, there’s no pressure.

Mark Schiffrin P.A. 4600 Sheridan Street, Suite 205 Hollywood, FL 33021 (Serving all of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County)

📞 Call or Text: 954-961-2082 📠 Fax: 954-961-1655 ✉ schiffrinlaw@bellsouth.net

Free consultations available.