Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Make a lot of Money in South Florida?

By: Schiffrinpa
personal injury
Aug 6
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Personal injury law is one of the most talked-about areas of legal practice—especially in South Florida, where accidents and injury claims are common due to dense traffic, tourism, and active lifestyles. But how lucrative is it for attorneys? Do most personal injury lawyers in South Florida make a lot of money?

In this article, we’ll explore the income landscape for personal injury attorneys, what factors impact their earnings, and help you understand how this may relate to your choice of legal representation.

The Basics of Personal Injury Law Practice

Personal injury lawyers represent individuals who have been physically or emotionally injured due to someone else’s negligence. Common cases include:

Car accidents
Slip and falls
Dog bites
Pedestrian accidents
Medical malpractice
Product liability

Many personal injury attorneys in Florida operate under contingency fee arrangements, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case. The standard contingency fee is typically around 33.3% to 40% of the compensation awarded.

Income Levels: Do Most Make a Lot?

1. Top Earners Do Well

Some of the most well-established and high-volume personal injury lawyers in South Florida do earn significant income, especially those:

With large advertising budgets
Operating high-volume practices
Settling large claims (e.g., catastrophic injuries or wrongful death)
With strong trial reputations

These attorneys can bring in seven-figure incomes, especially when handling class action lawsuits or multimillion-dollar claims.

2. But Not All Do

Not all personal injury lawyers make a lot of money. Many:

Work solo or in small firms
Handle low-value or inconsistent cases
Spend years building a reputation
Struggle with client acquisition in a saturated market

Lawyers just starting out or working in smaller firms may earn modest salaries, especially if they rely solely on contingency fees and face long periods without a payout.

3. Geography Matters

In high-population, high-traffic areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, there are more accidents—and therefore, more personal injury cases. However, there is also higher competition, so lawyers in these areas may need to invest more in marketing and client service to stand out.

What Affects a Personal Injury Lawyer’s Income?

Several factors play a role in how much a personal injury lawyer earns in South Florida:

• Case Volume and Value

A lawyer who handles many minor injury claims may earn less than one who takes fewer but high-value, complex cases.

• Reputation and Experience

Attorneys with years of experience and a strong reputation often:

Attract better cases
Negotiate higher settlements
Charge higher fees

• Advertising and Marketing

Some firms spend heavily on billboard ads, TV spots, and digital marketing to attract more clients. These firms often operate high-volume models with streamlined processes.

• Litigation vs. Settlements

Some attorneys focus on quick settlements. Others are trial lawyers willing to take a case to court. Trial lawyers, while fewer in number, may secure higher payouts—if successful.

• Fee Structures

While many lawyers work on contingency, some offer hourly or flat fee arrangements, particularly in specific situations. These models may produce more predictable income but limit earnings in big cases.

What This Means for Clients

While it’s interesting to understand how personal injury lawyers earn, as a client, the most important factors are:

Skill and experience
Dedication to your case
Clear communication
Transparency in fees

Just because an attorney earns a lot doesn’t mean they’ll prioritize your case. Likewise, a solo attorney with fewer clients may give your case more personal attention.

Mark Schiffrin P.A. – A Personalized Approach, Not a Profit Model

At Mark Schiffrin P.A., I’ve been practicing personal injury law exclusively in South Florida since 1983. Unlike large firms chasing volume, I focus on quality representation and personal attention. I do not work on contingency, so you’ll know exactly how I charge before we begin—and there are no hidden surprises.

My clients speak directly with me. I personally handle your case and ensure you’re informed and supported at every stage. While income may vary across the legal field, I prioritize service over volume—and that makes all the difference in your case outcome.

Final Thoughts

So, do most personal injury lawyers make a lot of money in South Florida? Some do—especially high-profile attorneys with large caseloads or big verdicts. But the reality varies based on firm size, location, experience, and business model.

As a client, choose an attorney who prioritizes your case, communicates clearly, and provides transparent billing practices. Your recovery—not your lawyer’s income—should be the top priority.