Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries profoundly affect your quality of life. Alongside physical pain, there are cognitive and emotional challenges, not to mention financial burdens. The uncertainty of covering medical expenses and supporting your family can be overwhelming.

The recovery process can be long and arduous, often requiring surgeries and extensive therapy. Some individuals may not fully recover and may need adjustments at home. Family members might have to make sacrifices to provide care, and in severe cases, assisted living facilities may be necessary.

The financial challenges following a serious injury can be immense. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney at David I. Fuchs Injury Law can help pursue compensation for your losses. We stand ready to pursue justice on your behalf. For a free consultation, contact the David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm today. You can call us at our phone number, 954-568-3636, or fill out our online contact form.

Why Fort Lauderdale Injury Victims Turn to David I. Fuchs

Attorney David I. Fuchs has proudly served the Southern Florida region, providing strong legal representation to injured individuals throughout South Florida since 1988. With over 36 years of experience, we have been a relentless advocate for the injured in over 6,000 cases. Our law office also holds the distinction of being a Law Firm 500 honoree, marking us as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the U.S.

Serving Fort Lauderdale and Greater South Florida

David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm is fully committed to serving Florida’s injured. Our personal injury law firm services communities throughout South Florida, including Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Our law firm is conveniently located at 8 SE 8th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33316.

Why Choose David I. Fuchs Injury Law for Your Personal Injury Claim

Clients often select Fort Lauderdale-based David I. Fuchs to represent them because they know their well-being matters to our law firm. We treat every case with the importance it deserves. Your attorney will sit down with you to listen to your side of the story and evaluate your case.

No one should suffer due to another’s negligence. Every accident victim deserves full and fair compensation. We will advocate strongly on your behalf. David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm is ready to stand up to any insurance company and will take your case to court if necessary for a fair resolution.

Suffering a personal injury can be a life-altering experience, especially when a catastrophic injury or wrongful death occurs. At David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm, our compassionate legal team understands the difficulties you and your family face. You can count on us to be in your corner, fighting for you every step of the way.

Recent Injury Settlements Won

Our legal team has secured favorable outcomes for clients through settlements and, when necessary, litigation. Over the years, we have successfully settled numerous personal injury cases, including but not limited to car accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries.

We are persistent and will aggressively pursue justice, striving to maximize the amount of compensation available for each case. We will use strategic legal approaches to secure a favorable outcome for our South Florida clients. Examples of settlements we have reached include:

• $1.8 million for a traumatic brain injury
• $1.3 million for a wrongful death
• $1.3 million for a traumatic brain injury
• $325,000 for a multi-vehicle accident
• $300,000 for a motorcycle accident
• $225,000 for a premises liability case
• $125,000 for negligent supervision
• $125,000 for a car accident in Broward County
• $120,000 for a hotel slip-and-fall

What Our Clients Say About Our Personal Injury Representation

“David I. Fuchs comes highly recommended for anyone in need of a top-notch accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale. With over three decades of experience, his firm is known for its client-focused approach, maintaining strong communication and offering personalized legal strategies. They are particularly adept at negotiating with large insurance companies and handling complex courtroom cases. A great choice for effective and compassionate legal representation.” — Fabio V.

“Great accident lawyer. Gave us invaluable advice when an air conditioning truck hit my car.” — Ethan C.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. David I. Fuchs, the injury law expert in Fort Lauderdale. When I urgently needed legal guidance, he was on the spot, providing precise and honest information. David’s quick responsiveness, combined with his accuracy and transparency, made a significant impact during a challenging time I was facing due to a total loss in a car accident. I greatly appreciate his professionalism and recommend his services to anyone seeking a trustworthy and reliable injury law attorney in South Florida.” — Israel A.

How Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident, David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Determining if You Have a Personal Injury Case

Your claim hinges on proving the other party’s negligence. They must have failed to meet a standard of behavior, causing your accident and injuries. Proving such an event requires thorough evidence collection, which is why engaging a knowledgeable attorney is crucial. Our firm will explain how Florida personal injury law applies to your situation and guide you through each step of the claim process.

Investigating Your Accident

Understanding the cause and liability of your accident is vital. Attorney Fuchs will conduct a detailed investigation, independent of insurance company assertions, to establish the facts and formulate accurate claims.

Building a Strong Case

We will work together with you to develop a strong strategy. You’ll be actively involved in gathering evidence and shaping your claim, building a comprehensive approach to securing the compensation you deserve.

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle

At David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm, we are here to assist with various personal injury claims, including:

• Car accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Bus accidents
• Rideshare accidents
• Limousine accidents
• Passenger van accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction vehicle accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Wrongful death
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

We also represent clients with neck, back, and burn injuries, and more. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your claim for free, regardless of how your injury occurred. If another party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness hurt you or a beloved family member, you likely qualify to receive compensation, but you need a thorough review of your case from an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney.

Fort Lauderdale Accident Statistics

As one of the largest cities in Florida, Fort Lauderdale sees its share of motor vehicle accidents.

Fort Lauderdale sees a significant number of vehicle accidents each year. In 2024, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported the following statistics for Broward County:

• 38,269 total vehicle crashes
• 23,105 total injuries
• 225 total fatalities

These numbers highlight the importance of having a trusted legal partner by your side.

Steps to Take After a Fort Lauderdale Accident

If injured in a Fort Lauderdale accident, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health by getting evaluated, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Contact authorities: File a report with law enforcement for official documentation.
3. Exchange information: Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
4. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene and any damages or injuries.
5. Do not admit fault: Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
6. Notify your insurer: Report the accident promptly to your insurance company.
7. Preserve evidence: Keep all related evidence, including medical records and bills.
8. Consult an attorney: Seek legal advice to assess your claim’s value and protect your rights.
9. Follow medical advice: Adhere to medical recommendations to support your recovery and claim.
10. Be wary of adjusters: Consult an attorney before accepting offers from insurance adjusters.

For guidance, reach out to our experienced team at David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm.

Common Personal Injuries in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, personal injuries vary widely. We help clients with:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are brain injuries caused by accidents like motor vehicle incidents, impacts, and falls. They affect a person physically, emotionally, behaviorally, and cognitively, often leading to significant disruption, particularly in severe cases.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are often caused by the impact of a crash or other forceful event. Typically, these injuries are severe and can result in partial or total paralysis.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is an “umbrella” term for damage to the neck’s soft tissues. It can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Even lower-speed crashes, such as a crash in a parking lot, can cause whiplash.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissues, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can be injured in various ways, leading to bruises, sprains, and strains. These injuries can cause lasting pain, and some may require surgery.
• Internal injuries: Internal organ damage or internal bleeding can occur when the body experiences a forceful impact. These injuries typically need quick evaluation and emergency treatment. If left undetected, serious injury can result.
• Broken bones: Broken bones and fractures are common injuries in accidents, affecting areas like legs, ankles, ribs, arms, wrists, and the pelvis. While some injuries heal on their own, serious breaks or compound fractures may require surgery.
• Burns, cuts, and lacerations: Burns, cuts, and lacerations can cause severe pain and permanent scarring. Common causes include chemical burns, hot surfaces, vehicle crashes, hard surfaces, and shattered glass.
• Amputations: Accidents can significantly impact limbs and appendages, such as arms, fingers, legs, and toes. If the injury is severe enough, amputation may be necessary. The loss of a body part can have a permanent disabling effect on an individual.
• Crush injuries: When a body part is caught between two objects, the pressure can push them together; if a person is caught in the middle, they can sustain a crush injury.
• Psychological injuries: Accidents can leave emotional scars, leaving a substantial impact on the injury victim. Examples include PTSD, depression, extreme fear, anxiety, and mental anguish.

This list is not exhaustive. If you’ve sustained an injury, contact us to see if you qualify for compensation.

How Much Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle For?

The value of your claim depends on several factors, including injury severity, medical costs, liability clarity, and insurance limits, and will need consideration when evaluating a case.

It is difficult to provide an exact amount for the value of a personal injury case, as every situation is different. In general, certain types of cases yield a higher compensation amount than others. For instance, medical malpractice cases typically range in the hundreds of thousands on average, whereas car accidents, on average, are in the tens of thousands. Each case is unique. Factors such as injury severity, liability, and insurance coverage will strongly influence the final compensation amount.

Even similar types of accidents can result in different payout amounts. Generally, the more severe or catastrophic the case, the higher the payout. Evaluated damages include physical suffering, mental anguish, and financial hardships. For instance, one Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can have a case that may be worth $1 million, while another may be worth $25,000 if one injury victim missed three weeks of work, while another may suffer a permanent disability and can no longer work.

David I. Fuchs Injury Law will discuss your potential settlement based on these elements and the circumstances surrounding your injury.

Factors That Limit a Settlement

In some cases, certain factors can limit a settlement. Insurance policy limits may reduce the amount of available compensation, pre-existing conditions may complicate a case, and insufficient evidence can pose obstacles in proving negligence. The defendant’s legal strategy can also affect the final outcome, especially if liability is disputed.

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Florida’s modified comparative negligence system is another important factor that can reduce a settlement amount. This system means that an injured individual cannot recover damages if they are assigned more than 50% of the blame.

If the fault is lower than 50%, the eligible compensation amount will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if an injured party is determined to be 20% at fault and they were awarded $100,000, they would receive $80,000.

Types of Compensation for Personal Injuries You May Receive

In personal injury accident cases, there are three primary categories of damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable losses, including, but not limited to, current medical bills, future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, surgery expenses, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future wages. These are calculable damages, and receipts can be tallied.

For instance, if you have accumulated $25,000 in medical bills to date and require surgery, which could add tens to hundreds of dollars to your medical expenses, these and any other out-of-pocket expenses are added up.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses, meaning they do not have a dollar amount attached to them but are damages nonetheless. Examples include pain and suffering, PTSD, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and disfigurement.

Because non-economic damages are difficult to quantify, your attorney can help assign a value based on legal methods such as the multiplier formula. The multiplier method is commonly used in calculating such damages. This approach takes the amount of economic damages as a starting point. The court will either assign or the parties will agree on a multiplier between 1.5 and 5. This multiplier is determined based on the severity of the victim’s injuries.

The agreed-upon number is then multiplied by the total of economic damages. For example, economic damages are $100,000, and the multiplier is 4. Non-economic damages will be $400,000. Since non-economic damages are subjective, having a skilled and experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney on your side is advantageous.

Punitive Damages in Florida

Punitive damages are not as common as economic and non-economic damages, but may be awarded in specific situations. Usually, this type of damage is given if the at-fault party committed an egregious act to not only financially punish the offender but also deter others from engaging in similar behaviors or decision-making.

Florida does place a limit on punitive damages. “Three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to each claimant entitled thereto, consistent with the remaining provisions of this section; or the sum of $500,000.” Some other exceptions may apply. It is a good idea to consult a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney.

How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?

There are several ways to pay out personal injury settlements:

• Lump sum: Lump sums are just what they sound like. The recipient immediately receives the full amount of their settlement in one payment. Accident victims facing high expenses to cover their recovery costs often elect this settlement type. The downsides are the possibility of quickly depleting funds for long-term needs without financial planning.
• Structured settlements: In a structured settlement, payments are disbursed in installments over a period of time so the recipient receives a predictable, steady, and secure income. Structured settlements may work best for individuals who prefer long-term financial security or wish to manage funds over time.

Compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) settlements are not taxable, but punitive damages are taxable according to IRS guidelines. It is a good idea to speak to your attorney about any tax implications.

Other factors can affect a settlement, such as attorney fees, liens, taxes, and court costs, since these must be paid. However, once a settlement is finalized, on average, recipients usually receive money within 30–60 days, unless other procedural delays, insurance red tape, or other legal requirements (e.g., liens) must be paid.

How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim in Fort Lauderdale?

To file a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale, you will need to take several steps:

1. Seek medical care: Seeking medical care is vital to get proper treatment and to document your injuries.
2. Document evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident while it’s still there. Take photos and videos, write down the sequence of events, and obtain witness contact information.
3. Notify insurers: Notify insurance companies of the accident, but be careful not to say too much. Only provide the basic information until after consulting an attorney. Insurance companies may use your statements to reduce or deny your claim.
4. Consult an attorney: Call a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale attorney right away. Your lawyer will provide legal advice and guidance on how to approach the situation. Your attorney can identify negligent parties, draft a demand letter, and begin the negotiation process to obtain compensation.
5. Negotiate a settlement: Negotiations are a critical part of the injury claim process. Your Florida personal injury lawyer can file a claim on your behalf to pursue fair compensation. Negotiations will continue until an agreement is reached. If negotiations fail, your lawyer can initiate a personal injury lawsuit.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida’s no-fault system applies to motor vehicle accidents. Your personal injury protection (PIP) covers up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault.

If injuries are severe, you can pursue additional compensation through other insurance coverage and third-party claims. This could include uninsured motorist (UM) or medical payments (Med Pay) coverage if it had been purchased, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, or a personal injury lawsuit.

Handling Partial Fault in Fort Lauderdale Accidents

Florida’s modified comparative fault rule allows recovery only if you are less than 51% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. We will work to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your compensation.

Filing Deadlines for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida

The state of Florida has a statute of limitations that stipulates injury victims must file within two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline may forfeit your right to compensation. Certain exceptions, such as injuries to minors or delayed discovery, may extend the deadline. Two years might sound like a long time, but it can take time to build a strong case, and you want to get started before evidence begins to erode.

Expected Resolution Timeline

The time to resolve a case varies based on injury severity, medical treatment duration, investigation complexity, negotiation processes, and potential litigation. We strive for timely resolution, always prioritizing your recovery and legal rights.

Costs of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront—we only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you. Our initial consultation will clarify this arrangement.

Our Consultations Are a Win-Win for You

There’s no pressure to hire if you have a case, and if you do, we get right to work. Our legal team will begin a free initial consultation with a few questions. You should bring any accident-related documents with you, such as police reports and medical bills. You can obtain an accident report from the local police department. If you don’t have these documents yet, our attorney will get them for you.

Our goal is to collect as much information as possible during this initial meeting, including details about accidents involving different types of injuries, insurance coverage, and any crash involving circumstances where injury occurred. This knowledge helps us identify the responsible party, determine how much your personal injury case is worth, and whether to file a personal injury claim or consider legal action.

What to Look for in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney

David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm is highly experienced in personal injury cases and can offer all of the above and more. Attorney Fuchs also recently received the honor of being named by Marquis Who’s Who for his distinction in legal services. With a strong, positive reputation in the community, backed by numerous client testimonials, our law firm is equipped to aggressively advocate on your behalf.

Ideally, your personal injury attorney should possess the following qualities:

Clear Communication

You want to work with an attorney who will keep clients informed, explain legal concepts in plain language, and who is responsive to emails and phone calls. Clear communication is essential.

Experience With Local Florida Courts/Judges

The value of hiring an attorney familiar with Fort Lauderdale courts, local judges, and regional procedures cannot be understated. Local experience can help anticipate court preferences, navigate scheduling, and craft strategies that resonate with specific judges.

Proven Success

Past case results matter because they demonstrate the likelihood of the success of your case, especially for settlements or verdicts in similar personal injury cases. Look for an attorney who has experience in the practice area relating to your type of injury and possesses a history of favorable outcomes, as these results may indicate their ability to handle the complexities of a case effectively. With a proven track record of success, clients trust David I. Fuchs to fight for them to help them get the compensation they need to recover.

Trial Readiness

Choosing a lawyer who is well-versed in Florida law and is an experienced trial lawyer who is prepared and willing to go to court if needed is another attribute you want in your legal representation. Insurance companies may offer higher settlements when they know the attorney will not hesitate to take the case to court. Trial readiness reflects confidence and a commitment to you.

Cost Transparency

While managing an injury, you want to avoid an attorney who is not upfront about pricing. Ask this upfront. A good attorney will be transparent about pricing. Most personal injury cases work on contingency fees, which means the lawyer will be paid a percentage of the settlement they secure. This means no upfront fees, although some attorneys will require a retainer. Be sure to ask.

Injured in Fort Lauderdale? Hire David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm to Fight for You.

A severe injury can completely upend your life. Our legal team understands the challenges you and your family may face and will work tirelessly on your behalf. We will manage the legal process from start to finish.

Personal injury cases require thoughtful handling. David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm is committed to helping you or your loved ones seek justice and compensation after a personal injury. Contact us today at 954-568-3636 or fill out our online contact form. For updates, follow #DavidtheLAWMAN on TikTok @davidfuchsflainjurylaw.

Resources for Fort Lauderdale Residents

Fort Lauderdale Emergency Rooms:

• Broward Health Medical Center Emergency Room
• Broward Health Imperial Point Emergency Room
• Florida Medical Center Emergency Room

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in Fort Lauderdale due to someone else’s negligence, seek immediate medical attention and contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer P.A. to explore your compensation options.

*Disclaimer – We do not endorse or profit from the listed medical providers.

Fort Lauderdale Courthouses:

• Broward County Clerk of Courts
• S. District Court Clerk
• Federal Building