Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale Fighting for Real Justice
If you have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you need a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer who will protect your rights and advocate for the best outcome. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is proud to serve clients in Fort Lauderdale and other communities in Florida.
Our knowledgeable attorneys provide individualized legal services for injured people in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. If you have been hurt through no fault of your own, or a member of your family was seriously injured or tragically died due to someone’s negligence, we can champion your cause and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Your initial consultation is FREE, and you pay no fees unless we win. Learn how a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can get you Real Justice. Call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers at (954) 866-1111 today.
Why Choose Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers?
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we know personal injury law inside and out. We’ve rightfully earned a reputation for being tough to beat. Don’t gamble with your future. You need a personal injury law firm with the depth of experience to ensure a fair fight.
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Here are just a few reasons we’re the right firm for you:
- Award-winning lawyers
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Specialization in personal injury law
- Five-star client testimonials
- Trial experience and success
We offer a FREE consultation and operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win.
We Handle All Types of Personal Injury Cases
The aftermath of an accident is an incredibly difficult time. You’re suffering through a lot of sleepless nights, replaying the accident in your head. We get it. It is a traumatic point in your life.
Accidents can happen for any reason, but it’s especially frustrating when they happen because someone is careless. If you were injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered.
Personal injury law can be complex, but luckily, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are here to help. Some of the many practice areas we handle for our accident injury clients include:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Slip & Fall
- Premises Liability
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Wrongful Death
Even a minor injury can lead to expensive medical bills and a lengthy recovery period. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is committed to securing a settlement or trial award that not only makes up for your expenses but provides you peace of mind and a path for the future.
What Damages Are Available in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Case?
Damages in personal injury cases are divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are losses that are financially quantifiable. These may include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs
- Lost income
- Future earnings
- Household services
- Home modifications to accommodate disability
- In-home nursing
Non-economic damages are personal losses that can’t be easily calculated in dollars and cents. They contribute to an often intangible, decreased quality of life. These could include damages such as:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Limb loss
- Visible scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of consortium/companionship
In some cases, injury victims can even recover damages for humiliation and shame. Additional compensation for punitive damages may also be available if the accident involved “intentional misconduct or gross negligence” on the part of the defendant.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we provide our clients with authentic guidance tailored to their specific situation. Every personal injury case is different. During your initial consultation, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can provide an accurate estimate of what your case may be worth based on years of real experience in the courtroom and handling settlement negotiations.
What to Expect from a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we believe in authenticity. Many personal injury law firms in the Fort Lauderdale area deal in volume, taking a lot of cases and trying to settle them quickly. Our firm is different. We make taking care of clients our highest priority. That means:
- Listening closely to your story
- Putting you at ease
- Addressing any questions and concerns you may have
- Exploring ALL your legal options
- Reviewing any available evidence, such as bills, medical records, accident reports, etc.
- Promptly investigating the accident and gathering additional evidence
- Consulting experts to prepare a strong case on your behalf
- Identifying all the parties liable for the accident
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Discussing whether to accept a settlement offer or file a lawsuit and go to trial
We strive to build genuine, supportive relationships with our clients. This requires a level of accessibility, empathy, and hands-on attention uncommon among personal injury lawyers.
From the first time you speak with an intake specialist or walk through the doors of our Fort Lauderdale law office, you will be treated with utmost respect and kindness. Our attorneys and staff will keep you updated regularly on the progress of your case, as well as make themselves available to answer your questions.
As Real Advocates, we are dedicated to your overall well-being in addition to the successful conclusion of your case. We can connect you with medical professionals and support services to aid in your recovery. This relationship continues after the case is over, ensuring that you have the resources you need to overcome obstacles and continue the healing journey.
Connect with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer and discover what sets Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers apart. Real Justice is just a phone call away.
– you are in good hands!
How a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You
Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf of our clients. We have Real Experience with personal injury law, enabling us to take on a wide range of challenging cases and develop highly successful strategies for resolving them in our clients’ favor.
Our personal injury attorneys put the full weight of their knowledge and skill to:
- Investigate the Accident
Our team springs into action without delay so critical evidence does not get lost. We quickly visit the scene to take photographs, as well as collect other evidence such as:- Eyewitness testimony
- Video footage from traffic cameras, surveillance devices, etc.
- Copies of crash reports from the local police or Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Data from the vehicle(s) involved
- Expert accident reconstructions
- Review Your Medical Records
Medical records document the injuries you suffered in the accident. This documentary evidence is essential for establishing the severity of your injuries, especially if you sustained a catastrophic injury. - Determining Fault
Proving negligence is often a key component of personal injury claims. Our lawyers’ in-depth investigations and knowledge of the legal system enable us to hold all defendants accountable. - Calculating Damages
A capable personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will pursue full compensation for your losses. This includes damages to date, as well as expenses and other burdens you will face in the future. - Advocating for You
The path to Real Justice is one you don’t have to walk alone. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers’ vast experience allows us to explore all avenues for recovery—including settlements, litigation, and trial. It also guarantees that your case will be handled with full knowledge of Florida’s personal injury laws, including the statute of limitations for making a claim.
Get the representation you need to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. Each Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers approaches every case with integrity, diligence, and a focus on each client’s individual needs and goals.
Contact us for a FREE consultation.
Common Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury FAQs
A personal injury is an injury that physically harms your body. While it can also include property damage, such as a car accident, there must be evidence of bodily harm for it to fall under the legal definition of a personal injury.
Most personal injury cases involve the legal theory of negligence. Negligence means that the person who caused the injury didn’t act in a way that a reasonably careful person would have acted in the same situation.
To win a negligence case in Florida, you must prove the following:
- Duty: Defendant had a duty to act carefully
- Breach: Defendant failed in the duty to act carefully
- Causation: Your injuries were a direct result of defendant’s breach
- Damages: You were injured
In some personal injury cases, a finding of negligence, recklessness, or intent isn’t required. This is called “strict liability,” which means the fact the harm occurred is enough to assign liability. Florida recognizes strict liability in three main areas:
- Dog Bites
- Abnormally Dangerous Activity
- Defective Products
Under Florida’s strict liability law, defendants are liable for all the damages they caused, even if they weren’t negligent.
In general, if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or a strict liability case as noted above, then you may have a personal injury case.
However, it’s difficult for us to say for certain until we’ve met with you to understand the accident and your resulting injury. Once we’ve had a chance to go over the case with you and assess the facts, we’ll be able to give you our professional opinion regarding the strength of your case.
Types of Personal Injury Cases in Fort Lauderdale
There’s a wide spectrum of personal injury cases and many ways to be injured by another’s negligence. The types of cases we see in our practice are:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Brain injuries
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Burn injuries
No matter what type of personal injury you’ve suffered, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers are ready to advocate on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (954) 866-1111 to discuss your case.
In most Florida personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims in Florida are also limited to two years.
This time limit is called the statute of limitations. It exists to ensure evidence is preserved and available, witness recollections are fresh, and to alert defendants when they may defend a claim.
If you suffered a personal injury, it’s imperative to retain a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It takes time to build a strong, solid case. Getting an early start can mean the difference between a positive or negative outcome.
There are a number of things you should (and should not) do after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale.
- Check on anyone who may be injured.
- Call 911.
- Be careful when speaking to the police or others at the scene. This isn’t the time to apologize, even if you think you’re the one at fault.
- Do not refuse medical treatment. This can come back to haunt you, especially if pain or injury surfaces the next day.
- If you can handle it, take pictures/video at the scene.
- Get contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Call a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Even if you think the accident is minor, a FREE consultation with a qualified lawyer will help protect your rights from the start.
- Watch what you post on social media…and not just about the accident. If you’re claiming serious, life-changing injuries and are seen out at a bar having a great time, you can be sure the insurance companies’ investigators will find your post.
- The same rule applies to verbal or text discussions about the incident and your injuries. Limit your conversations to your medical treatment providers, your closest family members, and your attorney.
Florida uses the theory of modified comparative negligence to calculate damages in a personal injury case. Simply put, if you contributed to the accident that caused your injuries, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This means that if your total award is $100,000 but you’re found to have been 25% to blame for the accident, your award will be reduced by 25% and you’ll walk away with only 75% ($75,000). If it is found that your share of fault exceeds that of the defendant (i.e., you are 51% or more at fault), you will be unable to make a claim.
Personal injury victims may be compensated for their injuries through a settlement with the insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit. As one of the leading personal injury law firms in Florida, Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers has the skills and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Important steps you can take to preserve your rights and increase the likelihood of a fair outcome include:
- Gather information at the scene (if possible)
- Do not admit fault to the parties involved or their insurers
- Seek medical attention right away following the accident
- Follow your doctors’ recommendations for treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation
- Keep track of expenses and medical records
- Do not return to work until you feel ready
- If you are no longer able to perform key functions of your job, keep track of the income you’re losing and the impact on your finances
- Maintain detailed records of the physical, mental, and emotional effects of your injuries
When you’re ready to seek legal advice, contact Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers and be as detailed as possible in telling us exactly what happened. This will help us determine what parties are responsible, evaluate the full extent of your damages, and leave no stone unturned when identifying potential sources of compensation.
If an insurance company representative tries to contact you, you should tell them to direct their questions to our team. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will know what to expect from insurers and be able to handle communications without jeopardizing your claim.
The compensation available in a personal injury case depends on the specific circumstances of your case. When we review your case, we may give you an estimated range. However, it’s important to understand that settlement or verdict amounts are unpredictable, and the amount may end up higher or lower than expected.
Factors That Impact Your Personal Injury Settlement
The amount of money you may get depends on various factors, including:
- Type of incident (e.g., medical malpractice, a two-vehicle accident, a slip and fall at a business, etc.)
- Severity of your injuries
- Extent of financial loss
- Whether your injuries will heal or become a long-term disability
- Your percentage of fault
- Insurance policies of the parties involved
- Whether your case goes to trial
Your settlement could vary greatly in dollar amount. It’s best to manage your expectations until you’ve had a chance to review your case with a personal injury attorney experienced with cases like yours.
Research suggests that a personal injury lawyer is a major asset in the fight for compensation. Not only do your chances of settling increase significantly, but the amount of your settlement increases as well. In some cases, the settlement amount increases threefold (and that’s after attorney fees are deducted).
The truth is, without an attorney, insurance companies will try to take advantage of you. They’ll pressure you into signing a lowball offer, leaving you out of luck (and stuck with a huge bill) if your injuries are worse than originally thought.
Hiring our Fort Lauderdale personal injury team will allow you to focus on your recovery while we play hardball with the insurance companies. If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and fight to get you as much compensation as possible.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Attorneys base their fees on the difficulty of the case, their level of experience, the amount of time involved, and their operational costs. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we’re able to secure a financial award on your behalf. If you don’t win, we don’t get paid.
A contingency fee agreement means you agree that your lawyer can bill you for approved, itemized expenses (e.g., copies) and take an agreed-upon percentage of the damages after you recover.
The Florida Bar provides guidelines for attorney fees as follows:
- Defendants have 20 days to answer your complaint. If your case settles before the defendant answers your complaint:
- There’s a 33 1/3% attorney fee cap on a settlement of up to $1 million.
- If your settlement exceeds $1 million, the cap is incrementally reduced (i.e., 30% for the portion of a recovery between $1 million and $2 million, 20% for proceeds in excess of $2 million).
- If you settle or win after the defendant answers your complaint:
- Attorneys may receive up to 40% of the contingent fee up to $1 million.
- If the amount is over $1 million, the percentage is reduced in increments (i.e., 20% on proceeds between $1 million and $2 million, 15% on any portion above $2 million).
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t try to deal with your injuries and financial worries alone. Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is ready to help you get the money you deserve so you can protect your future. We care about our clients, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to achieve Real Justice on their behalf.
Our firm has decades of trial experience in personal injury cases, recovering more than $1 billion in damages. We are available at any time—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—to hear your story and start protecting your rights.
Call Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers at (954) 866-1111 today. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers serve clients throughout Broward County.