Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Everywhere you turn in Fort Lauderdale, people are walking, riding bikes, playing on the water, taking a scenic drive down A1A, or just hanging out on the town having fun. All of this movement does not come without risk. People suffer injuries in South Florida every day—and in many cases, these accidents happen because of others’ negligence.

At Meldon Law, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers know of the many challenges that you face as an accident victim. Figuring out how to pay for unexpected medical bills or even your basic expenses is stress-inducing. We are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve and handle all aspects of the legal process. We will fight for you like you’re family, and we won’t back down.

Call Meldon Law for a free case evaluation today.

Can You Sue for Personal Injury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?

Yes, you can sue for personal injury in Fort Lauderdale. If you have been injured due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

To successfully pursue a personal injury claim in Florida, you must typically prove the following elements:

• Duty of care: The defendant owed you a duty to act with reasonable care.
• Breach of duty: The defendant breached this duty through their negligent or wrongful actions.
• Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the defendant’s actions.

If you were injured in an accident and you weren’t at fault, contact a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case, help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary. We can help you navigate the legal process.

Cases Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers Represent

When the Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Meldon Law wake up in the morning, we have one thing on our minds: serving injured people. Pursuing financial justice isn’t a job––it’s a calling, and everyone on our team is passionate about achieving top-dollar settlements for injured people.

If you were injured in an accident, whether it was due to an intentional act or negligence, you can seek compensation with our team’s help. Some of our practice areas in Broward County include; car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, drunk driving accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bite and others.

You Can Expect Quality Legal Representation From Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers

Our Florida accident attorneys are a force to be reckoned with, inside and outside the courtroom. When we take your personal injury case, we won’t settle for a penny less than you deserve. We routinely fight insurance companies, defense lawyers, and other professionals without batting an eye. Nothing scares us––and with more than 50 years of legal experience, why should it?

With your case in our hands, we will:

• Investigate the accident
• Collect evidence to support your personal injury claim
• Identify the liable party or parties
• Assist you in filing your claim
• Negotiate a settlement with the liable insurance company
• Prepare for trial
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a negotiated compensation settlement does not meet your needs

We are passionate about each client’s welfare. Even after your case, we’re here for your injury-related legal matters.

You Can Get Help From Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys at No Upfront Cost

Meldon Law operates on a contingency-fee basis. But what does this mean? Our clients don’t pay anything upfront to retain our legal services, and we don’t charge our personal injury clients retainers or hourly rates. Payment for help from our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers comes from the compensation we pursue on your behalf. That way, you don’t have to pay anything from your own savings to get an advocate.

How the Personal Injury Claims Process Works in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you’re considering filing a personal injury case in Fort Lauderdale, you may be wondering how the claims process works. The personal injury claims process typically follows these steps:

• Seeking medical treatment: Immediately after the injury, seek appropriate medical care. This is crucial for your health and also documents your injuries.
• Consultation with an attorney: Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case.
• Investigation: Your attorney will gather evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
• Filing an insurance claim: Your lawyer will notify the at-fault party’s insurance company of your intent to file a claim.
• Demand letter: Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, your attorney will send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, damages, and desired compensation.
• Negotiations: The insurance company will likely respond with a counteroffer, leading to a period of negotiation.
• Settlement or lawsuit: If a fair settlement is reached, you’ll sign an agreement and receive compensation. If not, your attorney may file a lawsuit.
• Discovery: If a lawsuit is filed, both sides exchange information in a process called discovery.
• Mediation or arbitration: Many cases go through alternative dispute resolution methods before trial.
• Trial: If all else fails, your case will go to trial where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.
• Appeal: Either party may appeal the decision if they believe legal errors were made during the trial.

This process can vary in length and complexity depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Throughout the process, your attorney will handle communications with the insurance company and opposing counsel, allowing you to focus on your recovery. It’s important to be patient, as resolving personal injury claims can take time, especially if litigation becomes necessary.

How Much Is a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim Worth?

The value of a personal injury claim in Fort Lauderdale can vary significantly from case to case, as it depends on a wide range of factors unique to each situation. One of the primary factors that influence the value of a personal injury claim is the severity and extent of the injuries suffered. 

Cases involving more severe injuries often result in higher compensation. The costs associated with medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, also impact the claim’s value. If the injuries lead to a loss of income due to missed work or a reduced earning capacity in the future, these economic damages will be factored into the claim’s value. 

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can influence the value of a personal injury claim. The circumstances surrounding the incident that caused the injuries also play a role in determining the case’s value. The clarity of fault and the strength of the evidence supporting the claim can also impact its value.

Other factors that can affect the value of a personal injury claim include the victim’s age and future medical care needs. The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault party and the victim’s own insurance policies can also influence the potential settlement or award.

When to Consider Hiring a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury cases can get extremely complicated. As tempting as it may feel to forgo legal help, handling an injury case by yourself can quickly turn into an overwhelming ordeal. You may consider hiring Meldon Law if:

You Suffered Life-Altering Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered severe or catastrophic injuries in an accident, you need a settlement that accounts for your pain, suffering, and treatment costs. These conditions may include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Joint dislocation
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• The loss of a limb
• The loss of a sense (such as your vision)
• Cognitive impairments

Many insurance companies balk at the idea of paying for severe injuries. So, to limit its liability, the insurer may refute the cause of your condition or its effects on your life. That’s when you can turn to the team at Meldon Law.

Since our founding in 1971, we’ve gone head-to-head with countless insurance companies, from mom-and-pop agencies to the ones you see on TV. We know the tricks insurers use to devalue claimants’ losses––and most of all, we know how to combat these practices. Don’t let the insurer’s offer leave you with out-of-pocket expenses. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers will seek what you’re owed.

Your Case Involves Multiple Parties

Some cases involve more than one at-fault and liable party. Consider this scenario to understand more. You’re injured in a truck accident on I-95. The trucker fell asleep at the wheel because their employer imposed unreasonable delivery schedules.

Here, you could possibly hold the individual trucker and their employer responsible. Yet, this can involve dealing with multiple insurance companies and multiple lawyers. Rather than juggle communications with these entities alone, your lawyer can manage those obligations. They can hold each involved party accountable for their negligence.

The Insurance Company Has Denied Your Claim

Most personal injury cases get resolved through insurance settlements. Yet, the insurer may deny your claim, either out of bad faith or another reason. You have options in a situation like this. For instance, your personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can evaluate the reason for your claim’s denial and respond accordingly.

Depending on the reason for the denial, your lawyer may:

• Resubmit certain documents
• Review the details of your accident
• Reevaluate the liable insurance policy
• Present additional forms of evidence
• Explore alternative avenues of seeking damages

If the insurance company refuses to budge, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In this instance, they can take depositions, present your case at trial, and fight for what you need.

Learn more about what Meldon Law’s Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can do for you today.

You’re Unsure About How to Navigate the Claims Process

Insurance claims can get complicated, even if the cause of the accident seems straightforward. For that reason alone, you may consider hiring a lawyer. Insurance companies have no problem taking advantage of people who are unaware of their legal options. With an advocate on your side, you can breathe easy knowing that we’re navigating the claims process with your best interests in mind.

You don’t need a specific reason to hire a personal injury lawyer from Meldon Law. If you plain just don’t want to manage the claims process, we’re here to take those obligations off your hands.

Why Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers Recommend Staying Off Social Media

Personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale recommend staying off social media during a Florida injury claim because your online activity can significantly impact your case. Here’s how social media can affect your claim:

• Contradicting your injury claims: Posts showing physical activities or a seemingly happy demeanor can be used to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed.
• Providing evidence against you: Insurance companies and defense attorneys often search social media for any information that could weaken your case.
• Inadvertent admissions: Even innocent comments about your accident or injuries could be misconstrued or taken out of context.
• Time stamp issues: Posts can be used to challenge your timeline of events or your whereabouts at certain times.
• Privacy settings aren’t foolproof: Even with strict privacy settings, your posts might be accessible through friends or screenshots.
• Emotional state: Posts expressing anger or frustration could be used to portray you negatively to a jury.
• Discussions about your case: Any mentions of your case, even vague ones, could violate confidentiality or provide ammunition for the defense.
• Location check-ins: These can contradict claims about limited mobility or lifestyle changes due to injuries.
• Photos and videos: Visual evidence can be particularly damaging if it shows you engaging in activities inconsistent with your claimed injuries.
• Third-party posts: Even if you’re not posting, friends and family might tag you or post about you, which could also be used against you.

Staying off social media during your personal injury claim is a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of your case. While it may be inconvenient, it’s a small sacrifice that can potentially save you from significant legal complications and help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. 

If you must use social media, consult with your attorney about best practices and potential risks. Remember, anything you post online could potentially become evidence in your case, so it’s best to err on the side of caution until your claim is resolved. Learn more about how social media can affect your claim.

Who May Be Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim?

In a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim, various parties may be liable depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Determining liability is crucial, as it establishes who is legally responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. Some of the parties that may be liable in a personal injury claim include:

• Individuals: If a person’s negligent or intentional actions cause harm to another, they may be liable for the resulting injuries. Examples include drivers in car accidents, property owners in slip and fall cases, or individuals who commit assault or battery.
• Businesses: Companies can be liable for personal injuries in several situations. For instance, if an employee causes harm to someone while acting within the scope of their employment, the business may be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability. Businesses can also be liable for injuries resulting from unsafe premises, defective products, or negligent hiring practices.
• Government entities: In some cases, government agencies may be liable for personal injuries. This can occur when an injury results from poorly maintained public property, negligent actions of government employees, or inadequate safety measures in public spaces. However, claims against government entities often have specific requirements and shorter deadlines, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney experienced in handling such cases.
• Product manufacturers and distributors: If a defective product causes injuries, the manufacturer, designer, or distributor of the product may be liable under the principle of product liability. This applies to a wide range of products, including vehicles, appliances, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
• Medical professionals: In cases of medical malpractice, healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals may be liable for injuries caused by negligent medical care, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes.
• Multiple parties: In some situations, multiple parties may share liability for a personal injury. For example, in a multi-vehicle car accident, several drivers may be at fault, or in a construction accident, the property owner, general contractor, and subcontractors may all bear some responsibility for the resulting injuries.

Establishing liability in a personal injury claim can be complex, as it often requires thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and legal analysis. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can help identify the liable parties, build a case, and pursue compensation from all those responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The length of time you have to file a lawsuit after your injury depends on the applicable statute of limitations. Florida gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury cases. There are extenuating circumstances that could give you more or less time to act.

Should negotiations with the insurance company come to an impasse, your lawyer may opt to file a lawsuit. Yet, there are other reasons to consider prompt legal action. For instance, evidence needs prompt collection to remain compelling. Eyewitnesses should give their testimonies while their memories are still fresh.

There is no cost or obligation to discuss your case with our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers. So, there is no risk in exploring your options with Meldon Law.

Damages Your Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover

For us, fair compensation is more than a dollar amount. It represents closing a challenging chapter in our clients’ lives. We pursue the full cost of your economic and non-economic damages, which may include:

• Medical bills. Compensation could include reimbursement for surgery, medications, treatment, hospitalization, and doctors’ visits. We will also include future medical expenses.
• Lost income. You can include the cost of any income you lost as a result of your injuries. You can also seek compensation for lost tips, bonuses, and benefits.
• Loss of future earning capacity. If your injuries affect your earning power, we can seek damages for the loss of your earning power.
• Anything you spent out of pocket. You may have spent money out of pocket on some injury-related expenses, such as transportation expenses. We can include those losses in your claim or lawsuit.
• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering offers compensation for the discomfort, trauma, and inconvenience your injuries caused.
• Other non-economic damages. Non-economic damages don’t come with specific dollar values. We assess your situation to determine what you’re owed. Aside from pain and suffering, other compensable non-economic losses include scarring, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

We assess your situation to determine what you’re owed. Aside from pain and suffering, other compensable non-economic losses include scarring, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Each personal injury case is different, and damages depend on many factors, including the extent of your injuries, the emotional suffering involved, and your expected recovery period.

Our Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers Are Committed to Your Case’s Success

We give your case the time and attention to detail it deserves. That way, we can present the strongest possible case and pursue every dollar you need––just as we’ve done for countless others for decades. In our years of service, we’ve achieved these outcomes:

• A semi-truck hit our client. We recovered $3 million after investigating the collision and presenting their case to the insurer.
• Our client was in a parking lot when a car hit her. She required lower back surgery and rehabilitation to regain her mobility. We secured $1.25 million for her losses.
• Our client was riding around with his grandson on a newly purchased three-wheel bicycle when a defective part severed the boy’s fingers. We secured $108,300.

These are just a fraction of the cases we’ve resolved for clients in situations just like yours. You can trust that with our team on your side, we seek every dollar you need.

Tips for a Successful Claim From a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

As you consider legal help, you may wonder what you can do now to bolster your case’s outcome. Some considerations our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers recommend include:

Getting Medical Attention

One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to seek medical care. Two things about the importance of seeking medical care:

• You want to do everything possible to reach maximum medical improvement. Even waiting a few days to seek treatment could add months to your estimated recovery time. (It can also give the insurance company the opportunity to claim that your injuries are unrelated to the accident in question.
• Medical documentation serves as the basis of your personal injury claim. Your x-rays, imaging scans, and lab test results can tie your condition to the accident.

What’s more, we can use your doctor’s testimony to validate certain aspects of your claim, including what types of treatment you require.

Refusing to Give the Insurer a Recorded Statement

If the liable insurer knows that you don’t have a lawyer, the insurance adjuster may pressure you into giving a recorded statement. Here, they’ll ask some misleading questions that hope to get you to:

• Admit fault for the accident
• Downplay the severity of your condition
• Invalidate an aspect of your claim

Any statements you make to the other party’s insurance company can come back to haunt you. Their insurance agents may use your words against you to deny your claim or lower the value of your compensation. When you hire a lawyer, we can give the insurer the required information.

What to Expect During a Free Case Review With a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

Meldon Law offers free case reviews where you can gain more insight into your legal options and the benefit of partnering with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. During your initial consultation, we can discuss:

• Your case’s possible outcome
• What damages you could seek
• Our practice areas and commitment to client success
• Your next steps

There is no obligation to partner with us. This is your opportunity to discuss your case and learn of the next steps to file a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim.

We’re More Than Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyers; We’re Proud Community Members

At Meldon Law, we’re the fabric of the communities in which we serve. When we’re not serving injured people in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state, we’re:

• Representing the Florida Gators. As the only official law firm partner of the Florida Gators, we extend our insights to the University of Florida students in need of assistance.
• Spearheading initiatives. We spring into action when our community needs us. Whether it’s giving talks at public schools or donating to charity, we give back in any way we can.
• Publishing educational media. We spend a lot of time educating our community about their legal rights. We accomplish this through podcasts, blogs, TV talk shows, consumer guides, and books.

Start Your Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Accidents and injuries can take place when you least expect them –– often changing the lives of the injured party and their loved ones. Our Florida personal injury firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Broward County, and our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process.

We aren’t afraid to fight for the rights of those who have been injured through no fault of their own. If you were the victim of an act of negligence, you should not be left with the bills. Reach out to us to learn more about your right to compensation.