Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney — Fighting for the Compensation You Deserve
When you or a loved one suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be devastating. Medical bills pile up, you miss time from work, and the physical pain disrupts every aspect of your daily life. I’m Eric J. Goldman, and for years I’ve represented injured individuals throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. My mission is straightforward: hold negligent parties accountable and recover the full compensation my clients are entitled to under Florida law.
At Eric J. Goldman, P.A., you won’t be passed off to a paralegal or lost in a sea of cases. I personally handle every client’s claim because I believe that dedicated, hands-on representation produces better results. If you’ve been injured in an accident, I encourage you to call me at (954) 536-7557 for a free consultation so we can discuss your legal options.
Types of Personal Injury Cases I Handle
My Fort Lauderdale personal injury practice covers a wide range of cases, including:
- Auto Accidents — Collisions on I-95, I-595, US-1, and throughout Broward County, including rear-end crashes, T-bone collisions, and rideshare accidents.
- Slip and Fall Injuries — Falls caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and other hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.
- Premises Liability — Injuries on commercial or residential property due to negligent maintenance, inadequate security, swimming pool hazards, and dog bites.
- Negligence Claims — Any situation where another party’s failure to exercise reasonable care results in your injury.
- Wrongful Death — Claims brought by surviving family members when negligence causes a loved one’s death.
No matter what type of accident caused your injuries, the underlying legal question is usually the same: did someone else’s carelessness cause you harm? If the answer is yes, Florida law provides a path to compensation.
Understanding Florida’s Personal Injury Laws
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, which means that after a car accident, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, PIP coverage is limited to $10,000, and it only covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. When your injuries are serious — such as significant and permanent scarring, bone fractures, or permanent limitation of a body function — you have the right to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Under Florida Statute 768.81, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you bear some responsibility for your accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Critically, following the 2023 tort reform legislation, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for your injuries, you are barred from recovering damages entirely. This makes it essential to have an experienced attorney who can build a strong case establishing the other party’s primary liability.
Statute of Limitations
Under Florida Statute 95.11, you generally have four years from the date of a negligence-based injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is two years. Missing these deadlines almost always means losing your right to seek compensation, which is why I recommend contacting my office as soon as possible after an accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Florida personal injury law allows injured individuals to seek both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In rare cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. Every case is different, and during your free consultation I’ll give you an honest assessment of the damages you may be entitled to pursue.
Why Choose Eric J. Goldman, P.A.?
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can make or break your case. Here’s what sets my practice apart:
- Personal attention — I handle your case directly. You’ll always have my cell phone number and direct email.
- Local knowledge — I practice in the Broward County courts every day. I know the judges, the defense attorneys, and how local juries think.
- No fee unless we win — I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless I recover compensation for you.
- Aggressive representation — Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to trial. I prepare every case as if it’s going to a jury, and that approach gets results at the negotiating table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
At Eric J. Goldman, P.A., I work on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost and no hourly billing. My fee is a percentage of the recovery I obtain for you, and if I don’t win your case, you owe me nothing.
How long does a personal injury case take in Florida?
Every case is different. Some claims settle within a few months through negotiation with the insurance company, while cases that go to trial in Broward County Circuit Court can take a year or longer. I focus on resolving your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the full value of your claim.
What should I do immediately after an accident?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine — many injuries have delayed symptoms. Document the scene with photos if you can, get contact information from witnesses, file a police report, and contact my office before giving any statements to insurance companies.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law (Florida Statute 768.81), your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
What if the insurance company already made me an offer?
Insurance companies frequently make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Before accepting any settlement, call me at (954) 536-7557 for a free case evaluation. I can advise you whether the offer is fair or whether you deserve significantly more.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence anywhere in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or South Florida, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call Eric J. Goldman, P.A. at (954) 536-7557 for a free, no-obligation consultation. I’ll review the facts of your case, explain your legal rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.