Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyers In Florida As the nation’s third most populous state and one of the most popular tourist hotspots, Florida ranks second only to California for legal disputes. In 2023, the state recorded about 915,000 civil cases, with 60% being personal injury lawsuits, well above the national average of 11.65%. The Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) logged 1,958,305 nonfatal emergency department (ED) visits and 156,136 nonfatal hospitalizations in 2023. Traffic accidents remain the leading cause of personal injuries in Florida. The state saw hundreds of thousands of people hurt in traffic crashes alone in 2023, with motor vehicle collisions accounting for 252,285 injuries statewide, per Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, bore a heavy share of this toll. Beyond the roads, slip-and-fall injuries, boating accidents, medical mistakes, workplace incidents and defective product claims also result in personal injury litigation in Florida. When you’re facing medical bills, lost wages or lasting pain from a wreck, a fall or any unintentional injury, you need a top personal injury lawyer on your side who knows every route to recovery. At Florin|Roebig, our board-certified personal injury attorneys in Florida cut through the complex legal jargon, build your case with precision and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve—no matter how you were hurt. How Personal Injury Claims Work in Florida Florida’s personal injury laws significantly changed on March 24, 2023, when House Bill 837 took effect. Here’s what you need to know to navigate your claim under the new rules: 1. Statute of Limitations Incidents on or after March 24, 2023: You must sue within 2 years of the date your injury occurred or, if it wasn’t immediately apparent, within 2 years of discovering it. Incidents before March 24, 2023: You have 4 years from the date of injury or discovery of a delayed injury to file. 2. Modified Comparative Negligence Florida shifted from pure to modified comparative negligence. Now, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages. Otherwise, your award will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. 3. Medical-Expense Documentation Any claim for medical expenses must be supported by evidence of the amount actually paid or, if unpaid, itemized billing showing the reasonable cost. If you used a letter of protection, you must file a copy along with all related medical bills and coding details before seeking recovery. 4. Attorney Fees HB 837 creates a rebuttable presumption that the lodestar method yields a fair, reasonable fee in most civil cases. Using this method means your lawyer worked a reasonable number of hours on your case, multiplied by an hourly rate presumed appropriate, streamlining fee disputes. 5. Filing Your Claim The type of personal injury you suffered determines the kind of personal injury claim you can file and with whom. You must be able to prove that a person or entity was liable for your injury, whether intentionally or through negligence, to sue them for the injury. Vehicle crashes: Start by filing a claim with your insurance company against your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. Slip-and-falls, dog bites, premises liability: File against the at-fault party’s homeowners’ or general liability carrier. Medical malpractice, product liability: File against the responsible person’s professional or commercial liability insurance provider. Remember, every conversation with an insurance claims adjuster or the insurance company’s attorney can affect your recovery. It’s their job to reduce your payout. When you hire an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer at Florin|Roebig, we will handle all insurer communications, preserve your rights under HB 837 and fight for the maximum compensation. What Can Influence the Amount of Your Personal Injury Case in Florida? Several elements shape how much you might recover under Florida personal injury law. Our board-certified attorneys at Florin|Roebig know how to navigate these rules to ensure you get a fair outcome. Below are some key factors that can affect your settlement or award. Injury Severity and Costs The seriousness of your injury impacts nearly every part of your claim. Hospital stays and surgeries usually mean higher medical bills, more significant lost wages and potentially future care needs, resulting in a bigger settlement. A milder injury that heals fully after a few treatments will carry a lower value. Any pre-existing condition worsened by your accident also factors in, since insurers and courts will compare your before-and-after medical needs. Fault and Comparative Negligence Florida’s switch to modified comparative negligence means fault may be split, which reduces your award. For example, if you were speeding when someone else ran a red light and hit you, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault. As mentioned above, if it’s determined that you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover at all. Prior to HB 837, for accidents before March 24, 2023, you could be 99% at fault and still recover. Pinpointing Liability You must show who breached the duty of care that led to your harm. In a slip-and-fall, was it a distracted clerk, a negligent manager or the property owner? In a medical-error claim, was it a misdiagnosis by a doctor or a hospital staffing issue? Identifying every potentially responsible party and their insurance ensures no avenue for recovery is missed. Damage Caps and Required Evidence Under HB 837, economic damages for unpaid medical bills are capped at the amount actually paid, and you must submit receipts or itemized bills. If you used a letter of protection, courts now require the actual billed amount, no estimates, tied to what an insurer would’ve paid. If you weren’t insured, the bill gets adjusted to a Medicare/Medicaid benchmark. All of that paperwork can make or break your claim value. You might also be interested in... Florida Car Accident Lawyer Learn more about car accident lawsuits Read More Hurricane Ian Lawyer How to file a hurricane damage claim Read More Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney Common causes of pedestrian accidents Read More Filing a Florida Personal Injury Claim: Your Step-by-Step Guide Navigating the claims process can feel difficult for injury victims and their families, especially when you’re focused on healing. Having a knowledgeable Florida personal injury lawyer by your side can ease the process through legal advice and assistance to ensure all required paperwork and fees are submitted on time and you don’t negatively impact your case by taking incorrect actions. This step-by-step guide can help you stay organized and safeguard your rights in your Florida personal injury claim: Step 1: Secure and Preserve Evidence The strength of your claim rests on clear, well-documented proof. As soon as you’re able, collect and preserve: Photos and video of the scene, your injuries and any damage Police or incident reports, including any ticket information Names, contact info and written statements from witnesses All medical records from on-scene care through follow-up visits Receipts for medical expenses and documentation of lost wages Store digital files in the cloud and keep originals in a safe place to prevent loss or tampering. Step 2: Identify Who’s Liable You must name every person who might share fault and that you will be seeking compensation from for your injury, which may include: Car crashes: Other drivers, vehicle owners or even local agencies responsible for road upkeep Premises cases: Employees, managers, property owners and maintenance contractors Product-injury claims: Manufacturers, distributors or retailers The Florin|Roebig legal team can help you identify the responsible parties by conducting a thorough investigation, including reviewing surveillance, maintenance logs and expert reports, to ensure no responsible party slips through the cracks. Step 3: File Your Personal Injury Claims Before suing, you generally must notify and submit your demand to the relevant insurers: Auto wrecks: File with your PIP carrier first (mandatory in Florida), then with the at-fault driver’s liability insurer. Slip-and-falls, dog bites, premises liability: Send your demand package to the property owner’s homeowners’ or general liability carrier. Medical or product liability: Present your claim to the professional’s or company’s malpractice/commercial carrier. To begin negotiations, your Florida personal injury lawyer will draft a clear, well-supported demand letter, including a summary of your injuries, itemized bills and a damage calculation. Step 4: Negotiate or Mediate for a Fair Settlement Most claims are resolved before trial through back-and-forth negotiations with claims adjusters and defense counsel. Your attorney will: Evaluate each offer against your documented damages Push back on unjust liability or undervalued medical costs Use mediation or structured negotiation to bridge gaps You’re under no obligation to accept a lowball offer. Your personal injury attorney’s job is to leverage every piece of evidence to maximize your recovery without the delays and expense of going to court. Step 5: File a Personal Injury Lawsuit to Pursue Litigation If negotiations stall or insurers refuse to pay what you deserve, filing a personal injury lawsuit becomes the next step. At this point, your attorney will: Draft and file a complaint in the correct Florida court Serve defendants and gather discovery — depositions, interrogatories, expert reports Handle pretrial motions, hearings and settlement conferences Prepare you for trial testimony and courtroom procedures Under Florida’s post-HB 837 rules, your lawyer will also manage new requirements, like proof of paid medical bills and comparative-fault limits, to keep your case on track. Why You Need a Pro’s Touch One missed deadline or misplaced document can derail your claim. At Florin|Roebig, our reputable personal injury attorneys handle every detail, so you can focus on getting better. From filing insurance demands to fighting for you at trial, we’re with you each step of the way. Types of Damages in Florida Personal Injury Cases When you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence and you’re less than 50% at fault, you can seek various types of compensation under Florida law. Damages generally break down into two main buckets: compensatory (economic and non-economic) and punitive. Compensatory Damages Special Damages/Economic Losses These reimburse you for out-of-pocket losses with clear dollar values: Medical expenses (past and future treatment, therapy, durable medical equipment) Lost wages and diminished earning capacity Prescription costs and travel to medical appointments Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement, personal items) To recover these, your attorney gathers your medical bills, pay stubs, vehicle repair estimates and other receipts documenting your financial loss. General Damages/Non-Economic Losses These compensate you for intangible harms that can be harder to calculate, which may include: Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress) Mental anguish or anxiety Loss of enjoyment of life (activities you used to love) Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with a spouse or partner) Scarring, disfigurement or dismemberment Non-economic damages can vary significantly between personal injury victims. Determining these damages involves reviewing your medical records, consulting experts and comparing similar cases to ensure you’re fully compensated. Punitive Damages Punitive damages go beyond making you “whole” and instead punish the defendant for especially reckless or egregious conduct and deter others from similar behavior. In Florida, you’ll only get punitive damages if you prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions were intentional or showed wanton disregard for safety. Florida law caps punitive awards at the greater of three times your compensatory damages or $500,000. Why Accurate Valuations Matter Every element, from detailed billing records to expert testimony about your pain and lifestyle impact, impacts your total recovery. At Florin|Roebig, our personal injury team knows how to document every loss, anticipate the insurer’s tactics and argue for the fullest compensation allowed. Our Featured Case Results Personal Injury Property Loss and Damage Claims Construction Negligence Labor Law Product Liability Medical Malpractice Car Accident 1 $47.4M Personal Injury Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 2 $42M Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $9.55M Firearm Injury Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $5.25M Hospital Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $4M Personal Injury Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $4.2M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $2.5M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $1.5M Industrial Explosion Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.1M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $3.9M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $2.4M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $2.3M Contractor Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.5M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $1.2M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $6.8M Race Discrimination Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $4.2M Whistleblower Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $4.0M Sexual Harassment Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $3.2M Nationality Discrimination Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $2,0M Sexual Harassment Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $5.3M Pharmaceutical Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $3.2M Product Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $1.3M Drug Company Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.2M Product Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $6.0M Medical Malpractice Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $5M Orthopedic Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $3M Gastroenterology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $2.25M Urology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 5 $1.7M Anesthesiology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 1 $42M Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 2 $15M Motorcycle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $6.1M Motorcycle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $2.3M Car Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 5 $1.8M Truck Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. Find out if you have a case we could help you win Speak To a Specialist What Types of Accidents Lead to a Personal Injury Claim? Any injury caused by someone else’s negligence, from a fall on wet floors to a collision on crowded highways, can result in a personal injury claim. According to the Florida Department of Health, falls topped the list of unintentional nonfatal injuries in 2023 (often occurring in nursing homes), followed by auto accidents statewide. Common situations leading to personal injury claims in Florida include: Assault and battery Bicycle accidents Car accidents Cruise ship accidents Dog bites Medical malpractice Motorcycle accidents Premises liability Product liability Rideshare accidents Slips and falls Trucking accidents Work-related incidents (most start as workers’ compensation claims) Wrongful death Securing an attorney who understands these varied accident types and the unique legal rules that apply to each can significantly affect your recovery outcome. What Injuries Qualify for a Personal Injury Claim? If someone else’s negligence caused your injury and led to damages, you’re entitled to pursue compensation. Your claim isn’t limited to catastrophic harm. Any injury that results in financial loss, physical pain or emotional distress can qualify for a personal injury claim. Below are some commonly cited personal injuries that may result in a claim. Physical injuries Back injuries Broken bones Chest or neck trauma Dismemberment Head injuries and concussions Scarring or disfigurement Spinal cord damage Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Whiplash Wrongful death (fatalities) Emotional and psychological injuries Pain and suffering Anxiety or depression Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Financial losses Medical bills (past and future) Lost wages and diminished earning capacity The severity of your injury often influences the value of your claim, but milder injuries still warrant compensation for medical costs and missed income. To succeed, you need solid proof, including medical records, expert reports and detailed expense logs. When you work with Florin|Roebig, we’ll connect you with trusted medical and mental-health experts to document your injuries, guide you through HB 837’s disclosure rules and build a claims package that maximizes your recovery. How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Florida Partnering with an experienced, highly-regarded law firm with years of experience can be the difference between a fair settlement and leaving money on the table. Evaluate top-rated personal injury lawyers in Florida using the following criteria: Verify credentials: Confirm active licensure through the Florida Bar and look for specialist certifications or industry awards that reflect peer recognition. Review track records: Check verdicts and settlement totals to see real results, with top firms often publicizing total recoveries in the millions. Read client feedback: Browse testimonials on law-firm sites and third-party review platforms to gauge responsiveness, compassion and professionalism. Assess experience: Find attorneys who regularly handle your type of personal injury case to ensure they have the expertise you need for the best outcome. Meet for a consultation: A brief, no-fee meeting helps you evaluate communication style, fee structure and overall comfort level before hiring one for your case. Why Florin|Roebig Stands Out With more than 40 years of collective practice and over $1 billion secured for clients to date, our team combines deep experience in the personal injury legal sector with a client-first approach. We’ve received numerous accolades, including being named to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” list. Many of our legal team members have been recognized in Florida Trend™ Magazine as being among Florida’s “Elite Lawyers.” We have Florida offices in: Cape Coral Fort Myers Jacksonville Key West Palm Harbor West Palm Beach We also serve clients from our offices in Texas, Minnesota and Colorado. Our experienced personal injury attorneys serving Florida include: Wil H. Florin, B.C.S. Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S. Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A. Shaun M. Cummings Luca G. Esposito Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M. John J. Hart Parker Y. Florin, LL.M. Taylor D. Roebig Michael A. Ossi, O.C. Lawrence J. Najem, O.C. Nollys R. Solarte, O.C. We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers Connect with Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Today Navigating personal injury claims in Florida can be confusing and often overwhelming. Between strict filing deadlines, mounting medical bills and the need to name every liable party, it’s easy to get lost in the paperwork. Whether you’re dealing with a minor sprain or a life-altering spinal injury, you deserve an advocate who protects your rights and fights for every dollar you’re owed. Working with personal injury attorneys at the top in their field helps ensure your rights are protected, your compensation is fair and your outcome is favorable. Florin|Roebig’s seasoned team and multi-million-dollar jury verdicts make them one of Florida’s most feared personal injury law firms. Our Record-Setting Verdicts $47.4 million against Essentials Massage, a Tampa Bay area day spa (Pasco County) $41.9 million in 2016 against Applebee’s Grill and Bar (Hernando County) $6.1 million verdict in a 2017 motorcycle-accident trial (Sumter County) Ready to see how we can help you? Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. FAQs About Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida How much do personal injury lawyers charge in Florida? How much personal injury attorneys charge in Florida varies. However, most work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and your attorney’s fee comes out of your recovery. How long does a Florida personal injury case claim take? How long a Florida personal injury claim takes depends on too many factors to set a definitive timeframe. Timelines vary based on case complexity, the length of your medical treatment and recovery, how quickly evidence can be gathered and whether you settle in negotiations or proceed to trial. A skilled attorney can often speed up negotiations and avoid unnecessary delays without sacrificing your settlement. What percentage of personal injury cases in Florida go to trial? Roughly 5% or fewer of all personal injury cases in Florida make it into a courtroom. Most claims are resolved in pre-trial negotiations or through mediation, so you’ll likely settle before a judge ever sees your case. When should I hire a personal injury lawyer in Florida? You should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. Early representation lets your lawyer secure evidence before it disappears, guide you on medical-treatment documentation, handle insurer communications and keep you on track with Florida’s strict filing deadlines. Seeking the best board-certified civil trial attorney in your area promptly puts you in the strongest position for a full recovery.
