Latest news with #HouseBill837

Yahoo

Why personal injury lawyers are so common in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — From billboards along I-275 to late-night TV ads, personal injury lawyers are a constant presence in Florida. This prevalence is not coincidental; it reflects several factors unique to the Sunshine State.​ Florida's dense population and extensive tourism contribute to a higher rate of accidents. According to the Florida Department of Health, unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle collisions and falls, are among the leading causes of death for residents aged 1-44. The state's no-fault insurance system, requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, often leads to disputes over coverage limits, prompting individuals to seek legal assistance. ​Florida Department of Health Historically, Florida's legal framework has been favorable to plaintiffs in personal injury cases. However, recent legislative changes have altered this landscape. In 2023, Florida enacted significant tort reform through House Bill 837, which, among other changes, reduced the statute of limitations for general negligence claims from four years to two years. Additionally, the state shifted from a pure comparative negligence system to a modified one, barring plaintiffs from recovering damages if found more than 50% at fault. The competitive nature of the personal injury legal market in Florida has led to aggressive advertising strategies. Firms like Morgan & Morgan have invested heavily in marketing, boasting recoveries of over $15 billion for clients. This saturation of advertising not only increases public awareness but also reinforces the perception of accessibility to legal recourse. Most personal injury attorneys in Florida operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront costs and attorneys receive a percentage of the settlement or judgment. This model lowers the barrier to entry for clients seeking legal representation and incentivizes attorneys to pursue cases with a high likelihood of success. The prominence of personal injury lawyers in Florida is the result of a high incidence of accidents, a historically plaintiff-friendly legal environment, aggressive marketing practices, and accessible fee structures. While recent legal reforms may impact future litigation dynamics, the demand for personal injury legal services in Florida remains robust. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.