Serving the Florida Keys & Monroe County
Personal Injury Lawyer in the Florida Keys
Trial-ready representation for Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West injury victims. Florida Lawyer Since 1999. Member, Monroe County Bar Association. No fee unless we win.
Serving the Florida Keys & Monroe County
Personal Injury Lawyer in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys stretch 125 miles from Key Largo to Key West — and when accidents happen here, you need a lawyer who understands the unique legal landscape of Monroe County. Juan Cordero Lawyers has fought for injury victims throughout South Florida since 1999, including clients from Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West. Juan J. Cordero is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, reflecting the firm's active presence in the Florida Keys legal community.
The Keys present injury risks you won't find anywhere else in Florida: US-1 (the Overseas Highway) is the only road in and out, creating dangerous bottlenecks; the surrounding waters bring boating accidents, jet ski collisions, and diving injuries; and the tourism industry creates premises liability exposure at hotels, resorts, marinas, and charter operations.
If you or a family member was injured in the Florida Keys, call Juan Cordero Lawyers for a free consultation. No fee unless we win. Call 24/7: 305.525.8957 or 772.227.0577. Hablamos Español.
Why Florida Keys Clients Choose Us
Top 100 Trial Lawyer
Nationally recognized — not just a local name. We bring big-firm firepower to every Florida Keys case.
Monroe County Bar Member
Juan Cordero is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association — the professional body for attorneys practicing in the Florida Keys and Monroe County courts.
Maritime & Boating Law
The Keys are defined by water. We handle boating accidents, jet ski injuries, diving incidents, and maritime claims under both Florida and federal law.
No Fee Unless We Win
Zero upfront cost. We advance all case expenses and only collect when you win — whether you live in Key West or Key Largo.
Where Florida Keys Accidents Happen Most
The Florida Keys present unique injury risks — from a single-road highway to open ocean waters. Common accident locations include:
US-1 — The Overseas Highway
The only road connecting the Keys to the mainland. Heavy tourist traffic, narrow lanes, and long stretches with no median make US-1 one of Florida's most dangerous roads for rear-end, head-on, and pedestrian crashes.
Florida Bay & Atlantic Ocean Waters
Boating collisions, jet ski accidents, charter boat injuries, and diving incidents are common throughout Monroe County waters. Federal maritime law may apply in addition to Florida state law.
Key West Duval Street & Old Town
Heavy foot traffic, scooter and moped rentals, and nightlife create frequent pedestrian accidents, DUI crashes, and premises liability incidents in Key West's tourist district.
Key Largo & Islamorada Marinas
Dock accidents, boat ramp injuries, and slip and falls at marinas and dive shops are common in the Upper Keys. Property owners owe visitors a duty of reasonable care.
Marathon & Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is a high-speed, narrow crossing with no shoulder. Accidents here are often severe. Marathon also has active commercial fishing and charter boat operations.
Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Rentals
The Keys' tourism economy means thousands of hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and resort pools. Slip and falls, pool accidents, and inadequate security claims arise regularly at these properties.
Every Island & Community in the Florida Keys — We Serve Them All
The Florida Keys are an archipelago of approximately 1,700 islands stretching in a gentle arc from the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula — about 15 miles south of Miami — southwest and westward to Key West, and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The islands span roughly 137 square miles of land across Monroe County, with a total population of about 82,874 (2020 census). The northernmost of the true Florida Keys — those formed from ancient coral reefs lifted above sea level — is Elliott Key, located in Miami-Dade County within Biscayne National Park and accessible only by boat. The inhabited Keys begin at Key Largo in Monroe County. The Keys lie between approximately 24° and 25.5° North latitude in the subtropics, with a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw) bordering tropical monsoon (Am) — the only region in the contiguous 48 states with a true tropical climate. The southern tip of Key West sits just 98 miles from Cuba.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget designates Monroe County as the Key West–Key Largo, FL Micropolitan Statistical Area — a labor market and statistical area centered on an urban cluster of 10,000–50,000 people. The μSA had a 2020 census population of 82,874 and a 2025 estimate of 80,406 (−2.98%), and is a component of the Miami–Port St. Lucie–Fort Lauderdale, FL Combined Statistical Area. The five incorporated municipalities in Monroe County are: Key Colony Beach (pop. 790), Key West (pop. 26,444), Layton, Marathon, and the Village of Islamorada.
The islands divide the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico (also designated the Gulf of America in U.S. federal documents since January 2025) to the west, and define one edge of Florida Bay. The Florida Straits — the strait between the Florida Keys and Cuba — connect the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream, one of the Atlantic's most powerful ocean currents, flows through these waters. Juan Cordero Lawyers represents injury victims on every inhabited island throughout Monroe County.
Upper Keys
The Upper Keys begin at the mainland and include the largest and most accessible islands. Key Largo — the largest island in the Keys and a Census-Designated Place — is known as the "Diving Capital of the World" and home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the US. North Key Largo is a separate CDP north of Key Largo proper. Two routes connect the Upper Keys to the mainland: US-1 via the 18-Mile Stretch, and the Card Sound Bridge (toll) via Card Sound Road (CR-905) connecting northern Key Largo. Tavernier is a CDP between Key Largo and Plantation Key. Plantation Key lies between Tavernier and Windley Key on US-1. The Village of Islamorada — an incorporated municipality — spans Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe, Tea Table, Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key, and Lower Matecumbe Key. Islamorada is known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World."
Middle Keys
The Middle Keys stretch from Craig Key through Vaca Key and Marathon. Fiesta Key — the northeasternmost island in the Middle Keys, at mile marker 70 between Long Key and Craig Key — was originally named "Jewfish Key" in an 1873 government survey, later renamed Greyhound Key when owned by The Greyhound Corporation in the 1950s–60s, and finally renamed Fiesta Key by KOA in 1966. Layton is an incorporated city on Long Key. Marathon is the second-largest city in the Keys and a major commercial fishing and charter boat hub. Key Colony Beach — motto "Gem of the Florida Keys," incorporated September 24, 1957, population 790 — occupies former Shelter Key (dredged and expanded in the early 1950s) plus a small part of Fat Deer Key, connected to US-1 and Marathon via the Sadowski Causeway. A woman was fatally struck by a spotted eagle ray at Sunset Park at the tip of West Ocean Drive — a unique maritime injury type. Knights Key connects to the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world, linking the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys.
Lower Keys
The Lower Keys run from Bahia Honda — home to one of Florida's most scenic state parks — through the full chain of islands to Stock Island, just east of Key West. Big Pine Key (pop. 4,521; CDP) is the largest Lower Keys island at 10.31 sq mi, crossed by US-1 at mile markers 29.5–33. It is home to the National Key Deer Refuge and the majority of the endangered Key deer population — the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer (bucks under 1 yard high, ~80 lbs), found only from Big Pine Key to Sugarloaf Key. US-1 through Big Pine Key has a strictly enforced night speed limit of 35 MPH and a day limit of 45 MPH; approximately 2 miles of the road are elevated and fenced for deer passage. Vehicle-deer collisions on this stretch are a recurring source of serious injury claims. The Blue Hole — an abandoned rock quarry used for Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad — is the only freshwater lake in the Florida Keys. No Name Key is one of the few inhabited islands with no bridge to the highway. Geiger Key, East Rockland, Rockland Key, and Boca Chica are near Naval Air Station Key West. Stock Island is a CDP immediately east of Key West.
Key West — The Southernmost City
Key West is the county seat of Monroe County and the westernmost inhabited island in the Florida Keys. With a population of 26,444 (2020 census), it accounts for 32% of the entire Keys population — the highest density in the archipelago. Located at 24°33′N 81°46′W, Key West sits approximately 130 miles south-southwest of Miami and just 98 miles north-northeast of Havana, Cuba. Known as "The Conch Republic" and the "Southernmost City in the Continental United States," Key West is a major tourist destination with a vibrant nightlife, dense moped and golf cart traffic, and a busy cruise ship port.
The concentration of bars, rental vehicles, tourist foot traffic, and water sports operators on Duval Street and in Old Town makes Key West one of the highest-risk areas in Florida for DUI crashes, moped accidents, slip and falls, negligent security incidents, and boating injuries. Juan Cordero Lawyers handles every type of personal injury case in Key West and throughout Monroe County.
Dry Tortugas — The End of the Keys
The Dry Tortugas are a small group of uninhabited islands at the far western end of the Florida Keys, approximately 70 miles west of Key West and 37 miles west of the Marquesas Keys, at 24°38′N 82°55′W. Discovered in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the Dry Tortugas are an unincorporated area of Monroe County and part of the Lower Keys Census County Division. Together with their surrounding waters, they form Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the historic Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. Injuries occurring during boat trips, ferry excursions, or snorkeling tours to the Dry Tortugas may involve federal maritime law and National Park Service jurisdiction in addition to Florida state law. Call Juan Cordero Lawyers at 305.525.8957 if you were injured on a Dry Tortugas excursion.
Surrounding Waters: Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico & Florida Straits
The Florida Keys are uniquely positioned between two major bodies of water. The Atlantic Ocean — the world's second-largest ocean, covering approximately 106.4 million square kilometers — lies to the east of the Keys. The Gulf of Mexico (also referred to as the Gulf of America in U.S. federal documents since January 2025) lies to the west, with a surface area of approximately 1.55 million square kilometers. The Gulf is one of the most important offshore petroleum-production regions in the world and supports a major commercial fishing industry.
The Florida Straits — the strait running between the Florida Keys and Cuba — connect the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf Stream, one of the Atlantic's most powerful ocean currents, flows through these waters, carrying warm Caribbean water northeast. Boating accidents, jet ski collisions, charter boat injuries, and maritime incidents in these waters may be governed by both Florida state law and federal admiralty/maritime jurisdiction. Juan Cordero Lawyers is experienced in both.
Practice Areas We Handle in the Florida Keys
Every Type of Injury We Handle in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys attract millions of tourists and residents who face unique injury risks — from water sports and nightlife to narrow highways and aging infrastructure. Juan Cordero Lawyers handles every type of negligence-based injury in Monroe County. If someone else's carelessness hurt you, we want to hear your story.
Water Sports & Marine Injuries
Wave Runner / Jet Ski Accident
Jet ski and wave runner rentals are everywhere in the Keys. Collisions with other vessels, swimmers, or fixed objects can cause catastrophic injuries. Rental companies and operators may be liable for inadequate training, defective equipment, or failure to warn.
Boating Accident
Vessel collisions, propeller strikes, capsizing, and wake injuries are common in Monroe County waters. Both Florida state law and federal maritime/admiralty law may apply. We handle claims against boat operators, owners, charter companies, and marinas.
Snorkeling Tour Injury
Tour operators owe passengers a duty of care. Injuries from inadequate supervision, defective equipment, failure to warn of hazards, or negligent boat operation during snorkeling excursions can support a negligence claim against the tour company.
Cruise Ship Injury
Cruise ships departing from or stopping at Key West are governed by federal maritime law. Slip and falls, food poisoning, assault, and medical negligence aboard cruise ships require specialized legal knowledge. We handle cruise ship injury claims under the Limitation of Liability Act and Jones Act.
Road & Vehicle Accidents
Car Accident on US-1 / Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is Florida's most dangerous single-road corridor. Rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, and tourist-driver accidents are common. We pursue claims against at-fault drivers, commercial carriers, and their insurers.
DUI / Drunk Driver Injury
Key West's nightlife and the Keys' bar culture mean DUI crashes are a serious problem. If a drunk driver injured you, you may recover compensatory and punitive damages. We also pursue dram shop liability against bars and restaurants that over-served the driver.
Moped / Scooter Crash
Moped and scooter rentals are ubiquitous in Key West. Crashes involving inexperienced riders, defective rental equipment, or negligent drivers can cause serious injuries. Rental companies may be liable for inadequate instruction or mechanical failure.
Golf Cart Crash
Golf carts are widely used on Key West streets and private communities throughout the Keys. Collisions involving golf carts — whether on public roads or private property — can result in serious injuries and viable negligence claims.
Bicycle Crash
The Keys have extensive bike paths and roads shared with heavy tourist traffic. Cyclists struck by vehicles, doored by parked cars, or injured due to road defects may have claims against drivers, property owners, or government entities.
Premises Liability & Property Injuries
Slip & Fall at a Bar
Bars in Key West and throughout the Keys owe patrons a duty of reasonable care. Wet floors, poor lighting, broken steps, and overcrowded conditions that cause falls can support a premises liability claim. Dram shop liability may also apply if alcohol was a factor.
Slip & Fall at a Hotel or Resort
Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in the Keys must maintain safe conditions for guests. Pool decks, lobbies, stairways, and outdoor walkways are common fall locations. We pursue claims against hotel chains and independent operators alike.
Slip & Fall at a Grocery Store
Grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the Keys must promptly address spills and hazards. If a store's negligence caused your fall, you may recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Gas Station Shooting / Negligent Security
Gas stations and convenience stores in high-crime areas have a duty to provide adequate security. If you were shot, stabbed, or assaulted at a Keys gas station or store due to inadequate lighting, lack of security cameras, or failure to address known criminal activity, you may have a negligent security claim.
Mobile Home Fire / Burn Injury
Mobile homes and manufactured housing are common throughout the Keys. Fires caused by faulty wiring, defective appliances, propane leaks, or landlord negligence can cause catastrophic burn injuries. We pursue claims against property owners, manufacturers, and utility companies.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning in vacation rentals, hotels, boats, and mobile homes can be fatal. Property owners and rental operators have a duty to install working CO detectors and maintain appliances. Survivors and families of CO poisoning victims may have substantial claims.
Assault, Violence & Negligent Security
Assault / Physical Attack
If you were assaulted at a bar, hotel, parking lot, or any property in the Florida Keys, the property owner may be liable for failing to provide adequate security. We pursue civil claims against both the attacker and the negligent property owner.
Shooting Victim
Gunshot victims in the Florida Keys may have civil claims against property owners who failed to provide adequate security in areas with known criminal activity. We have secured multi-million dollar verdicts in negligent security shooting cases.
Stabbing Victim
Stabbings at bars, nightclubs, and other venues may give rise to negligent security claims against property owners who failed to screen patrons, hire security, or address known threats. Civil recovery is separate from any criminal prosecution.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault victims may have civil claims against hotels, vacation rentals, tour operators, or other property owners whose negligence enabled the attack. We handle these sensitive cases with discretion and compassion. You are not alone — call us confidentially at 305.525.8957.
Dram Shop / Bar Liability
Under Florida's Dram Shop Act (§768.125), bars and restaurants that knowingly serve alcohol to a habitually addicted person or a minor who then causes injury may be held liable. If a drunk driver or violent patron injured you, the establishment that over-served them may share responsibility.
Other Negligence Injuries in the Florida Keys
Workers' Compensation
Workers injured in the Keys — in construction, hospitality, fishing, or any industry — may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits and, in some cases, a third-party negligence claim. We handle both.
Wrongful Death
If a loved one was killed due to negligence in the Florida Keys — in a car crash, boating accident, assault, or any other incident — surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute §768.19. We handle wrongful death cases throughout Monroe County.
Any Other Injury from Negligence
If you were hurt in the Florida Keys and you believe someone else's carelessness caused it, call us. We evaluate every case for free and only take cases we believe we can win. 305.525.8957 — available 24/7.
Don't see your injury type listed? Call us anyway.
We evaluate every Florida Keys injury case for free. If someone else's negligence hurt you, we want to hear your story.
Free Consultation — 305.525.8957Monroe County — Key West & Marathon
Wrongful Death Lawyer — Florida Keys
When negligence, recklessness, or a wrongful act takes a loved one, the surviving family deserves a lawyer who will fight for every dollar the law allows — and treat them with the compassion and respect they deserve. Juan Cordero has been fighting for Florida families since 1999. We handle wrongful death cases throughout Monroe County, from Key Largo to Key West to Marathon.
How Do You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in the Keys?
The first step is opening a probate estate in Monroe County court — with courthouses in Key West, Marathon, and Plantation Key. This allows the estate to lawfully receive settlement or judgment proceeds and enables the court to appoint a personal representative. The personal representative is the proper party to file the wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit will identify all family members with an interest — spouse, children, parents, or blood relatives and adoptive siblings who relied on the deceased for support. The case will either settle out of court or go to trial. By putting together a compelling and convincing case, we are often able to settle without going to court — while remaining fully prepared to try the case if necessary.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
Florida's Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16–768.26) provides two separate streams of compensation — one for surviving family members who suffered specific personal losses, and one for the estate itself.
Compensation for Surviving Family Members
- Medical expenses paid by a family member
- Funeral expenses paid by a family member
- Spouse: loss of companionship and protection, plus mental pain and suffering
- Minor child: loss of companionship, instruction, and guidance, plus mental pain and suffering
- Adult child: loss of companionship and guidance, plus mental pain and suffering (if no surviving spouse)
- Parent of a minor child: mental pain and suffering
- Parent of an adult child: mental pain and suffering (if no other surviving family members)
Compensation That Goes to the Estate
- Medical expenses charged against or paid by the estate
- Funeral expenses charged against or paid by the estate
- Loss of earnings from the date of injury to the date of death
- Loss of prospective net accumulations of the estate (if certain conditions are met)
Punitive Damages
Available in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct — such as drunk driving or boating under the influence. Must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. We evaluate every case for punitive damage potential.
Two-Year Filing Deadline — Do Not Wait
Florida's wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of death (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(d)). Missing this deadline bars the claim entirely. Call us immediately for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Key West & Marathon
Bicycle Accident Lawyer — Florida Keys
There's no question that bicycle riders are at a disadvantage on the road compared to occupants of motor vehicles. Bicycles are smaller and harder to notice, they travel more slowly, and riders are virtually unprotected in a crash, except for maybe a helmet. In 2019 alone, cyclists in Monroe County experienced 96 crashes which resulted in two deaths and 92 non-fatal injuries — a fatal or non-fatal injury in 98% of bicycle accidents, compared to car accidents that year which ended in injury or death 58% of the time.
We have represented countless bicyclists struck by vehicles exiting the Conch Plaza on North Roosevelt, at the mid-block crosswalks along Roosevelt Blvd, and within the Historic District Downtown. Locals and tourists alike often prefer to explore The Keys by bicycle — but visitors unfamiliar with sharing the road with cyclists create a dangerous atmosphere. Their negligence, coupled with inexperience, is the cause of so many crashes in the Florida Keys.
Bicycle accidents cause serious injuries, and serious injuries need serious lawyers. At Florida Keys Injury we are committed to getting the most compensation available for our injured clients. We have represented pedicab drivers, avid bike fitness enthusiasts, locals commuting to work, and tourists alike. We listen to you, keep you informed, and aggressively hold insurance companies accountable for the harm caused by negligent drivers.
Bikes Are Vehicles — But Not Motor Vehicles
Bicycles are considered vehicles under Florida law and are subject to all vehicle laws except those that by their nature apply only to motor vehicles. Cyclists may lawfully ride on the street throughout the Keys — including taking up the entire lane by riding in the center, which is often safer. Cyclists who ride too close to the edge risk being squeezed out of their lane by passing drivers.
The impeding-traffic law applies to motor vehicles, not bicycles. A cyclist using the full lane is not impeding traffic in violation of the law. On Whitehead Street — a common cycling route past the Southernmost Point — multiple signs remind drivers that bikes may use the full lane. We are familiar with these local conditions and equipped to defeat common defenses.
Insurance Benefits Available to Injured Cyclists
- PIP no-fault benefits available through your own insured vehicle, a household member's policy, or the driver who hit you
- Up to $10,000 in PIP benefits — 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages
- Serious injury? File a negligence claim directly against the at-fault driver for full medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Pain and suffering includes loss of enjoyment of life
Common injuries: head injuries, neck injuries, road rash, broken bones (wrist, hip), and torn ligaments (knee, elbow). The driver's insurer will likely dispute fault and undervalue your claim. Let us fight back.
Hurt in a Bicycle Crash in Key West or Marathon?
Call Florida Keys Injury for a free consultation. We represent cyclists throughout Monroe County — no fee unless we win.
Key West & Marathon
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer — Florida Keys
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in The Keys. Over a three-year period from 2017 to 2019, pedestrian crashes, injuries, and deaths in Monroe County went up dramatically — crashes rose by more than a third, injuries increased by over 42%, and the number of fatalities doubled every year. In 2019 alone: 42 pedestrian crashes, 4 deaths, and 37 injuries — only one person involved in a pedestrian crash escaped injury or death that year.
Florida is the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians. Nine of the 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrians in America are in Florida. The Keys are an attractive place to walk, but the combination of local and tourist traffic makes it risky. Pedestrians lack even the simplest protections of a bicyclist — no helmet, no pads, nothing between them and a vehicle.
A likely cause of the increase: distracted driving and distracted walking, driven by smartphones, social media, and apps that pull attention away from the road. If a negligent driver hurt you, there is no reason you should bear the financial burden of that injury alone.
Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in a Crosswalk?
Yes. While crossing at an intersection inside a marked crosswalk, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers must stop and stay stopped until the pedestrian has passed over to the other half of the roadway. Drivers who hit pedestrians in crosswalks are nearly always liable. A particularly dangerous situation: a driver stops for a pedestrian, but an approaching driver swerves around the stopped car and hits the pedestrian. This maneuver is illegal in Florida precisely because it is so dangerous.
Are Pedestrians Ever Responsible for a Crash?
When crossing where there is no marked crosswalk — mid-block or at an unsignalized intersection — pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles. It is legal to cross mid-block in Florida, but only when safe and with no oncoming traffic. Pedestrians must obey signals, look both ways, and use sidewalks where available. A pedestrian who violates these duties could be partially at fault, which may reduce or eliminate recovery. Talk to us — a free consultation costs nothing and we will give you an honest assessment.
Will I Have to Sue the Driver?
Not necessarily. If your injuries are not severe, PIP no-fault benefits (up to $10,000 — 80% of medical bills, 60% of lost wages) may cover your losses. If your injuries cross the "serious injury" threshold under Florida law, you can file a negligence claim for full medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We often settle without filing suit, but we are fully prepared to take your case to a jury if that is what it takes to get you the best result.
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident in The Keys?
Call Florida Keys Injury at 305.525.8957 for a free consultation with a compassionate and dedicated Key West & Marathon pedestrian accident lawyer. No fee unless we win.
Key West & Marathon
Moped & Scooter Accident Lawyer — Florida Keys
Mopeds — including gas-powered and electric motorized bicycles — are a primary form of transportation for many Keys residents. The Keys have also seen the national boom in e-scooters, with rental companies like Bird and Lime offering app-based pickup and drop-off throughout Key West. Whether you are a resident or a tourist, mopeds and scooters are convenient ways to get around — but they carry serious risks if you are struck by a car or truck.
Long-time residents are accustomed to sharing the road with mopeds, but many tourists who drive down or rent a car are unfamiliar with moped traffic, leading to an unnecessarily high number of moped accidents in Key West, Marathon, and throughout The Keys. Florida law distinguishes between motor scooters (seat or saddle, like a Vespa) and motorized scooters / e-scooters (ridden standing on a deck) — different vehicles with different legal rules.
E-scooters travel at roughly 20 mph — too fast for sidewalks shared with pedestrians, too slow to keep pace with traffic on many streets. The faster the scooter is ridden, the greater the risk of falling, hitting an obstacle, or being struck by a vehicle. Scooters nationally have been responsible for thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths. Pedestrians have also been seriously hurt tripping over scooters carelessly abandoned on sidewalks by app-rental users.
No PIP for Moped & Scooter Riders — You Must Sue
Unlike bicyclists and pedestrians, moped and scooter riders cannot access no-fault PIP benefits. Under Florida law, mopeds and scooters are treated like motorcycles for insurance purposes — no PIP from your own policy, a household member's policy, or even the other driver's policy.
If a negligent driver hit you, your only path to compensation is a claim or lawsuit directly against that driver and their insurer. You must prove their negligence caused the crash and establish your injuries and damages — including pain and suffering.
Comparative Fault — A Common Defense We Defeat
Insurers routinely argue that moped and scooter riders were partly to blame for their own crash. These "comparative negligence" arguments can significantly reduce your recovery if not aggressively challenged.
- We build a strong case of the driver's negligence from the start
- We anticipate and counter comparative fault arguments before they gain traction
- We have helped many riders obtain sizeable settlements despite insurer pushback
- We are equally aggressive pursuing compensation and defending your conduct
Injured in a Moped or Scooter Accident in The Keys?
Call Florida Keys Injury for a free consultation. We represent moped and scooter riders throughout Monroe County — no fee unless we win.
Visiting from out of state or another country?
Injured on Vacation in the Florida Keys
You can bring a claim from home. No travel required to get started.
Key West & Marathon
Slip & Fall Lawyer — Florida Keys
Nationwide, falls generate eight million emergency room visits every year — about one million from slip and fall accidents alone. In Florida, falls are the leading cause of death among the elderly and the fourth leading cause for everyone else. They are the number one reason for non-fatal injury hospital admissions in the state.
Slip and fall accidents don't happen for no reason. A hazardous condition on the floor causes the fall — a condition that shouldn't have been there, or that the property owner failed to clean up or fix before someone got hurt. When they fail to act reasonably, they can and should be held responsible. At Florida Keys Injury, our job is to hold negligent property owners accountable and get injured victims the compensation they deserve.
When Are Property Owners Liable?
A property owner is liable when they personally created the hazardous condition, or when they knew — or should have known — about the danger and failed to fix it or warn about it in a reasonable time. Businesses open to the public have an affirmative duty to actively look for dangers and address them promptly. Common hazards include:
Spilled drinks at a restaurant, bar, or shopping mall
Liquid on a grocery store floor from a broken bottle or refrigerated case condensation
A crack in the floor caused by subsidence
Merchandise, trash, or debris on a retail store floor
A broken or unmarked step or ramp
Misplaced or missing floor mats
Water tracked into an entrance from outside
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
- Tell someone at the establishment immediately — make sure they document it in writing
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw you fall or saw the hazard
- Seek emergency care if needed; follow up with a doctor as soon as possible
- Call Florida Keys Injury — we document the circumstances and preserve evidence
- Do not give recorded statements to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney
- Do not accept any money from the insurer before consulting a lawyer
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch For
Claims adjusters are expertly trained to get you to say things that make it sound like you are at fault or not seriously hurt. Common tactics used against slip and fall victims in The Keys:
- Claiming you weren't watching where you were going
- Suggesting you had too much to drink while on vacation
- Minimizing your injuries and claiming you aren't seriously hurt
- Offering a quick, low settlement before your full damages are known
Let our attorneys talk to the insurer on your behalf. We are compassionate with clients and aggressive toward insurance companies.
Hurt in a Slip & Fall in Key West or Marathon?
Call Florida Keys Injury for a free consultation. We represent slip and fall victims throughout Monroe County — no fee unless we win.
Key West, Marathon, Islamorada & Key Largo
Hotel Injury Attorney — Florida Keys
When you book a stay at a hotel in Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, or Key Largo, you expect safety, comfort, and relaxation. Unfortunately, hotel accidents happen all too often, leaving guests, visitors, and employees with life-changing injuries. Hotels in the Keys are frequently owned by large corporations represented by aggressive insurance carriers whose goal is to minimize payouts — no matter how serious your injuries may be.
At Florida Keys Injury, our attorneys investigate hazardous conditions, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and review maintenance records to build the strongest possible case. Whether you are a guest, a visitor, or an employee, we ensure your voice is heard and your claim is taken seriously.
Common Causes of Hotel Injuries
- Slip & fall — wet floors, uneven carpets, broken tiles, poor lighting
- Water accumulation — puddles near pools, hallway leaks, ignored spills
- Defective conditions — broken elevators, faulty gym equipment, collapsing furniture
- Burns & electrical injuries — scalding showers, defective appliances, exposed wiring
- Negligent security — broken locks, poorly lit parking lots, lack of trained staff
- Foodborne illness — unsanitary kitchens or mishandled food
Types of Injuries We Handle
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls or falling objects
- Spinal cord injuries causing permanent disability
- Severe burns or electrical shocks
- Internal organ damage requiring surgery
- Emotional trauma — PTSD, anxiety
- Wrongful death — funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship
Compensation We Pursue
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, surgeries, medications
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma
- Property damage from the accident
- Wrongful death damages when a loved one is lost
Hotel Workplace Injuries
Employees face unique risks — housekeepers strain their backs, maintenance crews handle unsafe equipment, kitchen staff face burns and chemical exposure. Workers' compensation claims are often delayed or denied.
We help hotel employees secure benefits and, where possible, pursue third-party claims against negligent contractors. You have rights — let us enforce them.
How We Build Your Case
Injured at a Hotel in the Florida Keys?
Don't wait — evidence disappears quickly. Call Florida Keys Injury for a free consultation. We represent hotel injury victims throughout Monroe County. No fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Keys Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in the Florida Keys?
Most personal injury claims in the Florida Keys have a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident under Florida Statute §95.11(3)(a). Boating accident claims may also be subject to federal maritime law deadlines. Don't wait — contact us immediately at 305.525.8957.
I was injured in a boating accident in the Keys — what are my options?
Boating accident cases in the Florida Keys may involve both Florida state law and federal maritime law (admiralty jurisdiction). You may have claims against the boat operator, the boat owner, a charter company, or a marina. Juan Cordero Lawyers handles boating accident cases throughout Monroe County waters. Call 305.525.8957 for a free consultation.
I was hurt in a car accident on US-1 — can I recover damages?
Yes. US-1 through the Florida Keys is one of Florida's most dangerous roads. If another driver's negligence caused your accident, you may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Florida's comparative fault rules apply — you can recover even if you were partially at fault. Call 305.525.8957.
Does Juan Cordero Lawyers serve the Florida Keys?
Yes. Juan Cordero Lawyers serves clients throughout the Florida Keys and Monroe County from our Miami/North Bay Village office. We travel to Keys clients and are available 24/7 at 305.525.8957. Hablamos Español.
Florida Keys Local Resources
These local resources are relevant to injury cases in the Florida Keys and Monroe County:
Lower Keys Medical Center (Key West)
Primary hospital serving Key West and the Lower Keys. Trauma care for serious accident victims.
Mariners Hospital (Tavernier)
Hospital serving the Upper Keys — Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada injury victims.
Monroe County Courthouse (Key West)
16th Judicial Circuit Court — handles all personal injury cases from Monroe County.
Florida Fish & Wildlife (Boating Accidents)
FWC handles boating accident reports in Florida waters including the Florida Keys.
Injured in the Florida Keys? Call Now — It's Free.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No fee unless we win.
Serving the Florida Keys from Our Miami Office
North Bay Village / Miami Office
1666 John F Kennedy Causeway, Suite 206North Bay Village, FL 33141-4132305.525.8957
Open 24/7 · Bilingual (English & Spanish) · Hablamos Español · We travel to Florida Keys clients
Also serving nearby communities:
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Florida Keys Injury Law — From Our Blog
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Read articleInjured? Call Now for a Free Consultation.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We come to you — home, hospital, or our offices.