Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers

Philip M. Gerson is widely recognized as a top-rated Miami personal injury lawyer and the founder and senior partner of Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers, a nationally respected firm that has represented injured individuals and grieving families for more than five decades. Clients frequently refer to him as the “best” Miami personal injury lawyer, citing his courtroom experience, strategic litigation approach, and dedication to protecting victims harmed by negligence and corporate wrongdoing. Over more than 50 years practicing law in Miami, Gerson has devoted his career to advocating for people injured by negligence, dangerous conditions, and misconduct. A cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, he served on the law review editorial board, earned moot court honors, and graduated near the top of his class. He is admitted to practice in all Florida courts as well as numerous federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida. Founded in 1970, Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers has grown into one of the country’s longest-standing plaintiff-only personal injury firms. The practice focuses on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, cruise ship accidents, maritime litigation, negligent security, defective products, and other complex personal injury claims. Under Gerson’s leadership, the firm has handled major injury and death cases both on land and at sea while maintaining a reputation for meticulous preparation and aggressive courtroom advocacy. The firm’s litigation experience is extensive. Gerson & Schwartz has tried more than 350 jury trials and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and families. Rather than relying solely on quick settlements, the firm maintains a litigation-driven philosophy that emphasizes detailed investigation, strategic negotiation, and trial readiness when defendants and insurers refuse to accept responsibility. One area where Philip M. Gerson and his firm are particularly well known is cruise ship and maritime injury litigation. The firm represents passengers and crew members injured on cruise vessels and has handled cases involving slip and falls, gangway accidents, shore excursion injuries, vessel malfunctions, and shipboard crimes such as sexual assault. Their maritime practice has brought cases against major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Holland America Line. Beyond litigation, Gerson has also played a role in public policy and victims’ rights advocacy. He has testified before the United States Senate Commerce Committee regarding cruise passenger safety and crime prevention, contributing to efforts aimed at improving protections for travelers and victims of violence at sea. His work also includes involvement with organizations supporting victims of crime and strengthening civil remedies for people harmed by serious misconduct. Today, Philip M. Gerson continues to lead Gerson & Schwartz alongside partners Nicholas Gerson and Edward Schwartz. The firm remains consistently top-rated, recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and Martindale-Hubbell, where Gerson holds an AV Preeminent rating. Through decades of plaintiff advocacy, the firm has built a reputation for taking on high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and serious negligence while pursuing justice for victims and their families.