Philip M. Gerson is a top-rated Miami personal injury lawyer and the founder and senior partner of Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers, a nationally recognized Miami-based firm that has represented injury victims, wrongful death claimants, and their families for more than five decades. Since founding the firm in 1970, he has helped develop one of the country’s longest-standing plaintiff-only personal injury practices, known for handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, cruise ship accidents, maritime claims, and complex litigation both on land and at sea. Clients frequently refer to Gerson as the “best” Miami personal injury lawyer, recognizing his courtroom experience, leadership, and commitment to achieving justice.
For more than 50 years, Gerson has focused his legal career on advocating for individuals and families harmed by negligence, recklessness, and intentional misconduct. His practice spans complex injury and death cases involving medical malpractice, defective products, negligent security, cruise ship incidents, and other high-stakes litigation. 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 multiple 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.
Under Philip M. Gerson’s leadership, Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers exclusively represents injury victims in a wide range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, construction injuries, drunk driving collisions, marine accidents, premises liability claims, negligent security cases, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death litigation. The firm is widely recognized for taking on serious injury and fatality cases that require detailed preparation, trial skill, and a willingness to pursue justice when insurers and defendants refuse to accept responsibility.
The firm remains consistently top-rated and has been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and Martindale-Hubbell, where Gerson holds an AV Preeminent rating. These honors reflect both the firm’s longevity and its reputation for strong advocacy on behalf of injured clients. Testimonials frequently highlight the firm’s dedication, compassion, and trial readiness, reinforcing its standing as one of the best options for injury representation in Florida.
Gerson has helped guide a firm that has tried more than 350 jury trials to verdict and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars over its history. This trial-focused foundation continues to define the firm’s approach. Rather than relying on quick settlements, Gerson & Schwartz emphasizes thorough case development, strategic litigation, and hands-on involvement by senior attorneys throughout every phase of a case.
One of the firm’s most recognized areas of practice is cruise ship and maritime injury litigation. Gerson & Schwartz is regarded as a leading cruise ship injury law firm, representing passengers and crew members from across the United States and internationally. The firm handles cases involving slip and falls, onboard incidents, shore excursion accidents, vessel malfunctions, and serious crimes such as sexual assault and violent attacks. Its deep experience in maritime law has positioned it as a trusted advocate in complex cruise-related claims.
Philip M. Gerson, together with his partners, has litigated cases in federal courts against major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line. This experience has made the firm a recognized authority in cases involving passenger injuries, negligent security, and shipboard incidents, particularly where corporate defendants attempt to limit liability.
Beyond litigation, Gerson has also contributed to broader efforts to improve safety and accountability. He has testified before the United States Senate Commerce Committee on issues related to cruise passenger safety and crime victim protections, reflecting his commitment not only to individual clients but also to advancing legal protections for the public.
That same commitment is reflected in the firm’s negligent security and crime victim practice. Gerson & Schwartz has built a strong reputation for holding property owners, businesses, hotels, and other entities accountable when inadequate security leads to serious harm, including shootings, assaults, and other violent crimes. This work aligns with Gerson’s longstanding focus on representing victims of preventable harm, whether on land or at sea.
Today, Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers continues to operate under the leadership of Senior Partner Philip M. Gerson, alongside experienced trial attorneys, as one of Florida’s most respected personal injury and maritime litigation firms. The firm’s reputation has been built on decades of plaintiff advocacy, courtroom experience, and a willingness to take on complex, high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, maintaining a consistent focus on securing justice for victims and their families.