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 Florida law firm that has represented injury victims and grieving families for more than five decades. Since establishing the firm in 1970, Gerson has helped develop one of the country’s longest-standing plaintiff-only personal injury practices. The firm focuses on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, cruise ship accidents, maritime litigation, negligent security, and other complex cases affecting victims on land and at sea. Clients frequently describe him as the “best” Miami personal injury lawyer, praising his dedication, trial experience, and commitment to fighting for justice.
Throughout more than 50 years of legal practice in Miami, Gerson has dedicated his career to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence, reckless conduct, and corporate wrongdoing. His work has involved complex injury and wrongful death litigation including medical malpractice, defective products, cruise ship incidents, maritime accidents, negligent security claims, and catastrophic injury cases. His approach centers on aggressive advocacy, thorough case preparation, and holding powerful defendants accountable.
A cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Gerson 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 United States Court of Claims, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Under his leadership, Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers represents plaintiffs in a wide range of serious personal injury matters, including car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, construction accidents, drunk driving incidents, premises liability claims, medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death cases. The firm is widely known for taking on challenging, high-stakes litigation and preparing cases for trial when insurers or corporate defendants refuse to fairly compensate victims.
One of the firm’s most recognized practice areas is cruise ship and maritime injury litigation. Gerson & Schwartz has earned a national reputation for representing injured cruise passengers and crew members in cases involving shipboard accidents, gangway incidents, shore excursion injuries, water slide accidents, vessel malfunctions, and violent crimes such as assault or rape aboard cruise ships. The firm has represented clients from across the United States and internationally, handling maritime claims against major cruise lines.
Philip M. Gerson, together with partners Nicholas Gerson and Edward Schwartz, has litigated complex maritime and personal injury cases against major cruise companies including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, and Holland America Line. Their work has helped establish the firm as a recognized authority in cruise ship injury and maritime litigation.
Over the years, Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers has tried more than 350 jury trials and secured hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. The firm remains firmly committed to a litigation-focused philosophy, emphasizing meticulous preparation, hands-on case management, and aggressive courtroom advocacy rather than quick settlement models.
The firm is consistently top-rated and has earned recognition from organizations including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and Martindale-Hubbell, where Philip M. Gerson holds an AV Preeminent rating. These honors reflect the firm’s long-standing reputation and professional respect within the legal community.
Gerson has also played a role in advancing public safety and victims’ rights. He has testified before the United States Senate Commerce Committee on issues related to cruise passenger safety and crime victim protections, advocating for stronger accountability within the cruise industry. His work also includes leadership involvement with organizations supporting victims of crime and efforts aimed at improving protections for individuals harmed by violent acts or dangerous conditions.
Today, Philip M. Gerson continues to lead Gerson & Schwartz Accident & Injury Lawyers alongside trial partners Nicholas Gerson and Ed Schwartz. The firm remains focused on representing victims of serious injury and wrongful death nationwide, maintaining the same mission that has guided its work for more than half a century: pursuing justice for individuals and families harmed by negligence and wrongdoing.