Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Lawyers | Free Consultation
McLeod & Thompson Law Firm
Experienced Legal Representation When You Need It Most
When a serious injury upends your life on the Emerald Coast, you deserve a legal team that knows Fort Walton Beach and fights for the people who live and visit here. McLeod & Thompson represents injured clients across Fort Walton Beach and southern Okaloosa County, from the US 98 corridor and the Brooks Bridge to Okaloosa Island and the neighborhoods around Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field. Whether you were hurt in a crash, on the job or on someone else’s property, we handle the legal work and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.
Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Fort Walton Beach
Our Fort Walton Beach injury lawyers handle the full range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and medical malpractice, along with slip and falls and other negligence claims across Okaloosa County. From crashes on US 98 and the Brooks Bridge to injuries on Okaloosa Island, we know how these cases unfold here and how to pursue the compensation you are owed.
Car Accidents
US 98, the Brooks Bridge and Eglin Parkway see frequent collisions, and beach-season traffic only adds risk. We pursue full compensation for injured drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Motorcycle Accidents
The Emerald Coast draws riders year-round. When a careless driver causes a wreck, we investigate what happened and fight for the recovery injured riders deserve.
Our Case Results
Our proven track record of securing substantial jury verdicts and settlements demonstrates our commitment to maximizing client recovery. Whether through litigation or negotiation, our documented success makes a meaningful difference in your case. Please note that the following represents just a selection of the favorable outcomes we’ve achieved for our clients throughout our practice history.
$650,000
Ball, *et al.* v. First Floridian Auto and Home insurance Co., Car Accident, Personal Injury, 2017
$110,000.00
Policy limits for a rollover case on I-10.
$125,000.00
Car accident on Highway 98 when the at-fault driver turned in front of the client.
$175,000.00
Client hit by an uninsured motorist, sustaining a torn rotator cuff.
$175,000.00
Car accident where the at-fault minor driver ran a red light, hitting the client’s car and causing a torn meniscus.
$575,000.00
At-fault driver speeding through a parking lot in the wrong direction.
The list of verdicts and settlements is provided as a partial list of some of our successes in achieving compensation for our clients. You should not use this list as a guide or to gauge what may or may not happen in your particular case. All cases are different and the results will vary, as well.
Understanding Your Rights Under Florida Law
Florida law shapes every injury claim, and the rules have changed in recent years. Most negligence claims now must be filed within two years, the state’s no-fault system means your own Personal Injury Protection coverage pays first after a crash, and a modified comparative negligence rule can reduce your recovery if you are found partly at fault. We help Fort Walton Beach clients understand exactly where they stand.
Required Insurance Coverage
Insurance Company Tactics
Why Fort Walton Beach Chooses
McLeod & Thompson
Local Knowledge
We know Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County and how injury claims work here. That local insight helps us build stronger cases for our clients.
Florida-Focused Practice
We apply current Florida injury law, from the two-year filing deadline to the state's no-fault and comparative negligence rules, to the specifics of your case.
Responsive Service
You work directly with our team, not a call center. We keep you informed and reachable from your first call through the resolution of your claim.
“I worked with Mike McLeod after a serious car accident and was very impressed with the results, a fair settlement. I had never experienced a law suit before, and Mr. McLeod explained every step of the process and put my mind at ease.
Mr. McLeod developed the case and gathered the evidence required with only the minimum required of me in the process.
The insurance company initially refused a fair settlement and we went through a process of depositions, and filed a law suit. After the suit was filed the insurance company came to mediation and we settled. I was very pleased. It was clear the insurance company respected Mr. McLeod’s experience and professionalism which I feel was key to winning a fair settlement.
Mr. McLeod always promptly returned my calls and gave me as much time as needed to explain the case as we proceeded and answer all my questions. The staff in the office was also very professional and polite and always took care of my needs.
After this experience, I actively recommend Mr. McLeod and I don’t believe I could have found a better attorney.”
– Scott A. via Google
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
For most injury claims based on negligence, Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This deadline was shortened from four years under a 2023 state law, so it is important to speak with an attorney soon after you are hurt.
Florida is a no-fault state. How does that affect my car accident claim?
After a crash, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays a portion of your initial medical bills no matter who caused the accident. If your injuries are serious, Florida law may let you step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you share some of the blame, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if you are found more than 50 percent at fault. This bar does not apply to medical malpractice claims.
Can I file a claim if I was hurt while visiting Fort Walton Beach on vacation?
Yes. You do not have to live in Florida to bring a claim for an accident that happened here. We help both local residents and out-of-town visitors injured in Fort Walton Beach and across Okaloosa County.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
McLeod & Thompson offers free consultations, and we handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
What should I do after an accident in Fort Walton Beach?
Get medical attention, report the incident and call law enforcement after a crash, and if you are able, save photos, names and contact details from the scene. Try not to give a recorded statement to an insurance company before you have spoken with an attorney.