Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury in Gulfport can be overwhelming, making the choice of legal representation crucial. Searching for a skilled personal injury attorney often begins online, with many turning to searches like “top-rated personal injury attorneys in Gulfport” for guidance. However, the first pages of results are not necessarily the most reliable. Many directories rank attorneys based on their advertising spend rather than their legal skills, which can be misleading for those searching for a Gulfport personal injury lawyer.
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we understand the importance of genuine, experienced advocacy. Witnessing individuals settle for less compensation than they deserve is disheartening. That’s why we ensure each client receives personalized attention to maximize their claim’s value.
The Reason Behind Our Top Personal Injury Attorneys List
We at Smith & Holder, PLLC, are dedicated to protecting your rights and are prepared to offer exceptional legal representation. However, should there be a reason we can’t take your case, it’s still our priority to assist you in finding competent counsel. We’ve curated this list based on our interactions and experiences with fellow attorneys in the area, not through paid rankings.
Each case is unique, and while we strive to accommodate as many clients as possible, there are instances where another attorney might better suit specific needs. We encourage you to consider us for your legal needs, but should you not hire us, this list of top personal injury attorneys in Gulfport will guide you to reliable alternatives for your case.
5 Top Rated Personal Injury Attorneys in Gulfport
1. Chris Smith – Smith & Holder, PLLC
Firm Website | Contact Information | Google Reviews
Mississippi Bar Status | Law School Attended |
Active | Mississippi College School of Law |
Chris Smith, co-founder of Smith & Holder, PLLC, is renowned for his meticulous and innovative legal strategies. With an impressive background that blends rigorous academic preparation with extensive practical experience, Chris has carved out a niche for himself in personal injury and wrongful death litigation—particularly focusing on severe automobile and trucking injury cases.
Chris’s legal career started at the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial District of Florida, where he rapidly gained a reputation as a formidable prosecutor. He often handled multiple jury trials weekly. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future successes in personal injury law, where he has secured several high-profile, multi-figure settlements and verdicts for his clients. Notably, Attorney Chris Smith achieved a landmark seven-figure jury verdict in a Mississippi state court—a testament to his skill and dedication to his clients.
Today, Chris Smith is a trusted advocate for those harmed by negligence and a respected voice in the legal community. He continuously seeks to elevate the practice of personal injury law through education and advocacy. His commitment to justice is paralleled by his dedication to community service, making him a true asset to the Gulfport area and beyond. If you need a personal injury lawyer in Gulfport, please give him a call to schedule a consultation.
2. James K. Wetzel – Wetzel Law Firm
Firm Website | Contact Information | Google Reviews
Mississippi Bar Status | Law School Attended |
Active | Mississippi College School of Law |
James K. Wetzel is a dedicated advocate and founding partner of Wetzel Law Firm. He has served the Gulfport community since 1979, primarily focusing on personal injury litigation. James established his firm to champion the rights of those harmed by others’ negligence. Renowned for his courtroom prowess, James has gained recognition as one of Mississippi’s top 100 trial lawyers, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and client advocacy.
Throughout his career, James has tirelessly fought for fair compensation in complex cases across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. His extensive experience spans state and federal courts, where he has handled a variety of personal injury claims, including automobile accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. Known for his strategic legal approaches and compassionate client relations, James pursues each case with rigor and personalized attention.
3. William Covington – Howe Law
Firm Website | Contact Information | Google Reviews
Mississippi Bar Status | Law School Attended |
Active | Oklahoma City University School of Law |
William “Bill” Covington is the lead attorney for Mississippi at Howe Law. He brings over 25 years of legal experience, focusing primarily on personal injury law. He started his career as an assistant district attorney in Oklahoma City before returning to his home state of Mississippi to practice privately.
Today, Bill handles personal injury, nursing home negligence, pharmaceutical liability, and medical malpractice cases. He has a reputation for securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients. With profound trial experience that includes over 100 jury verdicts, his prowess in the courtroom is well-established.
Beyond his litigation successes, Mr. Covington has also contributed his knowledge as an instructor on constitutional law and other subjects at law enforcement training academies in Mississippi and Oklahoma, showcasing his commitment to legal education and community service.
4. Laura Sullivan – Gulf South Law Firm, PLLC
Firm Website | Contact Information | Google Reviews
Mississippi Bar Status | Law School Attended |
Active | Mississippi College School of Law |
Lauren Rushing Sullivan is a dedicated personal injury attorney at Gulf South Law Firm. She primarily handles car and truck wrecks, slip and fall accidents, and other personal injury cases. Raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she earned her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law, cementing her deep ties to the region.
Lauren is passionate about her work as a lawyer, particularly in building trusting relationships with her clients and guiding them toward resolution and recovery. She prides herself on treating each client with the utmost care and attention, ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout their legal journey. Known for her empathetic listening skills and thorough understanding of personal injury law, Lauren is committed to achieving the best outcomes for her clients, helping them move forward after their accidents.
5. Christopher “Stopher” Haug – Haug, Farrar & Franco PLLC
Firm Website | Contact Information | Google Reviews
Mississippi Bar Status | Law School Attended |
Active | University of Alabama School of Law |
Christopher “Stopher” Haug is a seasoned attorney with nearly 25 years of experience and a founding partner at Haug, Farrar & Franco PLLC. His cases primarily include personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases. Known for his deep connection to the Gulf South, Stopher brings a robust, blue-collar work ethic to his practice, embodying the hardworking spirit of his community.
Stopher’s legal career includes notable stints at regional law firms in Mississippi and Alabama. He also worked as in-house counsel for a major Gulf South company before founding his own practice, The Haug Law Firm. Today, at Haug, Farrar & Franco, Stopher emphasizes a personal approach, preferring quality over quantity and ensuring that clients receive attentive and tailored legal services.
Stopher graduated from the University of Alabama’s Hugo L. Black School of Law and holds a double major from Mississippi State University. Active in his community, he has served in various civic roles, including as an election commissioner and on the executive board of the 1699 Historical Society in Ocean Springs, aiming to preserve local heritage.