Morgan & Morgan, touted as the nation’s largest injury law firm with offices across most states, is now under scrutiny due to a proposed class-action lawsuit. This lawsuit alleges that the firm has mishandled numerous cases and operated illegally in Georgia.

Allegations of Illegal Operations

The lawsuit asserts that Morgan & Morgan has been functioning in Georgia without proper registration. According to the complaint, entities that are not registered with the Georgia Secretary of State are prohibited from filing and maintaining civil suits in the state. This claim is being spearheaded by Deputy Brandon Walker, a sheriff’s deputy from Glynn County, Georgia, who suffered severe injuries when his patrol car was rear-ended by a speeding vehicle.

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Mismanagement of Walker’s Case

Deputy Walker approached Morgan & Morgan after the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered a settlement of less than $25,000. Initially, Walker’s case was to be handled by the firm’s Brunswick, Georgia office, and later transferred to the Savannah team. Walker’s lawsuit contends that Morgan & Morgan was not properly registered in Georgia and misrepresented the involvement of local attorneys.

Lack of Communication and Legal Errors

Walker alleges that he had minimal contact with Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys. The few communications he did have included incorrect advice, such as the need to quit his job to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. When Walker refused to leave his job, the firm took no further action, leading to the expiration of the one-year statute of limitations on his workers’ compensation claim.

Financial and Legal Complications

The complaint details further mismanagement, including the mishandling of reimbursements for medical expenses. Walker’s health insurance carrier sought reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance, which Morgan & Morgan attorneys paid without contest. A workers’ compensation expert stated that this would not have happened if a workers’ compensation carrier had been involved, as they typically would not pursue subrogation from the claimant.

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Breach of Legal Duty

The lawsuit claims that Morgan & Morgan failed to explore other compensation avenues for Walker, who requires ongoing medical care. It also alleges that the firm did not adequately investigate the at-fault driver’s medical condition, which could have affected the case outcome.

Broader Implications and Class-Action Scope

Savannah lawyer Brent Savage, representing Walker, suggests that many Georgia residents have been similarly misled and poorly represented by Morgan & Morgan. The proposed class-action lawsuit includes a significant number of potential plaintiffs, making individual claims impractical.

Morgan & Morgan’s Response

As of now, Morgan & Morgan has not responded to the lawsuit. However, Justin Gunter, a partner with Bradley Arant, the firm representing Morgan & Morgan, dismissed the case as meritless and pledged a strong defense.

Previous Legal Challenges

This is not the first time Morgan & Morgan has faced legal issues. In 2023, Brent Savage filed a similar malpractice lawsuit against the firm, which prompted Morgan & Morgan to register with the Georgia Secretary of State. That case is still pending before the Georgia Court of Appeals.

Potential Outcomes

The lawsuit seeks over $5 million in damages, along with punitive damages and attorney fees. The complaint highlights the firm’s alleged bad faith and unnecessary expenses incurred by the plaintiff, which could lead to recovery of litigation costs.

Morgan & Morgan’s aggressive legal strategies have previously drawn criticism, especially in Florida, where the firm filed numerous lawsuits just before new tort-reform laws took effect. This ongoing scrutiny could further impact the firm’s reputation and operations.

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