Michael Haggard, known for his compassion, empathy, and unwavering advocacy for crime victims, has devoted his entire career to seeking justice for his clients both inside the courtroom, where he has secured groundbreaking awards, and outside, where he actively pushes for lasting solutions and legislative changes at the local, state, and federal levels. Specializing in cases involving pool drownings, negligent security, wrongful deaths, hazardous premises, and product liability, Haggard has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the legal community as the Managing Partner of The Haggard Law Firm.
Before joining The Haggard Law Firm, he served as a Public Defender and worked with a smaller personal injury firm. In 2001, Haggard became a partner, firmly believing that every case, regardless of its nature, held equal importance and had the potential to provide families with resolution following a tragic incident.
Haggard gained national attention when he became the only plaintiff's personal injury attorney to secure three separate $100 million verdicts on behalf of individual clients. Notably, he obtained consecutive $100 million verdicts for children involved in pool accidents. For further insights into Haggard's extensive trial experience representing drowning victims, visit aquaticattorney.com.
Several years later, Haggard achieved a third $100 million verdict in a negligent security case, marking it as the largest of its kind in that area of law.
Ultimately, Haggard's overarching goal is to empower victims by equipping them with the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives. By persuading judges or juries to hold responsible parties accountable, he provides victims and their families with a sense of justice and solace, sparing others from experiencing the same tragedy. Haggard's unwavering commitment to his clients has earned him numerous awards, solidifying his status as one of the most highly esteemed personal injury attorneys in the country. In 2017, he received the Florida Justice Association's prestigious Perry Nichols Award and was honored as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers of America. His accolades also include the Advocate of Justice Award from the National Crime Victims Bar Association, a Lifetime Achievement recognition from America's Top 100 Attorneys®, two mentions as a Most Effective Lawyer by the Daily Business Review, membership in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and consistent recognition as a Florida Trend Legal Elite Lawyer, a Florida Top 100 Super Lawyer, and one of the Best Lawyers in America.
Beyond his professional achievements, Haggard is deeply committed to numerous charitable causes. Believing that attorneys have a responsibility to give back to their communities, he serves on the Advisory Council for the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and sits on the Board of Directors for the National Crime Victim Bar Association, where his expertise in representing victims of violent crimes, including sexual crimes, is put to meaningful use (more details available at abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/florida). Additionally, Haggard is an active member of the MADD Barristers Council, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and ASIS, the world's largest organization for security professionals.
Closest to his heart, however, is Haggard's role on the National Board of the Polycystic Kidney Foundation. This genetic disease has profoundly impacted several members of his family, including Haggard himself.
Outside of his professional life, Haggard is not only a philanthropist but also a devoted father. He cherishes spending quality time with his wife, Bekki, coaching his son's football team, and attending his daughter's track meets.