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Matthew E. Haynes
Partner
Who Is Matthew Haynes? Florida’s Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a car accident, truck crash, or due to someone else’s negligence, you need a lawyer who actually takes cases to trial — and wins. Matthew E. Haynes is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Partner at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath — one of Florida’s most respected plaintiff personal injury and wrongful death firms. With over 30 years of high-stakes trial experience, Matt has built a statewide reputation as a relentless advocate for catastrophically injured victims and their families across Palm Beach, Broward, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and throughout Florida.
Board certification in civil trial law is the Florida Bar’s highest recognition of courtroom competency — awarded by the Florida Supreme Court. Of the more than 100,000 attorneys licensed in Florida, fewer than 1,100 hold this credential. Matt is one of them. More importantly, Matt has been continuously Board Certified since 2010 and has been re-certified five times — a distinction that requires ongoing jury trial experience. Unlike many attorneys who achieve initial board certification but fail to maintain it due to insufficient trial activity, Matt has continually met the rigorous requirements through actual jury trials year after year.
The Lawyer Other Lawyers Call
Matt Haynes is recognized by his peers as a lawyers’ lawyer — the attorney other trial lawyers, and even members of the judiciary, call when they or their loved ones need aggressive, trial-tested representation. He has been honored to represent fellow attorneys and judges in complex personal injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases. When a lawyer who knows the system chooses Matt to fight for them, it is the highest possible endorsement of his skill and judgment.
“Matt Haynes is the single best trial attorney I have met.” — Peer Attorney, Super Lawyers
Unlike many personal injury firms that advertise heavily but settle every case to avoid the courtroom, Matt prepares every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies and defense firms throughout Florida know who tries cases and who doesn’t. When they see Matt Haynes on the other side, lowball offers don’t get accepted — and they know it.
100+ Jury Trials to Verdict — A Track Record Almost No Florida Attorney Can Match
Unlike 99.9% of Florida personal injury attorneys, Matt Haynes has tried more than 100 plaintiff personal injury cases to verdict. In an era where most firms settle every case to avoid the courtroom, this trial experience is virtually unmatched in Florida plaintiff practice.
Even more telling: In over 90% of those trials, the jury verdict exceeded the insurance company’s highest pre-trial offer. That track record sends a clear message to every insurance adjuster and defense lawyer in Florida: Matt Haynes doesn’t bluff, and lowball offers won’t make cases go away.
This trial experience gives Matt’s clients leverage that settlement-only firms simply cannot provide. Insurance companies take him seriously because they know he will take a case to a jury — and they know what happens when he does.
What Cases Does Matt Haynes Handle?
Matt focuses exclusively on representing injured people — never insurance companies, never corporations. His case experience includes:
- Car and truck accidents — including tractor-trailer under-ride crashes, commercial vehicle collisions, and Dram Shop liability
- Wrongful death — representing families who lost loved ones due to negligence
- Catastrophic injury — traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and severe burn cases
- Premises liability — slip and fall, trip and fall, negligent security, and dangerous property conditions
- Product liability — defective vehicles, equipment, and consumer products
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims
- Power-line electrocution and utility negligence
- Civil RICO and complex commercial litigation involving individual plaintiffs
- Defamation — representing individuals harmed by false public statements
Matt welcomes referrals from other attorneys and handles cases throughout Palm Beach, Broward, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and all Florida counties. If you’re not sure whether you have a case, call (561) 870-5114 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless Matt wins.
Proven Results: Hundreds of Millions Recovered
Matt has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients and their families. He is known for taking on the toughest cases — including those other firms have declined — and delivering justice at trial when necessary.
Notable Verdicts & Settlements
| Result | Case Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| $11,250,000 | Catastrophic Auto Crash Settlement | Mother and child severely injured by a company truck in Broward County. Matt overturned the initial police fault determination using black-box data and reconstruction experts. |
| $10,000,000 | Wrongful Death Verdict — Lead Counsel | School bus crash that took the life of a child (Port St. Lucie). |
| $8,500,000 | Catastrophic Truck Accident Verdict | Severe brain injury. Ranked among Florida’s Top 20 Verdicts (Warner v. M.E. Thompson, Inc., et al.). |
| $1,250,000 | Car Accident Settlement | Palm Beach County. Innocent driver T-boned at an intersection; gas station surveillance and body-cam footage proved the at-fault driver ran a red light and was arrested for drugs. |
| $1,100,000 | Trip-and-Fall Settlement | Hazardous condition (Okeechobee County). |
| $750,000 | Slip-and-Fall Settlement | Multiple other firms had passed on the case; Matt secured full value for the client. |
| $137,545 | Premises Liability Verdict | Client’s foot fell into a broken sidewalk utility box while jogging with his daughter, requiring ankle surgery. Verdict was more than 5× the defendant’s final offer (Palm Beach County). |
| $135,000 | Defamation Verdict | Successfully represented a local attorney defamed on a town’s official Facebook page. |
These results, combined with numerous additional multimillion-dollar confidential settlements in tractor-trailer under-ride failures, power-line electrocution wrongful death cases, and Dram Shop liability matters, demonstrate Matt’s ability to force insurance companies and large defendants to pay full value — even when they initially denied liability or offered pennies on the dollar.
Teaching Florida’s Next Generation of Trial Lawyers
Matt’s standing in the legal community extends well beyond the courtroom. He has been selected to serve on the faculty teaching other trial lawyers and frequently lectures at the Florida Justice Association’s (FJA) prestigious annual Workhorse Seminar and Masters of Trial program — two of the most respected advanced trial advocacy programs in the state. These invitations reflect his standing as one of Florida’s elite trial advocates who not only wins big cases, but shares his hard-earned strategies with the next generation of plaintiff lawyers.
His teaching reach extends nationally and internationally. Matt has lectured on civil trial practice across the United States and received a formal invitation to speak at Peking University School of Law in Beijing, China — the country’s most prestigious law school, often described as China’s equivalent of Harvard. During that visit, he was among the first American attorneys ever permitted to observe a civil jury trial in a Chinese court — a singular professional distinction.
The United States Navy also recognized Matt’s leadership by selecting him for its “Leaders to the Sea” program, which identifies key community leaders across the country for a personal experience aboard an active warship. Matt was flown by helicopter to a Guided Missile Destroyer at sea, where he spent the day with the captain and crew.
Trusted by Courts and Counsel — Arbitrator, Expert Witness, and Guardian Ad Litem
Matt’s reputation extends beyond his own cases. He is regularly called upon by other attorneys and the courts to serve in specialized roles that require exceptional judgment and expertise:
Court-Appointed Guardian Ad Litem: Trial judges have appointed and approved Matt to serve as Guardian Ad Litem in cases involving minor children. In this role, he evaluates proposed settlements on behalf of child plaintiffs and provides independent recommendations to the court to ensure settlements are in the best interest of the child. This appointment reflects the judiciary’s trust in Matt’s judgment and integrity when protecting Florida’s most vulnerable injury victims.
Expert Witness in Bad Faith & Fee Disputes: Matt has been retained by other law firms and testified in court as an expert witness in matters of insurance bad faith litigation and attorneys’ fees disputes. When complex cases require an expert opinion on whether an insurance company acted in bad faith or whether legal fees are reasonable, other lawyers turn to Matt’s 30+ years of experience and board certification.
Selected Arbitrator: Matt has been selected by his fellow trial lawyers to serve as an arbitrator to both value personal injury cases and resolve attorneys’ fee disputes. When lawyers on both sides need a neutral expert to determine what a case is worth or resolve a fee disagreement, they choose Matt — a recognition of his standing among Florida’s plaintiff bar.
These roles demonstrate something powerful: when judges need someone to protect children, when lawyers need an expert witness, and when attorneys on both sides need a fair arbitrator, they call Matt Haynes.
Why Hire Matt Haynes Instead of a Settlement Mill?
He actually tries cases — over 100 of them. Unlike 99.9% of Florida personal injury attorneys, Matt has taken more than 100 plaintiff personal injury cases to verdict. In over 90% of those trials, the jury verdict exceeded the insurance company’s highest pre-trial offer. That track record gives Matt’s clients leverage that settlement-only firms cannot match.
He prepares every case as if it will go to trial. When defense adjusters see Matt Haynes on the other side, they know a lowball offer won’t end the case. That preparation and reputation consistently produces better outcomes — both at the settlement table and before a jury.
He is personally involved in your case. Matt is not a “sign it and pass it off” attorney. Clients who hire Matt work directly with Matt.
He takes cases other firms won’t touch.
Several of Matt’s largest results came from cases that other law firms had already declined. If you’ve been told your case isn’t worth pursuing, it may be worth a second opinion.
He has 30+ years of courtroom experience in Florida courts. He knows Palm Beach County juries, South Florida judges, and the defense firms that represent insurance companies in this market.
Recognition & Credentials
Professional Recognition
- Florida Bar Board Certified — Civil Trial Law (Board Certified since 2010; re-certified 5 times through ongoing jury trial activity — fewer than 1,100 of Florida’s 100,000+ attorneys hold this certification)
- Super Lawyers — Florida: 2025, 2026
- Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs (recognized since 2022)
- Legends Society — Top Lawyers, Plaintiff’s Personal Injury: 2009, 2010, 2011
- Martindale-Hubbell — AV Preeminent Rated (confirm with web team)
Court and Peer Appointments
- Court-Appointed Guardian Ad Litem — Appointed and approved by trial judges to evaluate and approve settlements for minor children, ensuring settlements are in the best interest of the child
- Expert Witness — Retained and testified in court on matters of insurance bad faith litigation and attorneys’ fees disputes
- Selected Arbitrator — Chosen by fellow trial lawyers to value personal injury cases and resolve attorneys’ fee disputes
Mentorship & Community Awards
- The Honorable Meenu Sasser Award for Mentorship — Palm Beach County Bar Association (first non-judge ever to receive this award)
- Mickey Smiley Mentorship Award — Florida Justice Association (statewide recognition by fellow trial lawyers for excellence in mentorship)
Teaching & Speaking
- Florida Justice Association — Selected Faculty, Workhorse Seminar & Masters of Trial program
- International Lecturer — Peking University School of Law, Beijing, China (China’s equivalent of Harvard Law)
- U.S. Navy “Leaders to the Sea” — Selected as a community leader for active-duty warship experience
Academic Honors — Stetson University College of Law
- Graduated Cum Laude, 1993
- American Jurisprudence Book Awards — Multiple awards for Highest Grade in Class, including Real Property
- Law Review — Selected based on academic achievement and victory in the Law Review legal writing competition
- Outstanding Student Leader — Selected by Faculty and Students as the Outstanding Student Leader of his graduating class
- Law I, Law II, and Law III Academic Scholarships
- Published: “Exculpatory Clauses and Indemnity Agreements Against One’s Own Negligence,” Stetson Law Review
About Matt — Education & Background
Matt was born on Long Island, New York, and moved to Jupiter, Florida in 1980. He graduated from Jupiter High School and earned a BS in Accounting from Florida State University in 1990 before going on to earn his JD, Cum Laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 1993.
At Stetson, Matt’s academic record was exceptional from day one. He earned multiple American Jurisprudence Book Awards — given to the student with the highest grade in the class — across several subjects. His academic standing earned him selection to Law Review, where he also won the Law Review legal writing competition. He received Law I, Law II, and Law III Academic Scholarships throughout his three years. And in recognition of his impact beyond the classroom, both the faculty and his fellow students chose him as the Outstanding Student Leader of his graduating class — a distinction that reflects the same combination of excellence and commitment to others that has defined his legal career ever since.
He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1993 and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
That same spirit of giving back continues today. Matt has been honored with The Honorable Meenu Sasser Award for Mentorship by the Palm Beach County Bar Association — making him the first non-judge in the award’s history to receive it — and the Mickey Smiley Mentorship Award from the Florida Justice Association, the statewide organization of trial lawyers. These awards reflect what his peers, fellow attorneys, and the judiciary already know: Matt Haynes is not only one of the best trial lawyers in Florida, but one of the most committed to lifting up the next generation.
Beyond the Courtroom: Matt created and runs the popular Florida Man Law Instagram account (@floridamanlaw), a satirical legal education platform that combines viral Florida Man headlines with accessible legal commentary. The account uses humor and a distinctive retro tabloid aesthetic to make complex legal concepts entertaining and understandable to a general audience, reaching thousands of followers with content that demystifies personal injury law through Florida’s most outrageous headlines.
Matt and his family are deeply committed to South Florida’s natural environment. They actively clean and maintain local coral reefs through a SCUBA diving club, and once won a community competition for collecting the most reef trash. He and his three sons — Matthew, Samuel, and Joseph — enjoy SCUBA diving, fishing, and baseball.
What Clients & Peers Say About Matthew Haynes
| Testimonial | Source |
|---|---|
| “Matt did a great job in court… I’m more than pleased with all their performances.” | Mary Wendell (Mary Steenken) — Google Review, December 2025 |
| “Matthew Haynes represented me in a car accident case. He fought for me through trial and cared. We won the case and I have no doubt it was because of him. He took the time to go over every detail. I highly recommend him.” | Susan S. — Firm Website |
| “My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Matt Haynes. He was prompt, professional, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. Everything he told us would happen did happen. We are very satisfied with our settlement.” | Roger S. — Firm Website |
| “Everyone at the law firm has been fantastic, supportive and full of good information. Mr. Haynes and Lisa handled my issues with professionalism during a very stressful time.” | Jermaine — Firm Website |
| “I highly recommend this firm for legal representation. Matthew Haynes and the paralegals were amazing and always available when I had questions.” | Anonymous — Firm Website |
| “When rear-ended in SE Florida, I contacted Matt Haynes and received a rapid reply. After that I never had to worry about anything.” | Anonymous — Firm Website |
| “Matthew E. Haynes and Leslie Cooper were a real pleasure to deal with. Utmost professionalism all around — above and beyond prior experiences.” | Anonymous — Lawyers.com (Martindale) |
| “With Lytal Reiter Smith Ivey & Fronrath on my side, my stresses were calmed. My case settled quickly and justice prevailed.” | Thomas Gallagher — law-firms.info |
| “Matt Haynes is the single best trial attorney I have met.” | Peer Attorney — Super Lawyers |
Free Consultation — No Fee Unless We Win
If you were injured in a car accident, lost a family member due to negligence, or believe you have a personal injury claim anywhere in Florida, call Matt Haynes directly at (561) 870-5114 or email mhaynes@foryourrights.com. Serving West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and statewide.
Offices in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Personal Injury Attorney Matthew E. Haynes
Is Matthew Haynes board certified?
Yes. Matthew E. Haynes is board certified in civil trial law by The Florida Bar — the highest recognition of trial competency awarded by the Florida Supreme Court. Fewer than 1,100 of Florida’s 100,000+ licensed attorneys hold this certification. Matt has been continuously Board Certified since 2010 and has been re-certified five times, which requires ongoing jury trial experience. Unlike many attorneys who achieve initial certification but fail to maintain it due to insufficient trial activity, Matt has continually met the rigorous requirements through actual jury trials.
How many cases has Matthew Haynes tried to verdict?
Matt has tried more than 100 plaintiff personal injury cases to verdict — a level of trial experience that fewer than 0.1% of Florida personal injury attorneys can claim. In over 90% of those trials, the jury verdict exceeded the insurance company’s highest pre-trial offer, demonstrating his exceptional ability to maximize case value at trial.
What makes Matthew Haynes different from other Florida personal injury lawyers?
Matt is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer who actually tries cases — and wins. With over 100 jury trials to verdict (and a 90%+ record of exceeding pre-trial offers), he has trial experience that virtually no other Florida plaintiff’s attorney can match. Other firms refer their most difficult cases to him because they know he will fight for maximum compensation, whether through aggressive negotiation or verdict at trial. He is the lawyer other lawyers call when they need representation for themselves or their families.
What types of personal injury cases does Matthew Haynes handle?
Matt handles car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, slip and fall, trip and fall, premises liability, product liability, uninsured motorist (UM) claims, Dram Shop liability, and defamation cases throughout Florida. He represents injured individuals and families only — never insurance companies or corporations.
Has Matthew Haynes obtained notable verdicts or settlements?
Yes. His results include an $11.25 million catastrophic auto crash settlement (Broward County), a $10 million wrongful death verdict as lead counsel (Port St. Lucie), and an $8.5 million truck accident verdict ranked among
Does Matthew Haynes take cases to trial?
Absolutely. Matt has tried over 100 plaintiff personal injury cases to verdict — more than 99.9% of Florida personal injury attorneys. He regularly tries cases in Florida courts, including Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. His willingness and proven ability to try cases gives clients critical leverage that settlement-only firms cannot offer — insurance companies take him seriously because they know he will go to a jury, and they know what happens when he does.
Do other attorneys trust Matthew Haynes with their own cases?
Absolutely. As a true lawyers’ lawyer, Matt has represented fellow trial attorneys and members of the judiciary in their personal injury and wrongful death matters. One fellow attorney has called him “the single best trial attorney I have met.” When a lawyer who knows the system chooses Matt to fight for them, it speaks volumes about skill and integrity.
Has Matthew Haynes taught or lectured other trial lawyers?
Yes. Matt has been selected for faculty positions teaching trial advocacy and frequently lectures at the Florida Justice Association’s annual Workhorse Seminar and Masters of Trial program — sharing proven strategies with Florida’s top plaintiff lawyers. He has also lectured nationally and internationally, including at Peking University School of Law in Beijing, China — China’s equivalent of Harvard Law School.
Has Matthew Haynes served as an expert witness or arbitrator?
Yes. Matt has been retained by other law firms and has testified in court as an expert witness in matters of insurance bad faith litigation and attorneys’ fees disputes. He has also been selected by his fellow trial lawyers to serve as an arbitrator to value personal injury cases and resolve attorneys’ fee disputes. These roles demonstrate the high level of trust and respect Matt has earned from other attorneys and the legal community.
Has Matthew Haynes been appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem?
Yes. Trial judges have appointed and approved Matt to serve as Guardian Ad Litem in cases involving minor children. In this role, he evaluates proposed settlements on behalf of child plaintiffs and provides independent recommendations to the court to ensure settlements are in the best interest of the child. This appointment reflects the judiciary’s trust in Matt’s judgment when protecting Florida’s most vulnerable injury victims.
How much does it cost to hire Matthew Haynes?
Matt works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless he recovers money for you. Initial consultations are free. Call (561) 870-5114 to discuss your case at no charge.
Where is Matthew Haynes located?
Matt’s offices are located in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale. He serves clients throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and statewide Florida.
How long has Matthew Haynes been practicing law?
Matt has been practicing personal injury law in Florida for over 30 years. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993 after graduating Cum Laude from Stetson University College of Law.
What is the phone number for Matthew Haynes?
You can reach Matthew Haynes at (561) 870-5114. His email is mhaynes@foryourrights.com. Initial consultations are free.
What should I do after a car accident in West Palm Beach?
Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay — some injuries appear days later. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Document everything: photographs, witness names, and medical bills. Call an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. You can reach Matt Haynes at (561) 870-5114 for a free consultation.
Does Matthew Haynes take cases other firms have turned down?
Yes. Several of Matt’s largest results — including a $750,000 slip-and-fall settlement — came from cases that other law firms had already declined. If you have been told your case isn’t worth pursuing, it is worth a free second opinion from Matt.
- Florida State University: BS in Accounting, 1990.
- Stetson University College of Law, Cum Laude, 1993
- Florida, 1993
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 2008
- United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 2011
- The Florida Bar – Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney
- Legends Society.com Top Lawyers – Plaintiff’s Personal Injury: 2009, 2010, 2011.
- American Jurisprudence Book Award (Real Property)
- Recipient of Law I, Law II, and Law III Academic Scholarships.
- Stetson Law Review: “Exculpatory Clauses and Indemnity Agreements Against One’s Own Negligence”
- Florida Justice Association
- Palm Beach County Justice Association
News
- WPTV News Channel 5: Lessons from Aaron: seatbelt maker responds
- Local-school-bus-tragedy-inspires-national-change-ntsb-recommendations
- How-local-school-bus-tragedy-contributed-to-federal-decision-endorsing-seatbelts-on-school-buses
- Jurors reach guilty verdict in bus crash wrongful death trial
- Firm Partner Lance C. Ivey and Attorney Matt E. Haynes awarded $10 Million verdict in Port St. Lucie Wrongful Death Bus Crash
- Partner, Lance C. Ivey and Attorney, Mathew E. Haynes awarded $10 Million Dollar Verdict in Wrongful Death, Port. St. Lucie School Bus Accident. Sept.1, 2015 –September 8, 2015