About Stephen

Reviewers Often Mention

Based on insights from 10 Avvo reviews of this attorney.

Case Results

Recommendation

Responsiveness

Professionalism

Biography

Since becoming a member of the Florida Bar in 2004, Stephen Fernandez has spent his career representing accident victims in personal injury and wrongful death cases. His experience includes handling cases related to automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking crashes, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, electrical accidents, aviation accidents, trip-and-falls, watercraft accidents, nursing home and ALF negligence, and homeowner’s insurance claims.

Education
Mr. Fernandez received his law degree, with honors, from the University of Florida College of Law. While in law school he focused on courses relevant to the field of personal injury and trial practice. Mr. Fernandez was also an active member of the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy. Prior to studying law, he graduated with high honors from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science. He earned a minor in Business Administration and Environmental Studies.

Activities, Associations and Awards
Mr. Fernandez has built a reputation as a skilled litigator and zealous advocate for his clients. He is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has been consistently recognized by Florida Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in the State of Florida. This distinction is awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys and is based on factors such as academic achievement, peer recognition and professional accomplishments. Mr. Fernandez has a “Superb” rating by Avvo which is that organization’s highest rating for attorneys.

Mr. Fernandez is on the Board of Directors for the Manasota Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Florida Justice Association, the American Association of Justice, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, and the Association of Plaintiff’s Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.

An avid fisherman and fly-fisherman, Mr. Fernandez is a lifetime member of the International Game Fish Association. He has published fishing and conservation articles in Fisheries Magazine, Florida Sportsman and Salt-Water Fly Fishing. His article Captive-bred Exceptions: An Unconventional Approach to Conservation Under the ESA” won the Barbara W. Maker award and was published in the UF Journal of Law and Public Policy.

Helping injured people in Sarasota and the surrounding areas get the compensation they deserve.

Practice Areas

Brain Injury 20%

20%

Wrongful Death 20%

Fatal accidents and wrongful death

20%

Aviation 10%

Aviation accidents

10%

Car Accident 10%

Car and motor vehicle accidents, Motorcycle crashes

10%

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect 10%

Nursing-home and assisted-living negligence, Other serious negligence claims

10%

Personal Injury 10%

Serious and catastrophic injuries, Electrical accidents and electrocution injuries, Construction accidents, Watercraft accidents

10%

Slip and Fall Accident 10%

10%

Trucking Accident 10%

Commercial trucking accidents

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Awards

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 18 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2007

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 22 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2004

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh

(941) 217-1128

Mobile

2822 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34243

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Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh

(941) 217-1128

Mobile

6446 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33707

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By Appointment Only

1215 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34205

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3986 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 34293

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9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34202

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122 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950

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8359 Beacon Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, 33907

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122 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801

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Online Presence

Other places you can find Stephen online.

Stephen Mathew Fernandez's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Client Insights

AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the lawyer for being highly professional, compassionate, and communicative throughout their cases. Clients frequently highlight the lawyer's honest guidance, accessibility, and genuine care for their well-being, with many noting that the final outcomes and settlements exceeded their expectations.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews

Posted by Lauren | December 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Top of the top!

Mr. Fernandez is the best of the best, he won a very difficult case for my husband and I. He was always caring and communicated every step clearly, I loved that he was always easy to get ahold of and never rushed his time with us. There is truly no where else I'd go, he is amazing!

Posted by anonymous | March 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Praise of Stephen Fernandez

Mr. Stephen Fernandez is a very effective and professional attorney. Mr. Fernandez kept us appraised of the process, including our options and his recommendations. We are pleased with the resolution of the issues in our case.

Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney

An exemplary attorney

Following my accident/traumatic injuries, we met with Stephen Fernandez to discuss our options. We were impressed with his soft-spoken, calm demeanor which immediately made us feel very comfortable with him and his staff. From the start, he was open and honest and helped us to establish realistic exp...ectations regarding the type of settlement we could expect and we so appreciated this approach. His care and concern for my well-being was genuine and he and his staff kept us informed every step of the way. I must say that he exceeded our expectations on every level. He is a consummate professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing the services of a great personal injury attorney.

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Posted by Tanya | March 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Stephen Fernandez and Staff are EXCELLENT!!!!!!

I went to Mr. Fernandez because he was so great with a case he handled for my daughter. My family was amazed at how quickly he got in touch with her, when she called him. They helped her with what ever her issues were at the time. Even if it was just to put our mind at ease. A year after her case ...was successfully closed, I was in an awful accident. I sitting at a red light in a little vehicle while someone slammed into me in a Large V8 work truck. The confusion, dizziness, anxiety, fear set in almost immediately about what I was going to do. Of course, I called a couple of attorneys, as it was on the weekend. Received call back the next day & I spoke with one attorneys helper (no help at all). I still have not talked to the other Large Law Firm yet :) I was grateful that Mr. Fernandez called me quickly to let me know my options. He was not pushy at all he told me what to do to protect myself. I was worried about going to hospital (money is really tight as I have a ill child). Throughout my entire process. I felt as if I was his only client (even though I know he has a large clientele). The staff there were so helpful and pleasant. I would use this office for Any and All legal issues in my family future. They went above and beyond. Mr. Fernandez did erything he could do and I am pleased at the outcome. Mr. Fernandez Always asked about my daughter and how her heath was. Just know There are Attorneys still out there that care about your case, health, family and future. Don't hesitate to call Mr. Fernandez he truly cares about doing what is best for you.

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Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney

A plus

Mr. Fernandez was an amazing lawyer. This was my first experience with a lawyer and it was excellent. He was very attentive to my every need. I would strongly recommend him or this law firm to anyone I know and use them in any future needs.

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Stephen Mathew Fernandez's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen

Scott Miller

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen is one of those rare attorneys that is great both inside and outside the courtroom. He works hard for his clients to achieve the best possible outcome no matter what the circumstance. You will be very well represented if Stephen is your lawyer."

Patrick McArdle

Car accident lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stephen is a smart, tireless lawyer who does great work."

Daniel Murphy

Car accident lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Ramos

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Stephen Fernandez. In my opinion he is one of the best Personal Injury lawyers in Sarasota and Manatee counties. He has always shown great knowledge of the law of personal injury, and experience in aggressively prosecuting cases against insurers and tortfeasors alike. Very thorough and methodical in his approach to cases, with a keen eye towards the right resolution and just compensation for the client."

Michael Hankin

Wrongful death lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Steve has an unbridled passion for the law and diligently fights for his client's rights. Time after time, I've watched Steve courageously fight big insurance companies and get his clients the justice they deserve. If you have a personal injury matter, Steve's the guy to call."

Bernard Walsh

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Stephen has always done a fantastic job protecting the rights of our mutual clients. His trial preparation and his ability to negotiate is superior. I fully endorse his legal abilities."

Steven Wingo

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was one of Stephen's suprevising attorneys at his first job following law school and we have kept in touch since then to confer regarding numerous cases. He is a dedicated advocate for his clients and is committed to ensuring each client gets the best possible representation. He will not let insurance companies take advantage of his clients. If you are an accident victim in need of assistance you can be assured he will provide quality representation and will always be in your corner looking after your best interests."

James Fasig

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Stephen is a passionate litigator who believes in his clients and is willing to fight for justice. I often refer cases to him, and he produces impressive results."

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Scott Miller

Unknown lawyer

Evan George

Immigration lawyer

Jason Ramos

Consumer protection lawyer

Michael Hankin

Real estate lawyer

Steven Wingo

Personal injury lawyer

James Fasig

Personal injury lawyer