R. Jonathan Franco

Jonathan Franco joined the firm  as a partner in July 2017. He was raised in Montgomery, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama, where he received his undergraduate degree in political science, with a minor in English. Jonathan went on to earn his law degree at Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, Mississippi.  Jonathan resides with his wife Ashley Franco and daughter Alexandra in Ocean Springs.

Jonathan serves on the executive committee of  the Mississippi Association for Justice (MAJ) where he serves as Parliamentarian.  He also serves on the MAJ Board of Governors representing the Jackson County Circuit Court division.  He is a past editor of MAJ’s annual publication, Voir Dire  magazine, served on MAJ’s public policy committee from 2021-2022, and is the chair of the 2023 MAJ annual convention CLE.  Jonathan is the 2018 recipient of MAJ’s “Rising Star” award given to a trial lawyer under 40 years of age who has excelled in personal injury litigation.  Jonathan is also on the board of directors for the Southern Trial Lawyers Association.  Jonathan was selected to the 2019-2022  Mid South Super Lawyers Rising Stars.  Jonathan was also selected in 2019 and 2020 to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff attorney in the State of Mississippi.  Within the local community Jonathan is a past president, past member of the board of directors, and is still an active member of the Ocean Springs Rotary Club.

Jonathan’s practice focuses exclusively on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases where he has obtained seven figure and high six figure awards for injury victims:

Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Cases

Jonathan has substantial experience representing victims of commercial motor vehicle crashes such as tractor trailer crashes.  Jonathan applies the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (“FMSRs) in successfully prosecuting tractor trailer crashes.  The FMSCRs are federal regulations  that govern the maintenance, hiring, and driving practices of trucking companies and truck drivers.  Jonathan will investigate the trucking company and their driver to make sure they did not place profits over safety.

Premises Liability Cases

Jonathan has also obtained significant recoveries in premises liability cases involving unsafe conditions on a property.  Jonathan applies building code violations and engineering violations to hold premises owners accountable for unsafe properties.  Jonathan will determine whether coefficient of friction standards were violated, riser and tread height were proper, safety rails were properly built, lighting was proper, etc.

Medical Malpractice

Jonathan also represents the victims of medical malpractice.  Jonathan has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of families of medical malpractice victims including wrongful death claims.  Medical malpractice has become more of a niche practice area in Mississippi due to the pre-suit notice requirements, nuances of litigation, caps on damages, and the expense of litigation.  However, Jonathan enjoys the medical and scientific aspects of these cases and enjoys helping victims receive justice.  Jonathan is often referred medical malpractice claims by other attorneys due to his significant experience in this field.

Car Wreck Cases

Jonathan has also represented hundreds of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents that were involved in car crashes.  Each car wreck case involves its own set of fact and challenges.  Jonathan does not recommend settlements unless they make the client whole.  If an insurance company is not willing to pay a reasonable settlement amount in a car wreck case, Jonathan will file a lawsuit and fight to recover a satisfactory settlement for your case.

Workers’ Compensation and Maritime Injuries

Jonathan maintains a substantial workers’ compensation practice and represents injured Mississippians across the state.  Jonathan takes particular pride in helping injured workers who are being denied medical treatment and disability benefits by their employer and its insurance company.  He would rather fight for the injured worker of this state than a big corporation or insurance company.  Jonathan also represents shipyard and maritime workers’ who fall within the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.  Jonathan also has experience representing claimants in Jones Act claims and general maritime/boat injury claims.