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Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional AssociationPartner
Michael Lewis Forte
Pro

Michael Lewis Forte

5.0
20 reviews

100 North Tampa Street, Suite 2000, Tampa, FL 33602

Casualty Litigation, Product Liability, Construction and 10 more

About Michael Lewis Forte

Mike Forte practices in the areas of trucking, casualty and product liability. He defends clients in trucking accidents involving negligence, catastrophic injury and wrongful death in both state and federal courts. A large portion of his practice involves defending Canadian drivers in lawsuits stemming from Florida accidents. Mike has written and lectured extensively on cross-border issues important to Canadians. He also defends manufacturers of medical equipment and exercise equipment, as well as automobile and airplane manufacturers in product liability matters, and represents retail companies across the state in matters involving negligent security and premises liability.

Awards & Honors

•Named a '40 under 40 Up & Comer' by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, 2014
•Florida Defense Lawyers Association Trial Advocate Quarterly Award, 2014
•AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
•Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star, Personal Injury Defense-General, 2009-2017
•Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Litigation-Insurance, 2022-2026

Articles & Presentations

•Author, 'A Quick Note Regarding Surveillance Reports in Florida,' October 2024
•Panelist, 'Auto & Transportation Committee Roundtable,' Florida Defense Lawyers Association, April 2024
•Author, 'Additur for Future Pain and Suffering Damages,' FDLA Trial Advocate, March 2024
•Co-Presenter, 'Investigating the How and Why of Motorcycle Accidents,' Florida Defense Lawyers Association, February 2024
•Author, 'A Quick Note about Removal with Less Than $75,000 in Medical Specials,' November 13, 2023
•Author, 'Tips for Young Lawyers: CME Location,' Trial Advocate, November 18, 2021
•Co-presenter, 'Claims Management Challenges and Settlement Strategies,' CEU Institute, November 11, 2021
•Co-Author, 'A Quick Note about Pain and Suffering Disclosures in Federal Court,' November 2021
•Co-Host, 'Automotive and Trucking Accidents in the U.S. with Foreign Defendants: What Insurers Need to Know,' Legally Qualified Podcast, August 2021
•Presenter, 'The Seven Privileges: Protecting Confidentiality of Florida Defendants,' Celesq Virtual Webinar, June 1, 2021
•Author, 'Landowner’s Duty of Care in Florida, and the Special Case of Contractors,' April 2021
•Author, 'A Quick Note About Florida PIP Setoffs Without PIP Insurance,' March 2021
•Author, 'The Seven Privileges: Protecting Confidentiality of Florida Defendants,' Daily Business Review, March 17, 2021
•Co-Author, 'Florida Car Accident Lawsuits: How to Apply the Brakes on Plaintiffs,' Without Prejudice, Official Journal of the Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association, Vol. 85. No. 7. March 2021
•Co-Presenter, 'COVID-19 Business Interruption Claims and Bad Faith,' RIMS, The Risk Management Society, November 18, 2020
•Author, 'Using Vicarious Liability to Defeat Employer Negligence Claims,' The Trial Advocate, a publication of The Florida Defense Lawyers Association, Volume 39. Number 2., June 2020
•Author, 'Combating Permanency Without a Defense Medical Expert,' Trial Advocate Quarterly, Vol. 37, No. 1, Winter 2018
•Co-Presenter, 'Defense Strategies Giving You the Most Bang for Your Buck,' Claims Education Conference, May 2018, New Orleans
•Author, 'Removal: An Important Defense Tool in U.S. Lawsuits against Canadians,' Ontario Insurance Adjusters Association, Without Prejudice, September 2017
•Co-Author, 'Punitive Damages: When Are They Available in Premises Liability Lawsuits?,' Trial Advocate Quarterly, Vol. 33. No.1, Winter 2014
•Presenter, 'Public Records and Sunshine Law,' Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, September 2014
•Co-Author, “Rodriguez v. Miami-Dade County: The Florida Supreme Court Clarifies Certiorari Review in Sovereign Immunity Cases,' Florida Bar Journal, Vol. 88, No. 1, January 2014
•Author, “Admissibility of High-low Agreements in Multi-defendant Litigation,” Florida Bar Journal, Vol. 87, No. 1, November 2013

Mike's News and Insights

08.21.2025
Firm News

28 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America

Dan Gerber and Leonard Dietzen Named “Lawyer of the Year;”...

10.18.2024
Casualty Litigation

A Quick Note Regarding Surveillance Reports in Florida

In Florida, if you want to use surveillance footage at...

Photo: Shutterstock/Aleksandrkozak

08.15.2024
Firm News

Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys

Two Named “Lawyer of the Year” and Two Named “Ones...

04.08.2024
Casualty Litigation

Additur for Future Pain and Suffering Damages

When a jury’s verdict is unreasonably low, the presiding judge...

Shutterstock.com/sebra

01.16.2024
Media Mentions

DRI Members Share Their Victories, The Voice

DRI, the leading organization of civil defense attorneys and in-house...

11.13.2023
Casualty Litigation

A Quick Note about Removal with Less Than $75,000 in Medical Specials

Removing a case to federal court requires diversity of citizenship...

Photo: Shutterstock.com/Andrey_Popov

08.17.2023
Firm News

Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 24 RumbergerKirk Attorneys with Managing Partner Frank Sheppard Named Lawyer of the Year

ORLANDO, FL - August 17, 2023 - Best Lawyers has...

08.19.2022
Firm News

23 RumbergerKirk Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America 2023

Orlando, Fla., August 18, 2022 - RumbergerKirk is pleased to...

11.18.2021
Casualty Litigation

Tips for Young Lawyers: CME Location

You have analyzed the medical records, retained a medical expert...

Photo: Shutterstock.com/JOKE_PHATRAPONG

11.01.2021
Casualty Litigation

A Quick Note about Pain and Suffering Disclosures in Federal Court

In federal court, personal injury plaintiffs are required to disclose...

Photo: Shutterstock/JRC-Stop Motion

 

Michael Lewis Forte (Tampa, Florida) View website

Awards

Gold Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.
Champion Badge Gold
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Michael Lewis Forte got this award in 2021

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Michael Lewis Forte got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Michael

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Communication
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Quality of Service
5.0
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5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Posted by anonymous
June 13, 2013
Hired Attorney

Michael Forte provides us with superior legal representation in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
June 11, 2013
Hired Attorney

He is very prompt in replying to our queries and also provided me some other opinion too regarding another matter which I have in Florida. He further sent me an article he wrote following the case I had - which was very informative.

Insurance
Posted by anonymous
June 10, 2013
Hired Attorney

Great attorney to work with. Always answers questions and emails on the same day.

Litigation
Posted by anonymous
July 16, 2013
Hired Attorney
Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
June 14, 2013
Hired Attorney
Products Liability
Posted by anonymous
June 10, 2013
Hired Attorney
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Class Actions
  • Government
  • Transportation
  • General Practice
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Arbitration
  • Personal Injury
  • Other 7
    • Casualty Litigation
    • Product Liability
    • Construction
    • Governmental and Administrative
    • Trucking Litigation
    • Retail & Hospitality
    • Healthcare

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Partner
    Firm Name
    Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Notable Cases: Fair v. JLR Trucking (July 2025): Plaintiff rear-ended a stopped commercial vehicle, resulting in the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator
    over $600,000 in past medical specials. After the end of the first day of trial in Orange County Circuit Court with the jury sworn, the Plaintiff settled for less than the most recent pre-trial dem
    .
    Walton's v. TCCC (December 2023): This breach of contract case involved work performed at a juice processing plant. Tried in Pinellas County Circuit Court with Judge Michael Andrews, the jury awarded just $20,000 of the Plaintiff's request for $72,000.
    Sinclair v. Degraw (February 2023): In this automobile admitted liability
    permanency case, the Plaintiff's spleen ruptured
    required emergency surgery. The Plaintiff attorneys asked the Seminole County Circuit Court jury to award $2,562,819.23. The jury award no future medical specials
    no future pain
    suffering, resulting in a verdict of $190,000.
    Hersh v Coke Florida: Obtained a final summary judgment on judicial estoppel grounds in Polk County on behalf of Coke Florida. Plaintiff claimed he was injured at a grocery store. Shortly after the alleged incident took place, Plaintiff filed a 'no asset bankruptcy' representing to the bankruptcy court he had no potential claims or assets despite the fact that he was simultaneously pursuing claims for alleged damages against Coke Florida
    the grocery store. The Circuit Court held judicial estoppel applied because Plaintiff used intentional self-contradiction to obtain an unfair advantage in litigation, entering final summary judgment in Coke Florida's favor.
    Key v. C.C. Calhoun (May 2022): An automobile accident resulted in neck strain
    $66,971 in past medical specials. The case was tried in Polk County Clerk of Court with Judge James Yancey. Plaintiff's attorneys requested the jury to award $300,000 to $600,000, but instead, the jury awarded a net verdict of $65,354.73, with no pain
    suffering.
    Anderson v. Schroth (October 2018): A rear-end collision resulted in a two-level lumbar discectomy
    fusion with over $500,000 in past medical bills. The Pinellas County Circuit Court jury returned a defense verdict for our clients.
    Dorman v. Taylor (December 2016): An automobile accident between a commercial van
    the Plaintiff's SUV resulted in a rollover of the SUV with the Plaintiff being ejected. The Polk County Circuit Court jury found no permanent injury
    75% comparative negligence on the Plaintiff for failure to wear her seatbelt, resulting in a verdict of $162,500. The Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $2.275 million
    rejected Defendants' proposal for settlement resulting in payment of attorneys' fees
    costs
    Plaintiff owing $138,758.49 to Defendants after applicable set-offs.
    Ciporkin v. Irwin Contracting (February 2013): In this construction defect case in Pinellas County Circuit Court, Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $2.2 million. The jury returned a defense verdict for our client.
    Thorne v. Patricia Temples, Marshall Temples
    Eric Wiseman (February 2011): In this automobile accident case tried in Hillsborough County Circuit Court, the Plaintiff's counsel asked the jury to award $2.2 million. The jury found no permanent injury, resulting in an $18,000 judgment.
    Heinke v. Hi-Power (March 2006): In this burn case resulting from a brake cleaning explosion, a settlement was reached on day four of the trial in Hillsborough County Circuit Court for less than Plaintiff's most recent dem
    before trial.

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2002, Florida
    2008, Ohio
    U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
    U.S. District Courts of Florida (Middle)
    Memberships

    Professional

    •Risk Insurance Management Society, Executive Board Member
    •Florida Defense Lawyers Association
    •Automotive/Transportation Committee, Chair
    •Trial Advocate Quarterly, Chair of Editorial Board

    •The Florida Bar
    •Florida Bar Journal, Past Editorial Board Member
    •Thirteenth Circuit Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee A, Past Chairperson
    •Small Claims Rules Committee, Past Member
    •Trial Lawyers Section
    •Hillsborough County Bar Association
    •Young Lawers Division Professionalism and Ethics Committee, Past Member
    •Trial Lawyers Section

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Stetson University, College of Law
    Class of 2002
    J.D.
    cum laude, Notes and Comments Editor, Stetson Law Review, Intern to the Honorable Magistrate Jenkins, Middle District of Florida, Stetson University Teaching Fellow, Stetson University Research Assistant, Elizabeth M. LeemanAward for best student article published in the Stetson Law Review, 2001-2002, First place in Stetson Law Review Write-On Competition for "Zadvydas v. Underwood: How to Ignore Substantive Due Process Rights in Two Easy Steps," 2001
    Other Education
    University of Florida
    Class of 1999
    B.A.
    English and Political Science, with high honors
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1977
    Smithtown, New York, April 27, 1977

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Michael Lewis Forte is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association has 87 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Michael Lewis Forte attended Stetson University, College of Law.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell Professional Association was established in 1978.

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