Practice areas: Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Insurance Coverage; view more
Licensed in Florida since: 1988
Education: Samford University Cumberland School of Law
Located in Panama City, Florida, R. Waylon Thompson stands as a beacon of justice and advocacy. As a distinguished attorney and founding partner at Manuel & Thompson, PA, he navigates a diverse legal landscape, predominantly concentrating on personal injury, wrongful death, bad faith, nursing home liability, insurance disputes, civil litigation, premises liability, product liability and more. His steadfast dedication to his clients illuminates the Florida panhandle, where he champions the cause of those impacted by negligence and wrongful acts.
Mr. Thompson's legal prowess is built upon a solid academic foundation with degrees from Auburn University and Samford University Cumberland School of Law. His commitment to legal excellence is affirmed by his dual board certifications in civil trial law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy and The Florida Bar. An AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell further marks his professional integrity and exceptional capabilities.
Renowned for his empathetic and thoughtful approach, Mr. Thompson has secured numerous significant settlements and verdicts, reflecting his profound dedication to justice. His collection of prestigious awards, including the Wings of Justice Award and the Lawyer to Legacy 2015 Bronze Eagle Award from the Florida Justice Association, underscore his relentless pursuit to uphold the rights of individuals and families.
Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Thompson’s influence stretches across professional and community spheres. He has held pivotal roles, such as the chairman of the Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel and has been appointed to the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. His leadership shines through his service on the board of directors for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and his active engagement in various community initiatives, showcasing his unwavering commitment to both the legal field and his community.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Insurance Coverage, Personal Injury - Products: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Assault, Bad Faith Insurance, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Dram Shop Laws, Insurance, Insurance Defense, Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Defects, Personal Injury - Defense, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Pharmaceutical, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Toxic Mold, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 40% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 20% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
- 20% Insurance Coverage
- 20% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1988, Florida
Professional Webpage: https://www.manuelthompson.com/attorneys/r-waylon-thompson-e...
Bar / Professional Activity
- Alabama – admitted 09/28/1989
- Bay County Chamber of Commerce – served on the Board of Directors from 2015-2018
- American Justice Association member since 1995
- Bay County Bar Association – Past President and past member of the Board of Directors
- Southern Trial Lawyers Association (nominated member)
- Fellow of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
- FJA EAGLE member since 1997
- Florida Justice Association – served on the Board of Directors since 2015
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- Northern District of Florida
- Middle District of Florida
- Georgia – admitted 04/04/1996
- Florida – admitted 09/20/1988
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar
Pro bono / Community Service
- First Baptist Church Panama City – current member and served as Deacon Chairman from 2011-2013
- Rotary Club, Downtown Panama City – Paul Harris Fellow Recipient (Rotary Foundation)
- Panama City Rescue Mission – served on the Board of Directors from 2007-2014
- Florida Bar Justice Association (FJA) Teaching Program – volunteer teacher since 2007
- Bay Haven Charter Academy – served on the board of Directors since 2009
Honors
- FJA EAGLE Awards – “Wings of Justice Award”, “Legislative Shoe Leather Award”, “Lawyer to Legacy 2015 Bronze Eagle Award”
- “AV” Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell
- Bay County Chamber of Commerce – 2017 “Member of the Year” award for outstanding service
Educational Background
- Auburn University, Bachelors of Arts – 1985
- Cumberland School of Law/Samford University, Juris Doctor – 1988
- Florida Bar Board Certification And Specialization
- Florida Justice Association
- Natioal Board Of Trial Advocacy
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2007, 2009, 2019 - 2026
Certificates and credentials
Civil Trial