Curtis M. Fifner joined Elk + Elk in 2021, where he focuses on cases involving medical and nursing negligence, wrongful death, trucking and car crashes, and serious personal injury claims.

A third-generation attorney, Curtis is the first in his family to represent injury victims rather than physicians and insurance companies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Government from Centre College and his law degree from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. While in law school, he was selected for the appellate advocacy team and later served as a Moot Court Associate Justice.

After graduation, Curtis spent 14 years at a plaintiffs’ firm where he had primary responsibility for his cases and developed significant first-chair trial experience at a young age. He is committed to learning and utilizing the most effective, cutting-edge techniques to serve his clients, whether taking depositions or persuading jurors in a trial.

Curtis continued to hone his trial skills by successfully completing the intensive three-week program at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in September 2016 and serving as a member of the Founding Class of Trial School. In recognition of his trial experience, he was invited to apply for membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in January 2019 and remains one of the youngest members of the Ohio chapter.

Curtis has been recognized as a “Rising Star” or “Super Lawyer” every year since 2014 and was named one of the “Top 10 Under 40” by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. He is frequently invited to speak to fellow attorneys and medical professionals about medical malpractice litigation.

In 2024, Curtis received the Ohio Association for Justice President’s Award and led the Clawson Task Force, which helped pass House Bill 179, codifying common law agency. He was elected Secretary of the Ohio Association for Justice in 2025.

He has presented at numerous legal conferences and CLEs, including:

  • Is Agency Dead? – 2023 OAJ Winter Convention
  • From Textbooks to Tactics – 2024 OAJ Advocates Academy
  • Oh @#$% I Have to Do Math – 2024 OAJ Annual Convention
  • Litigating Vicariously – 2024 Ohio State Bar Association CLE
  • Moderator, Subrogation Section – 2025 OAJ Annual Convention

Curtis also authored the Ohio Supreme Court amicus brief for the Ohio Association for Justice in Thomas v. Logue, 2023-Ohio-3522.

When he’s not practicing law, Curtis enjoys golfing, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, and spending time with his wife and daughters.

Settlements & Verdicts

  • $2.4M – Medical Malpractice case involving paralysis after a neurosurgical error (2023)

  • $950,000 – Motor Vehicle crash that caused multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury (2024)

  • $600,000 – Medical Malpractice case involving an air embolism caused by central line negligence (2023)

Client Reviews

John P. – February 2025

Review for Elk & Elk Associates ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a police officer with 28 years of service, I’ve faced my share of challenges, but nothing could prepare me for the night I was viciously attacked by a dog during what I thought would be a routine call. Suddenly, I found myself in a situation where I was not just a first responder, but also a victim. Unsure of my options and feeling overwhelmed, I turned to Elk & Elk Associates for help. From the moment I reached out, I was assigned to Curtis M. Fifner, who became a beacon of support during this difficult time. Curtis demonstrated an incredible level of compassion, empathy, and professionalism that made all the difference. He took the time to listen to my concerns, answer my questions, and guide me through the legal process with patience and understanding. Thanks to Curtis and the team at Elk & Elk, I was able to secure the compensation I deserved for the injuries I sustained. Their expertise and dedication were evident in every interaction, and I truly felt like I had someone fighting for me every step of the way. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the support I received from Elk & Elk Associates. They turned a daunting experience into a manageable one, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. If you’re looking for a team that genuinely cares about their clients and will advocate for your rights, look no further than Elk & Elk. Thank you, Curtis and the entire Elk & Elk team, for being such a blessing in my life! Sincerely, John Puckett

Kara H. – January 2025

I would like to recognize Curtis Fifner, Attorney at Law with ELK & ELK of the Dublin Ohio office (and his team) for his/their outstanding representation in my motor vehicle accident case; for which I was the not-at-fault driver. From our very first meeting I was made to feel comfortable and assured that this matter would be handled with the utmost care and due diligence. I was kept very well-informed and supported through the entire process. Mr. Fifner was not only highly knowledgeable, but incredibly compassionate and empathic; always taking time to answer my questions and explain every step of the legal process, pertinent to a case like mine. Mr. Fifner’s expertise and strategic approach to my case resulted in a successful outcome of monetary retribution and deserved justice, that exceeded my expectations. I can now move forward with peace of mind. If you are looking for a dedicated and skilled attorney/law firm, who genuinely care about their clients, I highly recommend Curtis Fifner and ELK & ELK; without hesitation. At the time of my accident, I was employed by Jen Crichfield, owner of Chicken Salad Chick restaurant in Westerville, OH. How I came to find and hire Elk & Elk, was because of Jen’s father, Larry Romanoff, whom worked most days during our lunch shifts with me, and who also happened to work with The Ohio State University Athletic Department for many years. Because of Larry and his OSU colleagues’ recommendation, their knowledge of ELK & ELK’s excellent reputation, and my having seen ELK & ELK advertised throughout the OSU stadium when I would attend games, my husband and I decided to do our research. We discovered none other than excellent reviews across the board. I knew then, without a doubt, that ELK & ELK was the right law firm for me and my case. My family and I are tremendously grateful, and will utilize Mr. Fifner and ELK & ELK, in the future, should a need to do so arise again.

Melissa W. – November 2024

Curtis Fifner is an amazing attorney to have working at this firm. He truly cares about his clients and helping them through the difficult times in their lives!

Angel M. – July 2024

I was represented by Curtis Fifner and I have to say he was one of the best he did what he had to do and he really worked hard on my case I would recommend him to anyone he does a awesome job.

David G. – May 2023

I had the privilege of being represented by Curtis Fifner in a personal injury case, and I am incredibly grateful for his exceptional expertise and dedication. Curtis’ in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, combined with his compassionate approach, made me feel confident and supported throughout the entire process. Curtis’ professionalism and commitment to my case were truly remarkable. He took the time to listen to my concerns, communicated complex legal matters effectively, and ensured I was involved in every decision. His meticulous attention to detail and relentless work ethic were evident in every aspect of my case, resulting in a favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Overall, I highly recommend Attorney Curtis Fifner for anyone in need of exceptional legal representation in a personal injury case. He is a truly outstanding lawyer, and I am grateful for his exceptional representation.

Colleen R. – October 2022

We’ve been dealing with Curtis for so long that now that our case is settled we’re going to miss him! He took one of the most horrific times of my life and got us through the legal process. He was extremely responsive, answered all of our questions and every time we spoke, I hung up feeling so much better. What makes Curtis great is that he really knows what he’s talking about but what makes him stand out is that he genuinely cares. Simply put, he will get the job done and you will have no worries and feel like your old friend is taking care of you. I hope to never have to use him again but would hands down recommend him to anyone.

Kelsey I. – September 2022

I would definitely recommend Curtis! He went above and beyond in helping and definitely worked in the best interest of his client.