Curtis M. Fifner

Curtis M. Fifner joined Elk + Elk in 2021, bringing a formidable reputation for high-stakes litigation and a deep-seated commitment to the rights of injury victims. A third-generation attorney, Curtis has a unique perspective on the legal profession. While his predecessors spent their careers representing physicians and insurance companies, Curtis chose a different path. He is the first in his family to dedicate his practice to representing individuals and families whose lives have been altered by medical negligence, nursing home neglect, wrongful death, and catastrophic trucking or car crashes. This background gives him an invaluable understanding of how the defense thinks, allowing him to anticipate their strategies and build cases that are designed to win.

A Foundation in Persuasive Appellate Advocacy

With the collective firm experience at Elk + Elk serving as a foundation for his work, Curtis has established himself as a leader in the Ohio legal community. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Government from Centre College and his law degree from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law. His talent for advocacy was evident early on, as he was selected for the appellate advocacy team and served as a Moot Court Associate Justice. These early experiences sharpened his ability to craft persuasive legal arguments, a skill that has translated into a highly successful career in the courtroom.

Master of the Human Element in Trial Law

Before joining Elk + Elk, Curtis spent 14 years at a plaintiffs’ firm where he developed significant first-chair trial experience at a remarkably young age. He is not an attorney who shies away from a courtroom; rather, he is committed to utilizing the most effective, cutting-edge techniques to serve his clients. To further hone his trial skills, Curtis successfully completed the intensive three-week program at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in 2016 and served as a member of the Founding Class of Trial School. This training focuses on the human element of a trial, teaching attorneys how to connect with jurors on a visceral level and tell the true story of a client’s suffering and perseverance.

Recognized Leadership and High Professional Standards

His peers have consistently recognized his talent, naming him a Rising Star or Super Lawyer every year since 2014. Additionally, he was named one of the Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, a testament to his impact on the field. He has also been recognized as among the “Best Lawyers in America®” since 2021.

Influencing Legislative Change for Ohioans

In addition to his work for individual clients, Curtis is a powerful force for legislative change in Ohio. He served for five years as the Legislative Chair for the Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ. In 2024, he received the OAJ President’s Award for his leadership of the Clawson Task Force. This work was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 179, which codified common law agency and provided clearer protections for all Ohioans. His influence continues to grow as he was elected Secretary of OAJ in 2025. Curtis also authored multiple amicus briefs on behalf of OAJ at the Ohio Supreme Court, demonstrating his ability to cater his arguments to his audience and influence legal precedent at the highest level of the state. Many of the arguments he raised in the amicus brief filed in Thomas v. Logue, 2023-Ohio-3522, were incorporated by the majority of the Court who found in favor of the injured worker.

Educator and Expert in Malpractice Litigation

Curtis is frequently invited to speak to fellow attorneys and medical professionals about the intricacies of medical malpractice litigation. His presentations at major legal conferences, such as the OAJ Annual and Winter Conventions, the West Virginia Association for Justice Mid-Winter Convention, and the Ohio State Bar Association, cover complex topics like vicarious liability and subrogation in addition to trial advocacy. He has a unique ability to make technical legal and mathematical concepts accessible, as seen in his popular seminar “Oh @#$% I Have to Do Math.” This willingness to educate his peers ensures that the standard of advocacy for all injury victims in Ohio continues to rise.

Beyond his professional accolades, Curtis is a devoted family man who values his roots in central Ohio. When he is not in the courtroom or defending the inviolate right to trial by jury in the legislature, he enjoys golfing and is a passionate supporter of Cleveland’s professional sports teams. Above all, he treasures the time he spends with his daughters. This balance between high-level legal leadership and a grounded personal life allows Curtis to bring a focused, compassionate perspective to every case he handles. At Elk + Elk, he remains a dedicated champion for the injured, ensuring that even in the most complex medical and trucking cases, the voice of the victim is heard loud and clear.

Settlements & Verdicts

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

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

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

• $240,000 – Car Accident case where our client was involved in a violent head-on collision that resulted in severe injuries requiring nearly a year of intensive care and physical therapy.
• $100,000 – A client was attacked by a neighbor’s dog right outside their front door. The settlement covers all associated medical bills and treatment costs while navigating the delicate nature of a claim involving a neighbor to protect the client’s safety and peace of mind.

**All lawsuits are different and Elk + Elk makes no representation or promises that it can obtain the same results in other cases. These results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict the outcome of any future legal matter. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

Client Reviews

Personal Injury Client Review – Jodie C.

Curtis Fifner did an amazing job.
I was able to get a generous settlement.
Easy to contact him when I had questions.
Fully prepared me for my deposition.

Dog Bite Injury Case Review – Misty M.

Thank you to my awesome attorney Curtis for helping me with my dog bite injury case. If it wasn’t for Elk and Elk handling everything and making the process smooth, I don’t know what I would have done. If you’ve been injured I suggest you reach out to these professionals for help!

Dog Attack Injury Settlement Review – John P.

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

Motor Vehicle Accident Representation Review – Kara H.

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.

Personal Injury Client Review – Melissa W.

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!

Personal Injury Case Review – Angel M.

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.

Personal Injury Attorney Review – David G.

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.

Personal Injury Claim Settlement Review – Colleen R.

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.

Personal Injury Representation Review – Kelsey I.

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