We Take Care of Our Own. One Family At A Time.

U.S. Contractors Breathe Iraq Sand Storm Toxins

Civilians working overseas for U.S. Defense Contractors are exposed to the same environmental dangers as their military counterparts.

An Introduction To Garfinkel Schwartz PA

Garfinkel Schwartz PA is a Defense Base Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act law firm. Our clients are civilians employed by U.S. Defense Contractors overseas and also the men and women who work in our harbors, docks and piers throughout the world. The commonality between our clients is the risks they take on the job every single day.

When injured, we help them fight for the right to see their own doctor and get access to the diagnostic tests and medical care necessary for them to get back on their feet. Insurance companies frequently deny their claims and reduce their benefits.  The laws that govern their benefits are extremely complex - that's why the sick and the injured seek our help. We take care of our own, one family at a time.

Meet the Staff of Garfinkel Schwartz PA 

Attorneys:

Alan Garfinkel

Alan Garfinkel founded Garfinkel Schwartz PA to continue to the legacy of protecting the rights and benefits of the longshoremen and the employees of U.S. government contractors working overseas.

Alan has personal experience in navigating the complexities of acquiring health care for long-term illness and injury. He stood by his son through five major surgeries to treat chronic pain. He understands how difficult it can be to work with insurance companies to get necessary medical treatment.

Garfinkel Schwartz serves to honor the memory of his father-in-law, John M. Schwartz, Esq. who was a longshore attorney and a Vietnam veteran. Alan’s father and grandfather also fought in World War I and II which further solidifies the firm’s desire to support the military families that defend and protect us all.

Brian Wiklendt

Brian Wiklendt joined the Garfinkel Trial Group in 2006 as a case manager. Since his acceptance into the Bar in 1996, Brian has represented clients in all aspects of insurance and workers compensation litigation.

When Alan Garfinkel founded Garfinkel Schwartz PA, Brian was a natural fit to represent longshoremen and defense contractors fighting for benefits and compensation denied to them by Defense Base Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers Act insurance companies.

Brian’s compassion for his clients and his knowledge of the insurance industry made him a uniquely qualified attorney to represent his clients. He understands how difficult it is to navigate the large insurance companies and government paperwork that make it difficult for the injured workers to fight and prevail.

Legal Assistants:

Carol Anderson

Carol Anderson is a legal assistant at Garfinkel Schwartz PA. Carol has over 37 years experience working with the rules and regulations of the Defense Base Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act. Her knowledge puts her clients at ease as she interviews them to gather pertinent information related to their claim.

Carol works out of the Titusville, FL office and has worked with harbor workers and longshoremen since she started her career with maritime attorney John M. Schwartz.

Carol has a great deal of empathy for the clients of Garfinkel Schwartz. She is always there to listen to problems and answer questions about maneuvering through the paperwork required to get the medical care and benefits necessary to recover and provide for their families.

Myra Ciolfi

Myra Ciolfi is a legal assistant with Garfinkel Schwartz PA. Myra works out of the Titusville, FL office and has over 20 years experience working with Defense Base Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act insurance.

Myra brings with her experience working with maritime attorney John M. Schwartz with her primary responsibility being the review of medical records and applying her knowledge of the compensation afforded to the injured workers covered by these policies.

Bennett Garfinkel

Bennett Garfinkel is the son of Garfinkel Schwartz PA founder, Alan Garfinkel. Bennett’s struggle with chronic illness has been both an inspiration and a motivating factor in the work done at the firm.

Bennett has struggled with chronic pain and he understands all too well how important the proper medical care is and how it has helped him lead a productive life. He also has experienced the terror of a war-torn country first hand when he volunteered with the Red Cross in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 2011.

While in the pursuit of his law degree, Bennett uses knowledge and experience to the fullest degree while working as a legal researcher for the firm. His hope is that injured workers can be spared the financial and emotional trauma of being denied medical benefits while dealing with serious injuries.