Merkel & Cocke, P.A.

08/20/2026

We’re proud to congratulate four Merkel & Cocke attorneys on their recognition in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Charlie, John, Ted, and Charles were recognized across several practice areas, including medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, agriculture law and workers’ compensation.
Congratulations to all four attorneys on this recognition!

Read more: https://www.merkel-cocke.com/blog/merkel-cocke-attorneys-recognized-by-best-lawyers-for-2027/

07/28/2026

Being partially at fault doesn't always mean you can't recover compensation. Your percentage of fault can affect the amount you may be able to recover after an accident. Learn how fault percentages impact injury claims:

Learn how Mississippi’s comparative negligence law affects injury claims and how fault percentages can impact your compensation.

07/21/2026

A head injury after a motorcycle accident may not always seem serious at first, but symptoms can appear hours or even days later. Knowing the warning signs and seeking prompt medical care can make a significant difference in your recovery. Learn what to watch for and the steps to take after a motorcycle crash:

Learn the signs of head injuries after a motorcycle accident and what legal options may be available to you.

07/14/2026

Construction zones demand extra caution. As the 2026 I-55 widening project moves through the Madison–Gluckstadt corridor, drivers should stay alert, slow down and be prepared for changing traffic patterns. Learn more about staying safe in work zones in our latest blog:

Learn about the 2026 I-55 widening project from Madison to Gluckstadt, construction zone risks, and how drivers can stay safe in this busy corridor.

07/09/2026

Not all spine injuries are the same. The cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions are among the most vulnerable to injury and can have lasting effects after an accident. Learn more about common spinal injuries and why prompt medical attention matters in our latest blog:

Learn which parts of the spine are most vulnerable to injury, common causes of spinal trauma, and what legal options may exist after a serious accident.

06/19/2026

Chris Winter, President of the Mississippi Association for Justice (MAJ) and partner at Merkel & Cocke, joins Tim Sawyer on the latest Legal Keys Podcast to discuss the future of plaintiff advocacy in Mississippi. From growing MAJ’s impact and mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers to exploring how AI is changing case preparation and law firm efficiency, Chris shares valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and serving clients in an evolving legal landscape. Listen now:

Chris Winter isn’t just a respected personal injury attorney — he h...

06/16/2026

We’re proud to share that our own Christopher W. Winter has been sworn in as President of the Mississippi Association for Justice (MAJ). Chris has spent nearly three decades standing up for Mississippians, and this role is a meaningful recognition of his commitment to the civil justice system. Congratulations, Chris! We’re grateful to have your leadership at Merkel & Cocke and proud to see you serve Mississippi’s trial lawyers in this way.

Read more about Chris’s role at the MAJ:

04/21/2026

Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling uncertain, but you still have legal options. Even if the driver isn’t found, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In some cases, you may also have the option to pursue a lawsuit if the at-fault driver is identified. Learn more:

Injured in a hit-and-run accident in Mississippi? Learn your legal options, compensation possibilities, and what steps to take after the crash.

04/14/2026

Punitive damages are not meant to compensate victims, but to punish especially reckless or intentional misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. In truck accident cases, they may apply when a driver or company shows gross negligence or willful disregard for safety—though they are awarded only in more extreme situations, not ordinary negligence. Learn more:

Learn what punitive damages are, when they may apply in Mississippi truck crash cases, and what evidence may support a punitive damages claim.

04/06/2026

Charles M. Merkel, Jr. has been inducted into the University of Mississippi School of Law Alumni Hall of Fame—an honor recognizing a lifetime of excellence in the legal profession.

With more than 40 years of trial experience and over 400 jury presentations, Mr. Merkel has built a career defined by complex litigation, strong advocacy, and meaningful results for clients.

We’re proud to see his contributions recognized at this level.

Read more: https://www.merkel-cocke.com/blog/charles-m-merkel-jr-inducted-into-ole-miss-law-school-hall-of-fame/