Chris Thorne brings more than twenty years of experience to the Farah & Farah Orlando office as a workers’ compensation attorney. He is known for blending legal skill with genuine compassion and a steady commitment to helping injured workers feel seen and supported. His background on the defense side gives him insight into how insurers think and how to challenge decisions that stand in the way of proper care. Clients appreciate his commitment to clear and open communication and the determination he brings to every case.
A Decision Guided by Honest Advice
After I finished my undergraduate degree, I was trying to decide what I wanted my future to look like and was considering law school as a possible opportunity. I asked my father for guidance about my career path, and he gave me an honest comparison of what each future I was considering might hold. His insight helped me recognize that the law would offer opportunities to build a stable and meaningful life. I chose to attend the University of Florida Levin College of Law, trusting that the path would challenge me and help me grow. That decision set everything else into motion.
The Competitive Spirit That Sports Instilled in Me
Before I ever stepped into a courtroom, baseball played a major part in shaping who I am. I earned a full athletic scholarship, set records, and learned the value of discipline and resilience on and off the field. Competing at a high level taught me how to stay focused under pressure and how to push through setbacks. These lessons carried into my legal career and became a foundation for how I advocate for clients.
Seeing the Human Side of the Legal World
When I began my legal career, I worked on the defense side, representing insurance companies and employers. This role gave me a close look at how claims are evaluated, why benefits get delayed, and how easily valid injuries can be questioned. I learned how decisions were made behind the scenes and witnessed the uncertainty and confusion workers faced when their care was controlled by processes they did not understand. These early experiences gave me skills that would one day prove valuable for the people who most needed help.
The Moment I Knew My Work Needed To Change
As I progressed in my career, I realized I was paying more attention to the people behind the case files. I saw people struggling with injuries while dealing with confusion and fear, and I recognized that the work I was doing was not aligned with who I wanted to be. That realization stayed with me and grew stronger over time. Eventually, it led me to move away from defense work and toward advocating for individuals who needed someone in their corner.
Once I shifted into plaintiff work, I discovered a sense of purpose that had been missing. I realized how strongly I believed in helping people who felt overlooked or overwhelmed. Every client brings a unique story, and those stories deserve attention and respect. Being the person who stands beside them through the process is what motivates me every day.
My Path Into Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ compensation is a detailed and highly structured area of law that affects every part of an injured worker’s life. Florida law outlines the rules that govern how injuries are reviewed, how treatment is approved, and how benefits are determined. Many people struggle to navigate these procedures and become confused by delays and denials. I help clients understand the process so they can focus on healing.
Insurance companies often question how much of an injury is related to the workplace, and the law relies heavily on determining what percentage of the injury was caused by the person’s employment. Because this calculation is often based on medical opinion rather than objective testing, the results can feel inconsistent and confusing. My experience helps me quickly identify weak arguments and develop strategies to protect my clients. I know what to look for because I have spent years seeing how the other side builds its case.
The Case That Still Shapes How I Fight for Clients
I once represented a truck driver who slipped on uneven ground and suffered serious injuries while working alone. His employer denied that the accident happened, and the insurer refused to authorize any treatment. When he first came to me, he was ready to accept a small settlement simply to move forward. I believed he deserved far more, and I encouraged him to pursue the outcome he truly needed.
We fought for five years to overcome unsupported medical opinions and unfair denials. With persistence and careful preparation, we secured all recommended treatment for him and a settlement just under two million dollars. Seeing the relief on his face reminded me of why I changed the direction of my career. Wins like that continue to motivate my commitment to every client I serve.
Communication as the Foundation of My Practice
Clear communication is one of the most valuable things I offer my clients. Many arrive feeling frustrated because they have not been told what is happening with their case. I make sure they always know what steps are being taken and what they can expect next. This approach builds trust and helps clients feel more grounded during a difficult time.
Even when I am waiting for updates, I take time to explain what I am doing behind the scenes. This reassures clients that progress is being made and that they are not alone in the process. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. My goal is to offer clarity and support throughout every stage of their case.
Why I Chose the Farah & Farah Family
I spent years watching Farah & Farah from the other side of the courtroom and always respected how thoroughly they prepared their cases. Their values aligned with the kind of work I wanted to do and the type of environment I wanted to join. When the opportunity arose, I knew it was the right fit. The decision allowed me to bring my experience into a team that shares my commitment to people and teamwork.
Some of the largest firms in the country expressed interest in bringing me onto their teams. Ultimately, culture mattered more to me than size or recognition. I wanted to work in a place where people genuinely care about their clients and each other. Farah & Farah provided exactly that environment.
The Moments That Keep Me Grounded
When I am not practicing law, I am focused on my family. I have three children, and my youngest daughter fills our home with imagination, humor, and a sense of joy that reminds me to slow down. Time with my kids gives me balance and perspective. Family is truly at the center of my world.
Sports have always been an important part of who I am, both as a former college athlete and as a fan. They’ve continued to play a central role in my life through my teenage son. Our weekends often revolve around his soccer matches, and those games have become some of my favorite moments to share with him. I also enjoy relaxing with a football game and cheering for my favorite teams when I have time to unwind. When my family wants a break from our routine, we often visit Universal Studios, and the Harry Potter areas have become places where we can reconnect and enjoy time together without distractions.
Helping others has become an important part of how my wife and I define a meaningful life. We volunteer with Harvest Food Bank because we believe in giving our time to support people in our community who need a little help getting through difficult moments. We also hope to create a rescue for senior dogs so older animals can have a safe and loving place to live.
