Douglas Charles Wolanske | Partner

Douglas Wolanske a distinguished trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience in the legal arena. With a focus on complex litigation, including medical negligence claims and professional liability defense, Mr. Wolanske has earned a stellar reputation for his unwavering commitment to his clients and exceptional courtroom advocacy. Based in New York and Colorado, he has successfully obtained over 50 jury verdicts, primarily in medical malpractice trials, solidifying his position as one of the foremost legal minds in the field.

Doug’s journey to legal excellence began at Syracuse University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Law in 1996. A member of the esteemed Justinian Honorary Law Society of Syracuse University, Doug exemplifies the highest legal scholarship and professionalism standards.

The legal community has recognized his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence. In 2011, he was elected to the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization consisting of lawyers who have successfully concluded a minimum of 20 civil jury trials. This honor reflects his dedication to preserving equal justice for all Americans and upholding the principles of our civil justice system.

In 2014, Law Week Colorado bestowed upon Doug the title of Colorado Lawyer of the Year, a testament to his successful defense of five different medical malpractice cases at trial. This distinction highlights his deep empathy and understanding of the potential impact that such cases can have on the careers and livelihoods of the medical professionals involved. He is known for his aggressive defense strategies, diligently protecting the interests of his clients with unwavering dedication.

Consistently recognized for his exceptional legal acumen, Mr. Wolanske has been named to 5280’s “Top Lawyers” list every year since its inception. Additionally, he has been identified as a Colorado Super Lawyer annually since 2010, solidifying his status as a leading legal professional.

Doug’s AV certification with Martindale-Hubbell is a testament to his legal expertise and unwavering professional ethics. This peer review rating, reflecting the confidential opinions of the Bar and Judiciary members, is the highest achievable rating for attorneys with over ten years of experience. He has maintained this prestigious certification for over two decades, further underscoring his dedication to providing exemplary legal representation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Doug cherishes his role as a husband to Physician Assistant Sherry Fushimi and as a devoted father to his two children, Brooklyn and Carston. This deep-rooted compassion and understanding of personal relationships translate into his legal practice, where he demonstrates unwavering support and care for his clients during challenging times.

Doug continues to expand his trial practice into various areas of litigation. Drawing from his vast experience in medical malpractice defense, he brings a unique skill set and perspective to the firm’s diverse range of legal matters. “Each case is an opportunity to make a difference. We take that responsibility seriously,” said Douglas Wolanske, a trial lawyer at Messner Reeves. “That’s the difference between victory or defeat – it’s about doing the work, putting in the time, and utilizing every available resource for our clients.”

Some of Doug’s notable victories include the following defense verdicts:

a medical malpractice action where the Plaintiff demanded $11 million in damages.
a claim for $5 million in punitive damages which was submitted to the jury
a medical malpractice action involving complications during a breast augmentation
a claim against an oral surgeon involving a plaintiff claiming disfigurement resulting from surgery
a failure to diagnose case involving brain damage caused by a viral infection
a medical malpractice involving a woman who suffered a heart attack and nerve damage alleged to have been caused by an epidural injection
a claim for failure to diagnose early stage stroke symptoms where the plaintiff demanded over $6 million in damages