Medical Malpractice

Richard has been in private practice since 1968 and has tried numerous civil and criminal cases in his 40 plus year career. Although he no longer practices criminal law, he successfully defended two capital murder clients in back to back trials within the first year of passing the bar. Richard exclusively represents injured people, and has never represented insurance companies or corporations. He has obtained verdicts and settlements from $10 million on down.

Mr. Bottar is one of upstate New York's most experienced and accomplished trial lawyers, with a track record of extraordinary recoveries for his clients. As the founder and managing member of Bottar Law, PLLC, he brings nearly 45 years of experience to the pursuit of cases involving birth injuries, brain and nerve injuries, amputation, paralysis, and wrongful death due to medical negligence, complex accidents, workplace injuries and defective products. Mr. Bottar has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers In America® since 2003, and received its 2020 Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year award for Syracuse. Previously, he was recognized three times by Best Lawyers® as Syracuse's Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (2018, 2014-15, 2009). Mr. Bottar has attained an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics, is a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America - Trial Lawyer Honorary Society™, and is a charter member and past-president of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers (2010-2011). In 2001, Mr. Bottar was appointed by the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department to serve as a member of the Character and Fitness Committee for the Fifth Judicial District. The Character and Fitness Committee is responsible for screening and interviewing all Central New York applicants who are seeking admission to the Bar. In 2018, Mr. Bottar was appointed by the Presiding Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department to serve as a member of the Grievance Committee of the Fifth Judicial District. In 2021, Mr. Bottar was appointed Chair of the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee is responsible for the investigation, review and prosecution of complaints of attorney misconduct in Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Mr. Bottar has been listed in Upstate New York Super Lawyers® for plaintiff's medical malpractice and personal injury since the inaugural edition in 2007, and was named to its "Top 50" list for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Since 2011, he has been recognized annually by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the "Top 100" trial lawyers in New York State. He has also been honored by Lawdragon as one of the top 3,000 attorneys in the United States, and has earned life memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. Mr. Bottar regularly speaks or guest lectures at legal and non-legal functions, including ethics, tort and practice management classes at Syracuse University College of Law, and at annual updates on behalf of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is a past member of the Dean's Advisory Council at the University at Buffalo School of Law, a has been elected a Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation. Mr. Bottar has a long record of public service and is deeply invested in New York State's education system. He served as a Trustee of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education from 1988 through 1989, and as the President of the Board from 1989 through 1996. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Onondaga Madison School Boards Association from 1994 through 1996. In 1996, 2001, 2006 and again in 2011, the New York State Legislature elected Mr. Bottar to serve as a Regent of the University of the State of New York, the most comprehensive and unified education system in the nation. Over his tenure as a Regent, Mr. Bottar was Chair of the College and Career Preparation Work Group, Chair of the P-12 Education Committee, and was a member of the Higher Education and Professional Practice Committees. He was also Vice Chancellor of the Board from 2012-2016. In 2016, after 20 years and more than 10,000 hours of pro bono service to the State of New York, Mr. Bottar retired from the Board. Mr. Bottar resides in Manlius, New York, with his wife, Nancy, a registered nurse.

Amanda Brasfield is a highly experienced trial attorney with a focus on personal injury litigation. From medical malpractice to construction accident negligence, Amanda has obtained a number of multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Amanda has worked on dozens of complicated medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries, cerebral palsy, surgical mishaps, delayed diagnosis of cancer, and missed diagnosis of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, infection, sepsis, hemorrhage, meningitis, abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm (AAA and TAA), and shock. From depositions through trial, Amanda works tirelessly to uncover what proper medical practices were not followed and what steps could have been taken to prevent injuries and deaths related to medical care. In each of her medical malpractice cases, Amanda works with dedication and tenacity to achieve justice for those who have been harmed by the medical providers in which they placed their trust. To schedule a consultation with Attorney Brasfield, visit her website, or call 815-215-7561.

Vermont trial lawyer Chris Maley has extensive experience in the area of medical malpractice and personal injury. In February 2006, Chris recovered $2,375,000.00 in a medical malpractice lawsuit involving the negligent delay in diagnosis of prostate cancer. In 2004, Alan Sylvester and Chris recovered $5,400,000.00 for a Wrongful Death case. In 2003, John Maley and Chris settled, just prior to closing arguments, a United States District Court personal injury motor vehicle accident claim for $2,925,000.00. Chris's accomplishments have been recognized by his fellow attorneys. He has been selected by his peers to be included in the publication The Best Lawyers in America.Chris has participated in trials, arbitrations and mediations arising out of malpractice claims against physicians, nurses and hospitals. Chris has litigated dozens of cases involving medical negligence during pregnancy and delivery. Chris has handled medical malpractice cases involving: failure to diagnose prostate, lung, breast, cervical, testicular and other cancers, as well as failure to diagnose stroke, heart attack and other conditions. Other malpractice cases he has resolved include overdoses, experimental medicine complications, surgical negligence, misdiagnoses and emergency room errors. Chris's personal injury practice involves representation of those injured or the families of those killed in car and trucking accidents. He also represents those harmed due to defective and unreasonably dangerous drugs or other products. Chris was born in Burlington, Vermont. He graduated cum laude from both St. Lawrence University in 1993 and from Suffolk University Law School in 1996. At Suffolk, he was a recipient of an American Jurisprudence Award and was a member and an editor of the Transnational Law Review. Chris was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1996 and practiced in Boston at the law firm of Martin, Magnuson, McCarthy & Kenney for six years primarily in the area of medical malpractice before being admitted to the Vermont Bar in 2002. Chris was also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in 1997. Chris is on the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors of the Vermont Trial Lawyers Association.  He is a member of the American Association for Justice, Vermont Bar Association and Massachusetts Bar Association. His practice areas include general personal injury matters, medical malpractice, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, pharmaceutical litigation, and product liability.

Since 1990, the legal team at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC has helped over 10,000 clients in cases involving criminal, traffic, personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers compensation matters. Mitchell Sexner is a former assistant States Attorney and every member of the legal team is very experienced and knowledgeable. Criminal and traffic fees are offered on a flat fee basis with payment plans where necessary. Medical malpractice, personal injury and workers' compensation matters are handled on a contingency basis with no money down and no fees charged unless you win. Many millions of dollars have been collected for our clients over the years. Call today for free information about how we can help you.

Adam Malone is an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer and managing partner of Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers. The firm was founded over 50 years ago by Mr. Malone’s father to serve victims of medical malpractice and those who have suffered catastrophic injuries due to the negligent or intentional actions of others. Mr. Malone has extensive experience with the issues that arise in medical malpractice cases, including birth injuries, medication errors, and emergency room errors. He has represented clients with all forms of injuries, including catastrophic injuries like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputation injuries. Mr. Malone was instrumental in getting Georgia’s medical malpractice damage caps struck down as unconstitutional. Because of his work, victims of medical negligence in the state can now seek full compensation for their injuries. Mr. Malone has earned the respect and praise of his peers. He has an AV Preeminent rating for legal ethics and knowledge from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer rating from the publication. He also has a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo. Legal publications and organizations have awarded some of their highest awards to Mr. Malone. The invitation-only Melvin M. Belli Society awarded him its Mel Award in 2016 for his litigation achievements. SuperLawyers.com has also selected him for its Top 10 Georgia Super Lawyers list for the past five years. Mr. Malone earned his undergraduate degree from North Georgia Military College. He attended The John Marshall Law School, where he graduated summa cum laude and was the valedictorian of his law school class. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is admitted to practice in all Georgia state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975, Mr. Cocke moved to Clarksdale, MS to begin practicing in a general litigation firm. In 1982, Mr. Cocke and Mr. Merkel left that firm and established Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and since that time the emphasis of Mr. Cocke's practice has progressed more and more toward medical malpractice. At the present time his practice is exclusively devoted to handling medical negligence cases for the plaintiff, either as a result of direct contact by the client or as, more commonly occurs, on referral from other attorneys who are not familiar with the handling of medical negligence cases. Mr. Cocke handles all types of medical negligence cases, but a uniform requirement is that serious injury or death have occurred as a result of the medical mistake. Mr. Cocke has established a reputation for complex cases involving babies who sustain permanent brain injuries. He also handles cases involving deaths as a result of the failure to treat in the emergency room setting and the premature discharge of patients after surgery, as well as failure to promptly diagnose cancer. Mr. Cocke has developed a particular interest in the use of modern technology in medical negligence cases and has spoken at seminars on this subject. The Internet has developed into a very useful tool in conducting medical research and communicating with other attorneys handling similar cases via the Internet is also a major help in the handling of medical cases. Mr. Cocke was selected Best Lawyer of the year for 2012 and 2014 in The Memphis area in the field of Medical Malpractice and has been selected a Best Lawyer and Super Lawyer every year since 2006. Mr. Cocke has his pilot’s license, and enjoys flying his airplane for work-related matters and for fun. He owns Yazoo Pass restaurant in Clarksdale, and enjoys being involved in that venture. He is an avid promoter of blues tourism in Clarksdale.

For over 35 years, the experienced legal team at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC has helped our clients achieve successful conclusions during difficult times. Our compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to assist you 24 hours a day. Call us know to discuss your situation free of charge.

Maria Tejedor graduated from the University of South Florida, Magna Cum Laude, in 1992. In 1993, she commenced law school at Stetson University, the number one ranked law school in trial advocacy. In 1994, she participated in a college-wide competition and was selected by her peers at Stetson to join the law school’s prestigious and exclusive trial team. She spent the following two years representing Stetson College of Law in national and statewide trial competitions. Throughout the years she competed, Stetson College of Law maintained its number one national ranking in trial advocacy. In 1995, Maria Tejedor was the first-place winner of the American Criminal Defense Bar National Trial Competition . Ms. Tejedor secured second place in both the Florida Bar’s State Trial Competition and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers State Competition. She was the 1996 Regional Champion in the American Bar Association National Trial Competition and was awarded the American College of Trial Lawyers Medal for Excellence in Trial Advocacy. In 1996, upon graduation, Stetson University College of Law presented her with the Harris Ferrell Competition Award for Individual Excellence in Intercollegiate Trial Competition. In 1996, she joined the law firm of Martinez, Manglardi and Diez-Arguelles. In 2004, she became one of the youngest women to be board certified in the state of Florida. That same year she was named a full partner at the law firm and the name was changed to Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor. In 2009, fueled by a passion for helping women and children, she founded the law firm of Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor and became its managing partner. That passion and focus have led to her numerous successful statewide appellate and Supreme Court decisions, which have established laws that protect the rights of the most vulnerable. Those include: The Supreme Court of Florida affirmed a $2,000,000.00 verdict for the parents of a baby boy who died due to the negligence of a hospital. Pub. Health Tr. of Miami-Dade Cty. v. Acanda, 71 So. 3d 782, 783 (Fla. 2011). The appellate court held that a negligent healthcare provider could not get a vulnerable patient to sign away their right to bring a lawsuit in the event of malpractice. Crespo v. Hernandez, 151 So. 3d 495, 496 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014), approved, 211 So. 3d 19 (Fla. 2016). The appellate court ruled the victim of medical malpractice had a right to their day in court. The courts had to provide one upon request. Garcia v. Lincare Inc., 906 So. 2d 1268, 1269 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2005). The court held that a child who has suffered brain damage due the negligence of her hospital has a right to sue that hospital and that a law imposing a three-year limitation on such a right was not applicable. Exposito v. Pub. Health Tr. of Miami-Dade Cty., et al., 141 So. 3d 663, 664 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2014). Reversing a lower court’s dismissal of brain-injured infants’ claim against a negligent hospital and proceeding to trial later resulting a several million dollar jury verdict in favor of the injured child. Mobley v. Homestead Hospital, 291 So. 3d 987 (Fla. 3 Dist., 2019) Reversed lower court’s order dismissing an injured child’s medical negligence claim based on the statute of limitations. The appellate court determined the statute of repose had not expired and allowed the case to proceed to recovery. Reyes v. Baptist Hospital et. al., 360 So. 3rd 438 (Fla. 3 Dist., 2023) Reversing a lower court’s dismissal of a brain-damaged minor child’s claim based on the statute of limitations. The appellate court ruled in favor of the injured child and allowed the claim of the child to proceed to trial. Over her career she has successfully tried numerous medical malpractice cases throughout the nation recovering over $500 million in awards for injured families. She has been awarded record verdicts in medical negligence cases, many of which are the highest ever recovered by a woman trial lawyer in her state. In the state of Florida, she has successfully tried cases in almost every county, including Dade, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Hillsborough, Clay, Polk, Leon, Broward, and Alachua. She has also been admitted to practice and has litigated cases to success on a national level. She was awarded a judgment over $64 million in a medical negligence case, making that judgment, the largest judgment entered by a jury to a single plaintiff in a medical negligence case in Orange County history. She was also awarded over $40 million dollars by a jury in a brain damage in fact case, also reflecting a record verdict for an injured child in the state of Florida. Her jury awards in medical negligence death cases have also been record-setting. In 2019, she obtained an $18 million award for the death of mothers during a delivery and 2012 an $11,600,000.00 verdict in Volusia County, which is the highest medical malpractice wrongful death verdict in the county’s history. She was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Florida Justice Association. During that time, she successfully testified before Congress and passed legislation to protect the rights of the women and children injured from malpractice. In 2011, after much success before the Florida Senate, she was appointed to the governing body of the Florida Justice Association. Ms. Tejedor focuses on medical malpractice cases, including injuries to children, as well as mass torts and dangerous drugs. She is a member of the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She has served as Treasurer of the Hispanic Bar Association. In 2009, she was appointed to the Orange County Grievance Ethics Committee and served as its chairperson in 2011. She is also a frequent speaker on medical malpractice. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Justice Association, and in 2011 was appointed to their Executive Committee. Board certification recognizes Ms. Tejedor as a specialist in personal injury trial work. Board certification is an achievement acquired by less than 3% of all lawyers in the state of Florida. She is also recognized as an AV rated lawyer, which means she has been recognized by her peers as having reached the highest levels of professional excellence, skill, and integrity a lawyer can achieve.

Atlanta medical malpractice attorney Meri Benoit Link joined the Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers office in 2006. Meri began her civil litigation career representing corporate clients in complex business matters but then became specialized as a defense attorney representing physicians, nurses, hospitals, and nursing homes in professional negligence claims. Now, as a part of the Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers team, she dedicates her practice to representing those who have suffered serious injuries and damages caused by the negligence of others. Meri obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida in 1995. She received her law degree in 1999 from Georgia State University College of Law, where she was a member of the Georgia State University Law Review. Meri is admitted to: Georgia Bar; Georgia Court of Appeals; Supreme Court of Georgia; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia; and U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.