Virginia’s Go To Lawyers – Medical Malpractice: Mark Brennan Sr.

Mark Sheridan Brennan Sr.
Partner, Vandeventer Black LLP
Richmond

Education:

JD, University of Richmond Law School
BA, University of Delaware

Best known for:

Defense of healthcare providers in medical malpractice litigation, especially physicians, hospitals, and long term care nursing facilities, involving claims of wrongful death and personal injury. I analyze claims and available defenses efficiently and quickly to provide advice, strategy, and recommendations to my clients at the beginning of litigation. I also perform in-house risk management investigations to provide advice on prevention of claims and litigation.

Signature case / representation:

I defended a surgeon who allegedly caused mercury to spill into a patient’s abdominal cavity from a mercury-filled dilator as a result of a stapler mishap during performance of gastrointestinal surgery. It was a very difficult case to defend, with many renowned medical expert witnesses. The surgeon, however, received a defense jury verdict after only one hour of deliberation. That result was very gratifying.

Most satisfying aspect of practice:

Concluding a case to the satisfaction of and gratitude for same from a client are the most satisfying aspects of the practice of law.

Working with clients:

Efficient, thorough, and timely analysis and advice to clients very early in litigation so that a decision can be made concerning strategy for defending or otherwise resolving the case.

Advice:

Keep your oral and written arguments brief, to the point, and to check your ego at the door.

Outlook:

Very little change, as the volume of medical malpractice cases remains quite heavy and the increases in the damages cap will continue to predictably increase incrementally by statute for the rest of this decade.