Michael R. Hinkley

My goals as an attorney, both personally and professionally, are relatively simple-to be just, and to do good work. I therefore consider my legal career to be at once a profession, a vocation and a means to further achieve my goals. My career as an attorney affords me the opportunity to satisfy my intellectual curiosity by approaching complex, evolving issues in a thoughtful way, to contribute to solutions to the demanding challenges facing individuals and groups in my community, and to work meaningfully for justice by helping others to help themselves.

At Donovan & O'Connor, I am genuinely privileged to work with and to learn from a group of remarkably talented, dedicated and industrious professionals in a wonderful setting; one grounded in principled tradition and in diligent service to clients. The warmth, resourcefulness and attention to detail of each individual consistently provides me with guidance, inspiration and motivation to continue to represent our clients to the very best of my abilities.

Recent Professional Accomplishments

Obtained a $7,988,300 verdict in a surgery error case. The action was brought on behalf of a Vermont woman who underwent unnecessary anti-reflux surgery in Albany, NY. The primary allegation was that the surgeon failed to order appropriate and required pre-surgical tests. The case was tried in Federal District Court in Syracuse, NY, and the result is believed to be the largest medical negligence verdict ever achieved in that jurisdiction.

Litigated and negotiated a $950,000 settlement on behalf of a local family in a complex medical malpractice case.

Litigated and negotiated a $750,000 settlement on behalf of a local family in a complex medical malpractice case.

Litigated and negotiated a $650,000 settlement in a medical malpractice case involving the failure to diagnose a heart attack which led to death.

Secured settlements totaling $957,500 reflecting payments and interest owed to a Vermont manufacturer in connection with a bridge replacement project in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Litigated and negotiated a $500,000 settlement in a medical malpractice case involving a delay in the diagnosing of cancer which led to death.

Obtained a $125,000 jury verdict (before interest and costs) in a motor vehicle trial. The action was brought on behalf of a local man who was injured when his truck was struck from behind by another car. The primary argument was that the defendant broke the rules of the road and injured the plaintiff.

Litigated and negotiated a $420,000 settlement in a pharmaceutical negligence case involving a misfilled prescription and subsequent serious injury.

Litigated and negotiated a $350,000 settlement on behalf of a local family in a negligence case involving the failure by contractors to cover a floor opening and subsequent serious injury to the plaintiff.

Litigated and negotiated a $150,000 settlement on behalf of a local family in a negligence case involving the failure by parents to supervise the use by minors of a snowmobile, resulting in injuries to one of the children.

Litigated and negotiated, following two days of trial, a substantial settlement on behalf of a local high school teacher allegedly terminated in violation of the Massachusetts Whistleblower statute. The case was hotly contested and the terms of the settlement are confidential.

Secured a $95,000 settlement on behalf of a woman injured in a motor vehicle collision.

Secured a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a local woman who suffered injuries as a result of a fall on an icy stairway.

Secured a $75,000 settlement on behalf of a local woman who suffered a broken wrist and other injuries as a result of a fall on an icy stairway.

Secured a $68,000 settlement on behalf of a local woman who suffered a broken wrist and other injuries as a result of a fall on an icy stairway.

Secured a $62,500 settlement on behalf of a woman injured in a motor vehicle collision.

Secured a $50,000 settlement, representing all available insurance, on behalf of a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.

Secured a $60,000 settlement on behalf of a man injured in a snowmobile collision.

Obtained not guilty verdicts on behalf of a Vermont man charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and negligent operation following a tragic motor vehicle accident. After trial, the man was found not guilty on each and all counts.

Obtained a verdict following trial in favor of a Massachusetts developer charged with a zoning violation by a Western Massachusetts municipality. Following trial, the Court reversed a preliminary injunction previously issued against the developer and entered judgment in his favor.

Subseqently  litigated and obtained, on the eve of a trial, a $200,000 settlement on behalf of the Massachusetts developer referred to in the paragraph above. The developer alleged various state and federal civil rights violations by municipal officials.