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About Melvin
Injured in an accident? You deserve a board certified lawyer with real trial experience.
Thank you for visiting my Avvo profile. I invite you to also visit our website at www.TheFloridaFirm.com to find more information on my biography page and in our section on verdicts and settlements. I have practiced law for over 30 years in Orlando, Florida with an emphasis in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. If you or a loved one have been affected by an injury or death, do not hesitate to call (866) FLA-FIRM for a free consultation.
My practice areas include motor vehicle, motorcycle, and trucking negligence, premises liability, product liability, nursing home neglect and abuse, medical malpractice, False Claims Act/Qui Tam/Whistleblower cases, insurance disputes, and general civil litigation.
Practice areas
- Car accident: 30%
Emphasis in motor vehicle and trucking negligence, premises liability, nursing home negligence, neglect and abuse, and medical malpractice.
7 years
- Wrongful death: 25%
7 years
- Defective and dangerous products: 20%
Emphasis in Abilify, IVC filters, Bair Huggers, Onglyza, Risperdal, Stockert and Soren, Invokana, Viagra, Talcum Powder, Taxotere, Testosterone
7 years
- Nursing home abuse and neglect: 20%
7 years
- Medical malpractice: 5%
7 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter
801 N Orange Ave Ste 830
Orlando, FL, 32801
Website
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN | Active | 2004 | 12/24/2019 |
| FL | Member in Good Standing | 1986 | 12/17/2019 |
| GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 1985 | 01/18/2020 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Fellow | International Society of Barristers | 2018 |
| Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2018 |
| Standard Jury Instruction Committee - Civil | Supreme Court of Florida | 2018 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2018 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
| Top 100 Lawyers | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2018 |
| Top 10 Product Liability Verdicts in Florida | Top Verdicts | 2017 |
| Top 50 Verdicts in Florida | Top Verdict | 2017 |
| Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers Magazine | 2017 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2017 |
| Top 100 Lawyers | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2017 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2017 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2016 |
| Top 100 Lawyers | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2016 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2016 |
| Top 100 Lawyers | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2016 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2015 |
| Standard Jury Instruction Committee - Civil | Supreme Court of Florida | 2015 |
| Trial Master Life Member | Trial Masters | 2015 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend | 2015 |
| Superlawyer | Law & Politics | 2015 |
| Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In Florida | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2014 |
| Advertising Committee - Chair | Florida Bar | 2014 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2014 |
| Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In Florida | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2014 |
| Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Circuit | Florida Bar | 2013 |
| Advertising Committee - Vice Chair | Florida Bar | 2013 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2013 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2013 |
| Top Attorneys In Florida | Wall Street Journal & Miami Magazine | 2013 |
| Life Fellow | American Board of Trial Advocates | 2013 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2012 |
| Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In Florida | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2012 |
| Orlando's Top Lawyers | Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine | 2012 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2012 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
| Top Lawyers In Florida | Miami Magazine and Wall Street Journal | 2012 |
| Board Certified Civil Pretrial Advocate | National Board of Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy | 2012 |
| AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
| Top Lawyers in Orlando | Wall Street Journal | 2011 |
| AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
| Top 100 Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2011 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2011 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2011 |
| Top Lawyers In Orlando | Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine | 2011 |
| Member: Advertising Committee | The Florida Bar | 2010 |
| Blue Ribbon Panel Member - Superlaywers | Law & Politics Magazine | 2010 |
| Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission 5th DCA of Florida | Florida Bar Board of Governors | 2010 |
| Florida Legall Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2010 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America | The National Trial Lawyers | 2010 |
| Super Lawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2010 |
| Top Lawyers In Orlando | Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine | 2010 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America | The National Trial Lawyers | 2009 |
| Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission for 9th Circuit | Florida Bar | 2009 |
| AV Rated | Martindale Hubbell Law Directory | 2009 |
| Super Lawyer | Law and Politics Magazine | 2009 |
| Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2009 |
| Bar Registry Of Preeminent Lawyers | Lexis Nexis Martindale Hubbell | 2009 |
| Super Lawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2008 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2008 |
| Super Lawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2007 |
| AV Rated | Martindale Hubbell | 2007 |
| Board Certified Civil Trial Law | Florida Bar | 2006 |
| Super Lawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2006 |
| AV Rated | Martindale Hubbell | 2006 |
| AV Rated | Martindale Hubbell | 2005 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2004 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2003 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2002 |
| Board Certified Civil Trial Law | Florida Bar | 2001 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2001 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2000 |
| Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate - Senior Specialist | American Bar Association accredited National Board of Legal Specialty Certification,National Board of Trial Advocacy | 1999 |
| Top Lawyers In America | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 1999 |
| Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer | The Florida Bar | 1996 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholder | Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter | 2005 - Present |
| Attorney | Morgan Colling & Gilbert | 1993 - 2005 |
| Attorney | Gurney & Handley | 1987 - 1992 |
| Attorney | Walker Miller & Ketcham | 1985 - 1987 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| United States Supreme Court Bar | Member | 2019 - Present |
| International Society of Barristers | Fellow | 2018 - Present |
| ABOTA Foundation | Fellow | 2015 - Present |
| Trial Masters | Member | 2015 - Present |
| American Board of Trial Advocates | Member | 2013 - Present |
| Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Product Liability Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
| Southern Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2009 - Present |
| National Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Florida Justice Association (Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers) | Member | 1986 - Present |
| Florida Bar | Member - Board Certified in Civil Trial Law | 1986 - Present |
| American Association for Justice | Member | 1985 - Present |
| State Bar of Georgia | Member | 1985 - Present |
| National Board of Trial Advocacy | Member - Board Certified in Civil Trial Law | N/A |
| Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association | N/A | N/A |
| Florida Justice Association | Nursing Home Committee Chairperson | 2009 - 2009 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Briefs - Orange County Bar Association | No Immunity For Car Rental Companies | 2007 |
| American Journal of Nursing | Born Into A Diaper | 2004 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer University - Walter F. George School of Law | Juris Doctor | 1985 |
| University of Georgia | Bachelor's Degree | 1981 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Masters of Justice | Common Law Collateral Source Rule in Florida | 2016 |
| Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy Institute | Direct Examination of Expert by Plaintiff | 2016 |
| Annual Convention | Nursing Home Legislative and Case Law Update | 2015 |
| Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy Institute | Cross Examination of Expert By Defense | 2015 |
| Handling Meningitis Claims Teleseminar | Building Your Meningitis Case | 2013 |
| Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues And Answers | Insurance Subrogation | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and Answers | Identifying Automotive Defect Cases | 2008 |
| Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and Answers | Retaining Experts | 2008 |
| Adult Abuse, Neglect And Exploitation | What The Court Considers | 2008 |
| Jury Selection In Florida | The Law of Jury Selection | 2007 |
| Jury Selection In Florida | Voir Dire Examination | 2007 |
| Long Term Care Litigation | Fraud And Abuse Claims | 2006 |
| Mass Torts Made Perfect | Keys To Winning Nursing Home Cases | 2003 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Sheffield v. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Co. | Verdict of $ 6,080,000 |
| John Doe . Acme Co. | $ 5,270,000 |
| Coleman v. Simongeli et al | $ 1,300,000 |
| John Doe v. ACME Property Management | $ 3,000,000 |
| Gene Walker v. Skyline Trucking | Verdict for Client $ 410,687 |
| In Re New England Compounding Bankruptcy | $ 200,000,000 Mass Tort Settlement |
|---|---|
| Kathleen Hutt v. Union Park Memorial | Settled After Appeal To Supreme Court |
| Estate Of George Dellinger v. Quality Health Care Center | Confidential Settlement |
| Estate of Eric Titus v. West Orange YMCA | One Million Dollar Verdict |
| Jane Doe v Acme Nursing Home | $1,300,000 Settlement |
| John Doe, a minor, v. Company | $ 1,110,000 |
| John Doe, a minor, v. Company | $ 1,275,000 |
| John Doe, a minor, v. Company | $ 1,000,000 |
| Bennett v. Maitland Health Care Center | Confidential Settlement |
I highly recommend Mr. Wright
Posted by Al
Mon Apr 28 2008
medical malpractice wrongful death
Posted by anonymous
Fri Feb 20 2009
Attorney endorsements
(50)Theodore Schofner, Medicaid and medicare Attorney on Nov 13, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mel Wright for over 20 years and he is an excellent attorney in the personal injury arena. Mel is professional, competent and easy to work with. I refer clients to Mel without hesitation and I strongly endorse him for clients seeking an excellent trial lawyer.
Roy Smith, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mel Wright is a watermark upon which all attorneys I know measure themselves. A professional. An advocate. A cornucopia of legal procedure. If I send a referral to Mel I always know that it will reflect well on me. He is a lion in the guise of a southern gentleman.
Andrew Hamilton, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Carl Ohall, Family Attorney on Feb 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Matthew Schultz, Wrongful death Attorney on Feb 18, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mel deserves every point of his perfect rating. Smart, creative, dedicated, and with a wealth of experience. I recommend him highly.
Sean Cleary, Car accident Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.
Kristen Jackson, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. I have had the privilege of knowing Attorney Wright for nearly 25 years. On many occasions I have referred my clients to Attorney Wright for his assistance to help them with a personal injury or malpractice matter. He and his colleagues at Colling, Gilbert, Wright and Carter are no doubt pillars within the legal community.
Elizabeth Herd, Medical malpractice Attorney on Dec 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr Wright is a super lawyer in every sense and in many areas of Florida law.
Daniel Fisher, Immigration Attorney on Oct 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Wright is an excellent attorney with a great reputation.
Vanessa Brice, Military law Attorney on Jul 22, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I have had the privilege of working Melvin for the past six years. He is an aggressive, passionate attorney who always has his clients best interests at heart. His meticulous nature allows him to litigate and resolve the most complex of cases in a professional manner and to the extreme satisfaction of his clients. I endorse this lawyer.
Parke Morris, Nursing home abuse and neglect Attorney on Jun 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Mel's knowledge of a wide variety of areas including malpractice and wrongful death are unsurpassed. He always places his client's needs first and foremost.
Kathleen Flammia, Elder law Attorney on Mar 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John Overchuck, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Shemtoub, Car accident Attorney on Nov 26, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Provides quality answers to Avvo community and very knowledgable
Jordan Donaldson, Business Attorney on Oct 31, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mel is knowledgeable and experienced in all of his practice areas. I endorse this lawyer.
Susan Duke, Family Attorney on Oct 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Matthew Donaldson, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Tops in the PI field!!
Francisco Gonzalez, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 26, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mel Wright for 13 years and have worked with him on several cases. Mel possesses extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of personal injury, wrongful death and nursing home negligence cases. Mel is a prime example of the highest level of zealous advocacy, integrity, and excellence in the legal field. I recommend Mel Wright without reservation.
Curtis Newsome, Defective and dangerous products Attorney on Aug 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mel Wright is a man of integrity, has a sterling reputation, and is a fearless trial lawyer. As a passionate advocate, his clients are truly lucky to have him. I endorse and recommend him without reservation!
Mitzi Carr, Litigation Attorney on Aug 6, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is highly intelligent and aggressively advocates for the rights of the consumer.
Cost
- Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
- Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.30%-40%