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Melvin Bowen Wright

also known as Mel
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Avvo Rating10
  • Orlando, FL
  • Licensed for 35 years
  • Free consultation
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Melvin Bowen Wright
Melvin Bowen Wright
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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.

 

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Practice areas

OtherDefective and dangerous productsNursing home abuse and neglectWrongful deathCar accident
  1. Car accident: 30%

    Emphasis in motor vehicle and trucking negligence, premises liability, nursing home negligence, neglect and abuse, and medical malpractice.

    8 years

  2. Wrongful death: 25%

    Wrongful death caused by the negligence of others or by dangerous or defective products.

    8 years

  3. Nursing home abuse and neglect: 20%

    8 years

  4. Defective and dangerous products: 15%

    Emphasis in Abilify, IVC filters, Bair Huggers, Onglyza, Risperdal, Stockert and Soren, Invokana, Viagra, Talcum Powder, Taxotere, Testosterone

    8 years

  1. Insurance: 5%

    Insurance coverage disputes in personal and commercial lines of coverage.

  2. Medical malpractice: 5%

    8 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

801 N Orange Ave Ste 830
Orlando, FL, 32801

Website
www.TheFloridaFirm.com 

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TNActive200404/15/2021
FLMember in Good Standing198604/04/2021
GAActive Member in Good Standing 198504/18/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers36
Legal guides6
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Best Lawyers In AmericaU S News & World Report2021
Top 100 Superlawyers In FloridaSuperLawyers2020
Best Lawyers in AmericaU S News and World Report2020
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2018
Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2018
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2018
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2018
Standard Jury Instruction Committee - CivilSupreme Court of Florida2018
Best Lawyers in AmericaBest Lawyers in America2018
FellowInternational Society of Barristers2018
Super LawyerSuperLawyers Magazine2017
Top 50 Verdicts in FloridaTop Verdict2017
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2017
Top 10 Product Liability Verdicts in FloridaTop Verdicts2017
Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2017
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2017
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2016
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2016
Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2016
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2016
Top 100 LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2016
Standard Jury Instruction Committee - CivilSupreme Court of Florida2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2015
Trial Master Life MemberTrial Masters2015
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend2015
SuperlawyerLaw & Politics2015
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In FloridaAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2015
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2014
Advertising Committee - ChairFlorida Bar2014
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2014
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In FloridaAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2014
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2014
Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th CircuitFlorida Bar2013
Advertising Committee - Vice ChairFlorida Bar2013
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2013
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2013
Top Attorneys In FloridaWall Street Journal & Miami Magazine2013
Life FellowAmerican Board of Trial Advocates2013
Orlando's Top LawyersOrlando Home & Leisure Magazine2012
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers In FloridaAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2012
Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2012
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2012
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2012
Top Lawyers In FloridaMiami Magazine and Wall Street Journal2012
Board Certified Civil Pretrial AdvocateNational Board of Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2011
Top Lawyers In OrlandoOrlando Home & Leisure Magazine2011
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2011
Super LawyerSuper Lawyers Magazine2011
Top 100 LawyersNational Trial Lawyers Association2011
Top Lawyers in OrlandoWall Street Journal2011
Member: Advertising CommitteeThe Florida Bar2010
Florida Legall EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2010
Blue Ribbon Panel Member - SuperlaywersLaw & Politics Magazine2010
Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission 5th DCA of FloridaFlorida Bar Board of Governors2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in AmericaThe National Trial Lawyers2010
Top Lawyers In OrlandoOrlando Home & Leisure Magazine2010
Super LawyerLaw & Politics Magazine2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in AmericaThe National Trial Lawyers2009
AV RatedMartindale Hubbell Law Directory2009
Super LawyerLaw and Politics Magazine2009
Bar Registry Of Preeminent LawyersLexis Nexis Martindale Hubbell2009
Florida Legal EliteFlorida Trend Magazine2009
Nominee - Judicial Nominating Commission for 9th CircuitFlorida Bar2009
Super LawyerLaw & Politics Magazine2008
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2008
Super LawyerLaw & Politics Magazine2007
AV RatedMartindale Hubbell2007
Board Certified Civil Trial LawFlorida Bar2006
Super LawyerLaw & Politics Magazine2006
AV RatedMartindale Hubbell2006
AV RatedMartindale Hubbell2005
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2004
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2003
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2002
Board Certified Civil Trial LawFlorida Bar2001
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2001
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2000
Top Lawyers In AmericaMillion Dollar Advocates Forum1999
Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate - Senior SpecialistAmerican Bar Association accredited National Board of Legal Specialty Certification,National Board of Trial Advocacy1999
Board Certified Civil Trial LawyerThe Florida Bar1996
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
ShareholderColling Gilbert Wright & Carter2005 - Present
AttorneyMorgan Colling & Gilbert1993 - 2005
AttorneyGurney & Handley1987 - 1992
AttorneyWalker Miller & Ketcham1985 - 1987
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
United States Supreme Court BarMember2019 - Present
International Society of BarristersFellow2018 - Present
ABOTA FoundationFellow2015 - Present
Trial MastersMember2015 - Present
American Board of Trial AdvocatesMember2013 - Present
Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2013 - Present
Product Liability Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2013 - Present
Southern Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2009 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2009 - Present
Florida Justice Association (Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers)Member1986 - Present
Florida BarMember - Board Certified in Civil Trial Law1986 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember1985 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember1985 - Present
National Board of Trial AdvocacyMember - Board Certified in Civil Trial LawN/A
Central Florida Trial Lawyers AssociationN/AN/A
Florida Justice AssociationNursing Home Committee Chairperson2009 - 2009
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
The Briefs - Orange County Bar AssociationNo Immunity For Car Rental Companies2007
American Journal of NursingBorn Into A Diaper2004
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Mercer University - Walter F. George School of LawJuris Doctor1985
University of GeorgiaBachelor's Degree1981
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Masters of JusticeCommon Law Collateral Source Rule in Florida2016
Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy InstituteDirect Examination of Expert by Plaintiff2016
Annual ConventionNursing Home Legislative and Case Law Update2015
Al J. Cone Trial Advocacy InstituteCross Examination of Expert By Defense2015
Handling Meningitis Claims TeleseminarBuilding Your Meningitis Case2013
Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues And AnswersInsurance Subrogation2008
Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and AnswersIdentifying Automotive Defect Cases2008
Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and AnswersRetaining Experts2008
Adult Abuse, Neglect And ExploitationWhat The Court Considers2008
Jury Selection In FloridaThe Law of Jury Selection2007
Jury Selection In FloridaVoir Dire Examination2007
Long Term Care LitigationFraud And Abuse Claims2006
Mass Torts Made PerfectKeys To Winning Nursing Home Cases2003
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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 TruckingVerdict for Client $ 410,687
In Re New England Compounding Bankruptcy$ 200,000,000 Mass Tort Settlement
Kathleen Hutt v. Union Park MemorialSettled After Appeal To Supreme Court
Estate Of George Dellinger v. Quality Health Care CenterConfidential Settlement
Estate of Eric Titus v. West Orange YMCAOne 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 CenterConfidential Settlement

Reviews

(8)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Melvin Wright

I highly recommend Mr. Wright

Posted by

Melvin Wright's legal acumen and service was exceptional. He was recommended to me through an attorney friend, and was able to obtain a just settlement with an abusive nursing home. He is very experienced in this and other areas of civil law, and his staff could not have been more helpful. He is also a caring, compassionate person, who strives to help his clients navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of these types of cases. I highly recommend his services, as well as his firm, Colling, Gilbert, Wright and Carter.

medical malpractice wrongful death

Posted by

Referred from attorney to attorney re: death of wife due to elective surgery. Wrongful death due to medical malpractice in Florida is very difficult to pursue. Mr Wright and his staff put together a case that not only ended with a favorable settlement but reconciled my family with the local MD. I would hope that no one would need such services in the future, but if you do, I would highly recomend Mr Wright. I prefer to remain annonymous as this is a small town.

Awesome Firm

Posted by

Mel and his team were very effective and efficient every step of the way. Any questions or concerns that arose were responded to promptly and handled appropriately. The firm was very welcoming at a difficult time and I was fortunate to have had the experience of working with them. I have and will continue to in the future recommend this practice.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Melvin Wright's response: Thank you, Derek, for your kinds words. Our entire firm is dedicated to providing excellence in the practice of our profession at every level, and we are so happy when that professionalism is recognized.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping my son

Posted by

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to Melvin "Mel" Wright and his whole team for all he has done for my son. At a very, very dismal time in our lives, when we literally felt all odds were against us because of very particular immunity laws surrounding our case, Mel fought long and hard and hung in there until he found a vein of hope to help my son in his recovery. Mel never gave up no matter how many dead-ends nor obstacles we faced. Our case was not an easy case at all due to the facts and extreme injuries involved. Mel made himself easily available to offer explanations to my many, many questions or even to just hear me rant or vent about the unfairness of immunity laws. Mel became not only our attorney but a true confidant. He truly goes above and beyond to make his clients feel like family. In a time when attorneys are a dime a dozen, Mel and his team, the whole firm actually, exceeded my expectations. If we ever need an attorney again, without a doubt, we would definitely call Mel. And, we most definitely would refer Mel Wright without any questions.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Melvin Wright's response: Nothing is valued more at our firm than the high praise of a satisfied client under harsh circumstances. Thank you.

Outstanding attorney

Posted by

Thank you to Attorney Melvin B. Wright and Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter for representing me in a suite filed, maintaining the highest legal standards and ethics from beginning to end. The firm’s commitment provided impeccable legal representation that devoted its firm's full attention and resources to my particular situation, and assured achieving the best outcome of having a successful favorable settlement. I highly recommend the winning law firm of Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter. Greatly Appreciative, Margaret
Melvin Wright's response: Margaret, Thank you so much. We are so pleased we were able to help. Sometimes the system isn't fair despite our best efforts. We are ecstatic that it worked in your case.

Very Knowledgeable and Supportive!

Posted by

Melvin Wright was just the support we needed during a very difficult time. He was very responsive to our family needs, yet extremely knowledgeable during a difficult process. I would highly recommend him and would gladly recommend him to all family and friends.
Melvin Wright's response: Thank you.

Information Technology Manager

Posted by

My family and I recently employed the services of the Law firm Colling, Gilbert, Wright and Carter located in Orlando Florida. Mr. Melvin Wright was the lead attorney for our case, involving a traffic accident which resulted in the death of our mother. Throughout our ordeal Melvin demonstrated a through knowledge of the law, while patiently explaining each phase in ways we could understand. Most importantly he showed compassion and understanding during a very difficult time for us. While our settlement was not significant we always felt he had our best interests in mind. In the end we were very pleased with his representation and would highly recommend the services of his firm and particularly those of Mr. Melvin Wright. Thank you Mr. Wright for all your kindness. Sincerely William Allen Shader

Stay at home Mom/Disabled

Posted by

Melvin is a great attorney. He took my case when another law firm wouldn't and WON! He is very responsive. Day or night, he was always there when I needed him. I would definitely recommend his services.

Attorney endorsements

(50)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Theodore Schofner, Personal injury 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, Wrongful death Attorney on Apr 21, 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

I endorse this lawyer.

Carl Ohall, Car accident Attorney on Feb 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Matthew Schultz, Personal injury 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, Medical malpractice 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, Car accident 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, Car accident 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, Personal injury 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, Wrongful death 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, Medical malpractice Attorney on Mar 15, 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, Defective and dangerous products 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, Medical malpractice 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, General practice Attorney on Oct 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Matthew Donaldson, Car accident Attorney on Oct 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Tops in the PI field!!

Francisco Gonzalez, Car accident 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, Car accident Attorney on Aug 24, 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, Medical malpractice 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

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      60 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • 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%
    PAYMENT METHODS