Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
10 Client Reviews
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David Wesley Sumner
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About David
Biography
I have been an attorney for 46 years and a medical negligence trial lawyer for over 40 years. My multi-state practice only accepts medical malpractice cases. My prior experience defending malpractice cases filed against the government and later, defending physicians and prestigious medical centers, such as The Cleveland Clinic in malpractice cases, provides me a unique perspective in litigating medical negligence cases on behalf of severely injured patients and/or their loved ones. I have concentrated at times on birth injury cases, as you can see from my publication titles and listings, however, I handle all areas of medical negligence injury and wrongful death trial work including malpractice cases against physicians, specialists, hospitals, nurses, therapists and nursing homes. One of my prior positions was as the lead Pentagon attorney handling the defense of medical malpractice cases related to medical care at Army hospitals and clinics. Therefore, the handling of malpractice cases filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act involving substandard care and treatment at military and VA medical centers evolved into another area of emphasis in my trial practice. My current licensing, in good standing in SEVEN states, helps to provide a broad base of experience across numerous state lines. In those states where I do not have a current license, I can often make a special appearance "pro hac vice" by virtue of my experience as a medical malpractice litigator and prosecute the action (in conjuction with local counsel) as first chair. I am honored to be among those successful attorneys qualifying for selection into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, based upon large settlements or verdicts in past cases.
Over 4 Decades of Experience as a Trial Attorney Handling Medical Malpractice Cases Exclusively.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Medical Malpractice
100%
42 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 14 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in South Carolina for 20 years
State: South Carolina
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Licensed in Georgia for 26 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 30 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 30 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Licensed in Ohio for 39 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in Arkansas for 47 years
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Sumner Medical Law
(866) 247-0888
Fax
333 N. Wilmot Rd., Suite 340, Tucson, AZ, 85711
davidwsumner-medmal.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Wesley Sumner's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Robert | December 5, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Great advice!
I spoke with David about a situation that I wasn’t sure whether I had a case or not. I explained the best I could to him my situation, and through our conversation with him, asking me questions and telling me how the system works I believed that I would be wasting his time Going forward. However, eve...
Posted by Lisa | March 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
We recommend Attorney Sumner without reservation.
David Sumner is everything one could hope for in an attorney when one's loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury. He is smart, informed, compassionate and the most diligent, hardworking individual I have encountered. My husband's hospital file alone was over 3,000 pages and he studied every one ...
Posted by Anita & Gerald Busha | March 9, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
Mr. Sumner won our case and showed hard work and extensive research for out case. He amazed us with his knowledge of medical terms and procedures during the trial. Our case started four years ago and was delayed two years because of the virus, and in the end we won. He and his associate John Vingelli...
Posted by Nicole | March 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
HIGHLY recommended
Attorney Dave Sumner represented me in an extremely difficult medical malpractice case. I had contacted several attorneys before finding Mr. Sumner and I felt that none of them would represent me due to the complexity. I was about to give up hope when I ran across his website. He helped me when no on...
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Phone consult
Mr. Sumner was friendly, articilulate, and explained the possibility of a malpractice case on behalf of my cousin who suffered terribly before her death thanks to a negligent physician. I found this attorney to be a great listener and able to explain the specifics of a suit with me. He has a wonder...
David Wesley Sumner's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Dave is an outstanding trial lawyer who is one of the best prepared attorneys I have met in 30 years of defending med. mal. cases. He possesses the very highest integrity and professionalism. He is an ardent advocate for his clients, and has the ability to honestly assess the merits of his cases. He is always extremely well prepared and engages opposing counsel in a professional and personal manner without ever compromising his own position as an advocate. He has earned my deepest respect and friendship."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is one of the finest medical malpractice attorneys with a multi state practice. He is known for his zealous representation, highest ethics, and proven results."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked David Sumner on various medical malpractice cases for over 15 years. David has an excellent grasp of complex medical issues and has medical resources and many physician contacts that enable David to receive many referrals and associations on cases by other medical malpractice attorneys. David is highly ethical and is very respected by co-counsel and opposing counsel."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Client Champion Silver Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2015
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2014
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2013
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2012
Top Lawyers, Main Line Today Magazine
2012
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2011
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2000
Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Trial Lawyers
1985
Meritorious Service Award (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), United States Army JAGC
1978
Top 3% of law school class, University of Arkansas School of Law
1977
Associate Editor, Arkansas Law Review
1975
Magna Cum Laude graduate, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas
1975
Who's Who Among Students in Universities and Colleges, Who's Who
1975
Bradbury Political Science Award, Bradbury Political Science Award (highest GPA)
1974
Outstanding Army ROTC Cadet Award, U.S. Army (Hardin-Simmons University)
1973
Outstanding Army ROTC Cadet Award, U.S. Army (University of Arkansas)
Work Experience
1999 - Present
Owner, Sumner Medical Law
2000 - 2003
Adjunct Faculty Critiquer, NITA Sponsored Programs
1985 - 1986
Special Attorney, Tort Branch, Civil Division, Department of Justice
1985 - 1994
Contributing Editor, Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy (Leader Publications)
1984 - 1986
Federal Tort Claims Trial Attorney, US Army JAG Corps
1984 - 1986
Rotating Instructor, Office of U.S. Attorney General
Associations
2016 - Present
Arizona Association for Justice (Trial Lawyers)Member
2011 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
2005 - Present
South Carolina Association for Justice (Trial Lawyers)Member
2005 - Present
South Carolina Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaMember
1995 - Present
Maryland State Bar AssociationMember
1978 - Present
Arkansas Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Allenius v. Thomas, 42 Ohio St. 3d 131 (1989)
Successful appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court
Education
1978
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law
J.D. (with honors)
Speaking Engagements
2025
Medical Evidence Mastery for Personal Injury Lawyers
Locating and Selecting Medical Expert Witnesses; Improving Relationships with Medical Experts
2024
40 Years in the Trenches: Missteps and Myths in Triaging Medical Negligence Cases for Merit
Medical Negligence Case Merit Evaluations
2000
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (Philadelphia chapter)
Evaluation of the Obstetrical Malpractice Case
Publications
1994
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Chorionic Villus Sampling: Pro's, Con's and Alternatives"
1991
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"How to Locate Credible Experts"
1991
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Screening Plaintiff Malpractice Cases"
1989
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Proof of Brain Injury in Obstetcrical Malpractice Cases"
1987
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Deposing the Medical Expert"
1986
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Obstetrical Malpractice Glossary" (Issue Insert)
1986
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Fetal Heart Monitoring"
1986
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Apgar Scores in Infant Cases"
1985
Medical Malpractice Law & Strategy
"Evaluating the Meconium Staining Case"
1978
Arkansas Law Review
Associate Editor
N/A
Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy
Contributing Editor
Languages
English