John D. Martin is a trial lawyer in the firm’s Wilmington, North Carolina office. John concentrates his practice in the Medical Malpractice and Professional Liability Defense Practice Groups. He has tried numerous medical malpractice and personal injury cases throughout eastern North Carolina. Many of his cases involve brain injury, birth trauma, paraplegia, and wrongful death. Additionally, John has experience with large construction litigation, premises liability, and hospital/workplace security.
John has appeared before the U. S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
John has been recognized by his peers and is listed in the publication The Best Lawyers in America, 2006, and 2008 - 2022 editions and selected for inclusion in Lawyer Of The Year in the fields of Medical Malpractice Defense (2019 and 2022) and Personal Injury Litigation (2019). He has been selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers every year since 2009. He also maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity. In 2019, John was selected by his peers for inclusion into the American Board of Trial Advocates.
John defends hospitals, physicians and physician practices and long term care facilities in litigation. He represents and advises hospitals and medical care providers in pre-suit claims and risk management issues, and represents architects, engineers and related professionals in litigation and claims disputes. He also serves as panel counsel for various professional liability insurance carriers.
Cases or matters referenced do not represent the attorney’s entire record. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.
Accomplishments
•Selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers in the field of Personal Injury Medical Malpractice, Defense (2021, 2022)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2013, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2024, 2026)
•Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of Litigation - Insurance (2021-2026); Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2006, 2008-2026); Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants (2006, 2008-2026); Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2023-2026)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Litigation - Insurance (2025)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Litigation - Insurance (2025)
•Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers Lawyer Of The Year in the field of Personal Injury Litigation (2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2024)
•Selected by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a Super Lawyer (2009 - 2020)
•Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Litigation (2014, 2023, 2025)
•Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated
•Selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
•Selected for inclusion into the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Most Recent Posts
News
John Martin Named to NC Lawyers Weekly Malpractice Power List
John Martin, Chair of the Medical Malpractice Practice Group at Cranfill Sumner LLP, was named to the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Malpractice Power List....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year”
Five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP were recently recognized as the Best Lawyers 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas. “Lawyer of the Year” is presented annually to one attorney in each practice area in each market....
News
33 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2026
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2026....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2025 Legal Elite
Eleven Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
News
John D. Martin Receives Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
John D. Martin, Managing Partner of the Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) Wilmington office, was recently named one of the Best Lawyers 2025 “Lawyer of the Year.” He was recognized in the category of Litigation-Insurance....
News
32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2025
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025....
News
CSH Law Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently named among the Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyers of the Year.”...
News
32 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2024
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2024....
News
John Martin Named to NC Lawyers Weekly Power List
John Martin, a Partner at Cranfill Sumner LLP, was named to the North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Healthcare Power List....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Relocates Wilmington Office
Beginning, Jan. 30, 2023, the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP has relocated to 5535 Currituck Drive, Suite 210, Wilmington....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Listed Among 2023 Legal Elite
Twelve Cranfill Sumner LLP attorneys were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. ...
News
25 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2023
Twenty-five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2023....
News
Cranfill Sumner LLP Awards 2022 Core Value Awards
Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) today announced that John Martin and Anna Hedgepeth were honored with the firm’s 2022 Core Value Awards....
News
11 Cranfill Sumner LLP Attorneys Named to 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP announced that 11 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2022 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
CSH Law Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently named among the Best Lawyers 2022 “Lawyers of the Year.”...
News
26 CSH Law Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2022
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH Law) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2022....
News
14 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner proudly announced that 14 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2021 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Volunteer for Legal Aid Eviction Project
In May 2020, Legal Aid of North Carolina launched an effort to help North Carolinians who were struggling to pay rent and were facing eviction. Legal Aid paired available emergency financial support with a search for volunteer attorneys from across the state who could help negotiate past and future payments with landlords....
News
27 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2021
Twenty-seven attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2021 (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
Cranfill Sumner Adds Staff to Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced additions to its staff in Wilmington. Sarah Johann has been promoted to the position of Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Hannah Morris has joined Cranfill Sumner as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Evelyn Tordoff has joined the firm as a Paralegal....
News
11 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 11 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2020 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Kara Gansmann Named Chair of Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group
Kara Gansmann, an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney with Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), has been named the Chair of the Cranfill Sumner Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group....
News
Martin and Shea Join American Board of Trial Advocates
John D. Martin and Colleen Shea have been invited to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious national association comprised of experienced trial lawyers and judges. Martin and Shea are Partners who are based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP....
News
31 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2020
Thirty-one attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2020(Copyright 2019 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 21 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2019 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently named the Best Lawyers 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practice areas in their local metropolitan area. (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)...
News
32 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2019
Thirty-two attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
News
20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2018 N.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Star Lists
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2018 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
Three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently named the Best Lawyers 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practice areas in their local metropolitan area. (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)...
News
33 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2018
Thirty-three attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Eight attorneys were selected for inclusion in the list for the first time....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Featured in Wrightsville Beach Magazine
John Martin and Patrick Mincey are featured in the latest edition of Wrightsville Beach Magazine. “Longevity, Profitability and Personality” examines the process of becoming a partner in a legal services firm. John and Patrick share their personal insights and experiences in the article....
News
17 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Today Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) proudly announced that 17 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2017 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
Post
Handle Consumer Data With Care
An Insights article by John Martin was published in today’s online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. “Handle Consumer...
Post
Who’s Responsible For Damage From Storm Debris?
“Who’s Responsible For Damage From Storm Debris?” was published Oct. 21 on the Insights page of the online edition of...
Post
Understanding the N.C. Business Court
“Understanding the N.C. Business Court,” an Insights article by John Martin, was published in the Oct. 7 edition of the...
Post
Pre-Trial Dispositive Motions: A Defense Attorney’s Tool Box
“Pre-Trial Dispositive Motions: A Defense Attorney’s Tool Box,” an Insights article by John D. Martin, was published in the Sept....
Post
The Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
An Insights article by John Martin, Managing Partner of the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, was published...
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition in 2017
Attorneys chosen for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 Five attorneys from Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP (Cranfill...
News
26 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2017
Twenty-six attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)....
Post
Guidelines for Amendments to Medical Records
“Guidelines for Amendments to Medical Records,” an Insights article by John D. Martin, was featured in today’s edition of the...
Post
HIPAA Considerations in Litigation
“HIPPA Considerations in Litigation,” an Insights article by John Martin was published in the Aug. 1 edition of the online Greater...
Post
The Legal Significance Of Good Record Keeping By Professionals
An Insights article by John Martin was published in the July 15 online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. ...
Post
Professional Liability Exposure And The Standards Of Care
“Professional Liability Exposure And The Standards Of Care,” an Insights article by John Martin appeared in today’s online edition of...
Result
Successful Defense Verdict on Behalf of Surgeons in Medical Malpractice Trial
John Martin (Wilmington) and a former Cranfill Sumner attorney successfully achieved a defense verdict on behalf of two surgeons in a...
News
17 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner LLP (CSH) is proud to announce that 16 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2016 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2016 Legal Elite
Two Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys in its Raleigh and Wilmington offices were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. Daniel Katzenbach, an attorney in the Raleigh office, was recognized for Construction Law, and John Martin of the Wilmington office was recognized for Litigation....
Result
Court of Appeals Upholds Defense Verdict for Medical Malpractice Claims, Holding that a Plaintiff Carries the Burden of Proof for Intervening Negligence
John Martin and Colleen Shea served as Defense Counsel for a recent in case in which the North Carolina Court...
News
John Martin Receives Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Recognition
John D. Martin, Managing Partner of the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner), was recently named the Best Lawyers 2016 Medical Malpractice Law-Defendants “Lawyer of the Year” for Wilmington. (Copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC)...
News
28 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2016
Twenty-eight attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2016....
Result
Martin and Shea Successfully Defend Regional Hospital
John Martin and Colleen Shea obtained summary judgment of a regional hospital in a case involving two separate visits to the Emergency Department at the hospital and patient admission to the hospital prior to her transfer to a tertiary care facility. ...
News
20 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Cranfill Sumner announced that 20 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers and North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
Result
Martin Successfully Defends Regional Hospital in Shooting Case
Martin successfully defended a large regional hospital following the fatal shooting of a hospital visitor by an armed security guard. ...
News
Landfall Living Profiles John Martin and Colleen Shea
John Martin and Colleen Shea, partners in the Wilmington Cranfill Sumner office, are featured in the December 2014 issue of Landfall Living in the Resident Profile....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition
Cranfill Sumner is proud to announced that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Super Lawyers Business Edition....
News
24 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2015
Twenty-four attorneys from Cranfill Sumner LLP were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America....
News
Three Attorneys Join Cranfill Sumner Wilmington Office
Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) announced that attorney’s Trey Blincoe, Kara Gansmann and Elizabeth King have joined the firm’s Wilmington office....
News
21 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Named to 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
Cranfill Sumner announced that 21 of its attorneys are selected for inclusion in the 2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 2014 North Carolina Rising Stars lists....
News
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2014 Legal Elite
Cranfill Sumner attorneys in its Raleigh and Wilmington offices were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program....
News
25 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2014
Cranfill Sumner is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America ....
News
24 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
Ten Cranfill Sumner attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers and 14 Cranfill Sumner attorneys were selected as 2013 North Carolina Rising Stars....
News
23 Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013 Edition
Twenty-three lawyers from Cranfill Sumner were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2013...
News
Cranfill Sumner Lands 17 Attorneys in the Best Lawyers in America 2012 Edition
Cranfill Sumner, one of the largest civil defense firms in North Carolina, announced today that 17 of its attorneys selected The Best Lawyers in America....
Result
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Directed Verdict for NC Hospital
Martin and Toups received a directed verdict on behalf of a hospital where the hospital had been brought into the case on an agency claim....
Result
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Defense Verdict for Surgeon
Martin and Toups successfully defended a North Carolina surgeon facing a wrongful death claim. ...
Result
Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Receive Defense Verdict for OB-GYN
Martin and Toups received defense verdict for North Carolina OB-GYN....
Result
Martin and Shea Receive Defense Verdict in Wrongful Death Case
John D. Martin and Colleen N. Shea won a defense verdict for a Psychiatrist and Physician’s Assistant in a wrongful death case involving over $700,000 in medical expenses. The case involved allegations of improperly prescribing a drug with a Black Box Warning at over twice the FDA recommended dose....
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
