Laura DeMartini

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Laura DeMartini: Attorney with Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Laura DeMartini is of counsel in our Atlanta office, where she regularly represents providers including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and sub-acute facilities in all phases of litigation related to both general and professional liability claims. She also maintains a regulatory practice, advising providers on regulatory compliance, assisting with internal investigations, self-reporting requirements, risk management, policy development, and legislative interpretation.

Throughout her experience, she has defended numerous medical professionals in medical malpractice cases and in front of their respective licensing boards. She also represents health care providers in Medicare, Medicaid, quality improvement organization, and private health insurance company audits and administrative actions.

Laura’s practice further extends to representing healthcare entities, staffing firms, and mental health facilities in cases of negligent hiring, retention, and credentialing, along with claims of professional negligence, HIPAA violations, and intentional torts. Her legal expertise spans a wide range of industries and cases, including affirmative equitable relief, bankruptcy, catastrophic injury, commercial and construction litigation, contract disputes, insurance coverage, legal and professional malpractice, premises and product liability, real estate disputes, trucking litigation, and wrongful death claims. In addition, Laura regularly represents insurance companies in matters involving bad faith and coverage disputes.

With a national practice, Laura has handled cases across the country and successfully tried jury cases in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, and South Carolina. She holds bar licenses in Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, and has been admitted pro hac vice in various other courts.

A native of Atlanta, Laura earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia, cum laude, where she was on the editorial board and was an articles editor of the Journal of Intellectual Property Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia.

Recognition

•Top Lawyers , Medical Malpractice Law, GaBiz Magazine, 2026
•The Best Lawyers in America , Best Lawyers, 2026
•Awarded in: Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
•Georgia Super Lawyers, Medical Malpractice Defense, Super Lawyers, 2023 - 2024
•Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell & ALM, 2022
•Top Rated Litigator, Martindale-Hubbell & ALM, 2021 - 2022
•Elite Lawyer of the South, Martindale-Hubbell & ALM, 2021 - 2022

•Woman Leader in the Law, ALM, 2020 - 2022
•Georgia Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2012 - 2020
•America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators, 2019
•America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, 2018
•DRI’s Albert H. Parnell Outstanding Program Chair Award, 2017
•AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Presentations

•Administrative Defense Matters, Peer Review, Hospital Privileges and Board Issues
National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly; August 2022
•Sorry, We’ve Been Sued
National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly; August 2022
•Risk Management in 2022 - Real Medical Malpractice Cases, Real Clients and Real Concerns
GPMA; March 2022
•Theater of the Courtroom: The Art of Storytelling
DRI Annual Meeting; October 2021

•Theater of the Courtroom: Overcoming Obstacles at Trial in a Pandemic
DRI Annual Meeting; October 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
The Midwest - IPMA; September 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
SW - TPMA; September 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
APMA - The National; July 2021
•Deposition Maneuvers of Today’s Plaintiff’s Bar: How to Arm Yourself and Your Client for the 30(b)(6) Battle and Beyond
DRI, Medical Liability & Health Care Law Seminar; July 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
Midwest - IPMA; June 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
The Western - CPMA; June 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
OFAAS; June 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
ACFAS; May 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
Goldfarb Region III; May 2021
•Risk Management in 2021: Real Cases, Real Clients and Real Concerns
GPMA; February 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
NY Clinical - NYSPMA; January 2021
•Trending Now: Complex Claims Physicians & Surgeons Face Today
FPMA; January 2021
•Risk Reduction Strategies in 2020 and Beyond
GPMA; Educational Foundation Virtual Conference; October 2020
•How to Reduce the Risk of a Lawsuit in 2020 and Beyond
National Medical Association; Virtual Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly; August 2020
•How to Reduce the Risk of a Lawsuit in 2020 and Beyond
PICA; Educational Webinar CME; July 2020
•Working From Home, Homeschooling, and the Issues Both Present
DRI for Life Podcast; May 2020
•How to Diversify Your Committee
DRI Leadership Conference; January 2020
•30(b)(6) Depositions & Corporate Implications in Litigation
CHG Healthcare Services, Inc.; November 2019
•Watch Your Back for Reptiles - How to Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative
Chiropractic and Beyond; Continuing Education Program; September 2019
•Do Not Let Your 30(b)(6) Deponent Get Snaked - Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative
American Property Casualty Insurance Association; National General Counsel Conference; September 2019
•Risk Management, Locums, Litigation & Emotions
Weatherby Healthcare; May 2019
•Physician Risk - Concerning Trends and How to Avoid Them
APMA; May 2019
•Newbie Mistakes - Avoiding Risk in the First Ten Years of Physician Practice
GPMA; February 2019
•Physician Risk - Concerning Trends and How to Avoid Them
GPMA; February 2019
•Effective Witness Preparation & Emerging Trends with Opioid Litigation
MagMutual Insurance Company; Claims Professional Continuing Education; January 2019
•Understanding Malpractice Risks and the Claims Process for Chiropractors
OUM Webinar; January 2019
•Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck PART II
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; December 2018
•Legal and Risk Management Update
Conference on Foot & Ankle Surgery; November 2018
•How to Better Understand Your Client’s Business and Make Your Claims Professional’s Life Easier
DRI Annual Meeting; Medical Liability & Health Care Law Committee CLE; October 2018
•Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck PART II
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; October 2018
•Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk of a Lawsuit
OPMA Region 7 Fall 2018 Meeting; September 2018
•Depositions: Medical Reptile Deposition Tactics and How to Prepare for Apex, 30(b)(6), Expert and Client Depositions, Including Physicians, Nurses, Administrators and Other Health Care Employees
DRI; Striking Back Against the Reptile in Medical Malpractice and Long-Term Care Cases Seminar; June 2018
•Top Practice Improvements to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Risks
APMA; 2018 Beachside Scientific Seminar; May 2018
•Top Practice Improvements to Improve Patient Care and Reduce Risks
GPMA; 21st Annual Georgia Summit Program; February 2018
•Why Patients Sue
Heartland Foot & Ankle Conference; October 2016
•Dealing with Audits and Compliance with Medicare, HIPAA and Healthcare Insurance
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; September 2016
•Wound Care: Have a Seat at the High Stakes Table
Conference on Wound Care; May 2016
•Why Patients Sue
Georgia Podiatric Medical Association Meeting; February 2016
•Chiropractic Board Matters: Compliance with Board Rules and What to Do if You Receive a Board Subpoena or Complaint
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; September 2015
•Do You Want to be Dr. Smith or Dr. Jones? Demonstrating and Documenting Careful, Competent and Caring Treatment
North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society 2015 Winter Scientific Seminar; January 2015
•Adjusting Your Behavior to Avoid the Pain of a Lawsuit
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; December 2014
•Don’t Let a Lawsuit Trip You Up
Georgia Podiatric Medical Association Meeting; October 2014
•Adjusting Your Behavior to Avoid the Pain of a Lawsuit
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; September 2014
•Top 10 Reasons for Lawsuits Against Podiatrists
Alabama Podiatric Medical Association Scientific Seminar; May 2013
•Lawsuits Are A Pain In The Neck
Chiropractic and Beyond Continuing Education Program; 2013
•Collaborative Care: The Use of Consultants
The Podiatry Institute; 2010

Publications

•Bibb County Jury Returns $40M Verdict Against Hospitals After Deaf Woman’s Death
Law.com; June 28, 2023
•Drunk, Sleeping Jurors During Virtual Malpractice Trials
Medscape; March 24, 2022
•Slash Back and Speak the Defense Narrative: Do Not Let Your 30(b)(6) Deponent Get Snaked
DRI; For the Defense; May 2019
•How Reptile Theory is Used in Rule 30(b)(6) Depositions in Medical Malpractice / LTC / ALF Litigation
DRI; The Voice of the Defense Bar; December 21, 2018

•What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Always Have to Stay There: DRI Medical Liability and Health Care Law Seminar focuses on emerging issues in medical liability litigation
DRI; For the Defense; May 2017
•Fort Oglethorpe Loses Lawsuit Over Cricket Pitch, Ordered to Pay Nearly $90,000
Walker County Messenger; September 10, 2014
•From the Publications Chair: You Get What You Give
DRI; For the Defense; August 2013
•GA Court Strikes Noneconomic Caps; Two Other Tort Reform Provisions Survive
DRI; The Voice of the Defense Bar; December 13, 2010
•Default by Purchaser and Judicial Process After Termination
National Business Institute; Continuing Legal Education; 2003

In the Press

27 HBS Partners Recognized as 2026 Top Lawyers by GaBiz Magazine

January 29, 2026

Hall Booth Smith is pleased to announce that 27 of the firm’s partners have been recognized as 2026 “Top Lawyers” by GaBiz Magazine in its Winter issue.

See more ›

Areas of Practice (6)

  • Aging Services
  • Correctional Health Care
  • Dental
  • Entertainment
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Professional Malpractice & Ethics

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of Georgia, B.A., magna cum laude, Political Science, 2002; Double Minor in Philosophy and Speech Communication
Law School Attended:
University of Georgia, J.D., cum laude, 2005
Year of First Admission:
2005
Admission:
2005, Georgia; Court of Appeals, Supreme Court; 2006, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia; 2009, Alabama; 2009, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit; 2011, Missouri; 2018, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
Memberships:

Memberships

•DRI
•Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee, 2010-Present
•Committee Chair, 2021-2023
•Committee Vice Chair, 2019-2021
•Seminar Chair 2016-2017
•DRI For Life Committee, 2015-2022
•Annual Meeting Steering Committee, 2018-2019
•Young Lawyers Committee, 2008-2015
•Complex Medicine Seminar Steering Committee, 2013-2014
•Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
•Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
•International Association of Defense Counsel
•Lekotek of Georgia, Board of Directors, 2017-2020

Reported Cases:
Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Selma, Alabama in 2012. The plaintiff alleged the defendant surgeon severed the medial and lateral branches of the posterior tibial nerve as well as the dorsal medial and lateral cutaneous and plantar medial and lateral cutaneous nerves during surgery. The plaintiff additionally alleged that the defendant surgeon altered his records to create fictitious office visits and that the defendant surgeon wantonly refused to see the plaintiff after surgery. The plaintiff prayed for four million dollars in damages, including two million dollars in punitive damages. Despite these allegations, supported by the plaintiff's subsequent treating doctor, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice.

Obtained affirmative equitable relief in the form of deconstruction of a cricket pitch and a permanent injunction against the City of Fort Oglethorpe following a jury trial in Ringgold, Georgia in 2012. The jury awarded attorneys' fees in the amount of $80,000.00.

Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2010. The plaintiff suffered an extremity amputation following the defendant's surgery to the extremity. Despite allegations, supported by the plaintiff's subsequent treating doctors, that the surgeon caused not only the amputation but also CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and phantom and chronic pain, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice.

Obtained a defense verdict for a surgeon and his practice in a medical malpractice case in Charleston, South Carolina in 2009. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant surgeon negligently performed tarsal tunnel release surgery by cutting a nerve and causing CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) in the plaintiff's foot. The plaintiff's subsequent treating surgeon testified in the plaintiff's favor and opined that the defendant cut plaintiff's lateral plantar nerve. Despite these allegations, the jury returned a defense verdict for the surgeon and his practice in under 10 minutes.

Successfully moved to dismiss an accusation filed by the California Board of Optometry against an optometrist in 2011.

Successfully set aside, through judicial review, disciplinary sanctions issued by the Nevada Board of Optometry against an optometrist in 2010.

Successfully moved to dismiss charges filed by the Iowa Board of Podiatry against a podiatrist in 2009.

Successfully defeated a summary judgment motion brought by a real estate lienholder against a mortgage company. Further defended the ruling in the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court. The case is reported at Deljoo v. SunTrust Mortg., Inc., 295 Ga. App. 187, 671 S.E.2d 234 (2008) and is cited in secondary sources at Fletcher Cyclopedia Law of Private Corporations § 2467, Necessity and use of seal--Deeds, mortgages, leases and contracts respecting real property (2010) HN: 1,2 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Finance and Foreclosure Law § 3:1, The nature of collateral (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Sales Contracts § 12:11, Mortgages and security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Real Estate Title Exam and Closings § 2-35, Security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Georgia Admissibility of Evidence in Civil Cases C33, Corporations (2010) HN: 1,2 (S.E.2d); Pindar's Ga. Real Estate Law & Proc. with Forms § 21-16, Execution of security deeds (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Pindar's Ga. Real Estate Law & Proc. with Forms § 21-18, Recording (2010) HN: 1 (S.E.2d); Ga. Jur. Corporations, etc. § 5:24, Statutory apparent authority; effect of attestation (2010).

Successfully defended a roofing company against claims of negligent construction made by an Atlanta, Georgia nightclub. The case was resolved in 2009 with no payment by the defense and full payment by the nightclub of amounts owed to the roofing company.

Obtained a bench trial verdict in favor of a shipping company for amounts owed in 2008.

ISLN:
918270229

Peer Reviews

4.5/5.0 (11 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.5/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.5/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.5/5.0

  • Communication

    4.5/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.5/5.0
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

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