Mr. Gary M. Samms

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Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating
  • Champion Badge Reviewed
About Attorney Awards

Biography

Gary is a highly skilled trial attorney who has successfully handled more than 200 major jury trials throughout his career. With a primary focus on the health care industry, he represents doctors, nurses, health care practitioners, hospitals, and facilities of all types when facing catastrophic outcomes and medical malpractice lawsuits. Gary divides his time between our King of Prussia and Philadelphia offices.

Gary is also experienced in complex civil litigation matters encompassing all areas of professional liability, sexual assault, property litigation and intellectual property. Representing clients in the federal and state courts, he has successfully argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and he has handled scores of bench trials, arbitrations and mediations. He serves as a Judge Pro Tem for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and is a trained mediator.

Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Gary chaired the Professional Liability and Catastrophic Loss practice groups at a well-known Philadelphia-based law firm. Gary was named one of Pennsylvania's Top 100 Lawyers and one of Philadelphia's Top 100 Lawyers five times, and has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2006 by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers . He is also recognized in the 2025 and 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America for professional malpractice law - defendants.

Outside of the courtroom, Gary is a distinguished speaker and lecturer on litigation topics including trial tactics, expert selection and cross-examination. He has also been featured on Fox Business News' 'Xpert Forum' program.

Honors & awards

AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

The Best Lawyers in America, Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
2024-2026

The Legal Intelligencer - Professional Excellence Award - “Distinguished Leader”
2020

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2006-2025; Top 100 in Pennsylvania, 2009-2011, 2013-2014; Top 100 in Philadelphia, 2009-2011, 2013-2014

Suburban Life Magazine - Top Attorneys
2013-2022

Year joined

2024

Results

Defense Verdict Won on Behalf of a Major Philadelphia Hospital

Health Care Liability
October 28, 2025

After an 11-day, hard-fought trial, we prevailed and obtained a defense verdict on behalf of four physicians and a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. The medical malpractice action involved the labor and delivery of a baby later alleged to have a hypoxic birth injury that caused developmental delays and permanent brain damage, among other issues. The plaintiffs’ experts boarded $21 million in future medical costs to take care of the child, and the demand in the pretrial was commensurate with those numbers.

Unanimous Defense Verdict Secured in Philadelphia

Health Care Liability
October 10, 2025

We secured a unanimous defense verdict in Philadelphia on behalf of a prominent orthopedic surgeon. The plaintiff alleged that the physician inappropriately touched her during a preoperative examination for bilateral hip surgery. Through meticulous cross-examination and persuasive argument, the defense team achieved a complete victory.

Secured a Unanimous Defense Verdict on Behalf of an orthopedic surgeon

Health Care Liability
October 9, 2025

We secured a unanimous defense verdict in Philadelphia on behalf of a prominent orthopedic surgeon accused of inappropriate touching of a patient. The plaintiff alleged that the physician inappropriately touched her during a preoperative examination for bilateral hip surgery. Through meticulous cross-examination and persuasive argument, the defense team achieved a complete victory.

Dismissal Obtained After Cross-Examination of Plaintiff’s Witnesses

Health Care Liability
October 3, 2025

We obtained a dismissal in the middle of trial after cross-examining the plaintiff’s witnesses. This case involved a former NFL player and opera singer who contended they had permanent injuries after knee surgery and the failure to diagnose a pseudoaneurysm. Plaintiffs’ counsel agreed to dismiss our client prior to the end of their case, to prevent him from participating in the trial further, and decided to limit their recovery to the other defendants due to our successful cross-examination.

Effective Cross-Examination Leads to Defendant's Dismissal Mid-Trial

Health Care Liability
September 30, 2025

We represented an orthopedic practice in a case involving a former NFL player and opera singer who alleged permanent injuries after knee surgery and the failure to diagnose a pseudoaneurysm. Our highly-effective cross-examination of the plaintiff's witnesses resulted in our client's dismissal before the close of the trial, with the plaintiff choosing to limit their recovery to the remaining defendants.

Thought Leadership

Marshall Dennehey Trial Lawyers and Appellate Chair Talk Nuclear Verdicts in A.M. Best’s Insurance Law Podcast

Catastrophic Claims Litigation
Health Care Liability
Appellate Advocacy & Post-Trial Practice
November 7, 2025
Three attorneys from Marshall Dennehey- John “Jack” Delany, III, Chair of Marshall Dennehey’s Catastrophic Claims Litigation Practice Group, veteran medical malpractice shareho

Combatting Nuclear Verdicts in Plaintiff-Friendly Jurisdictions

Philadelphia - Headquarters
Catastrophic Claims Litigation
Health Care Liability
October 30, 2025

Marshall Dennehey Announces 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 22, 2025
Thirty-three attorneys across Marshall Dennehey's five Pennsylvania offices have been selected to the 2025 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers magazine.

Marshall Dennehey Earns Four Finalist Honors in 2025 Pennsylvania Legal Awards

Appellate Advocacy & Post-Trial Practice
Product Liability
Health Care Liability
Miscellaneous Professional Liability
April 17, 2025
Marshall Dennehey has been named a finalist in four categories as part of The Legal Intelligencer and Law.com 2025 Pennsylvania Legal Awards. The categories include:

Prominent Trial Attorney Gary Samms Brings Health Care Litigation Group to Marshall Dennehey

Health Care Liability
September 18, 2024
Gary Samms, one of the Philadelphia region’s premier medical malpractice trial attorneys, has moved to Marshall Dennehey, bringing with him members of his litigation group from Ober

Classes/Seminars Taught

Combatting Nuclear Verdicts in Plaintiff-Friendly Jurisdictions, A.M. Best Insurance Law Podcast, October 30, 2025

Media Commentary

'Who's Your Doctor? Advice From Advocates on Researching Before Getting a Procedure,' KIRO-7 (Seattle-based TV station affiliated with CBS and Telemundo), November 6, 2025. Gary provided the defense perspective in a segment about researching a doctor's disciplinary history.

'KIRO-7 Investigates Lag Time Between Complaints Against Doctors and Discipline Catching Up,' KIRO-7 (Seattle-based TV station affiliated with CBS and Telemundo), November 6, 2025. Gary provided the defense perspective in a segment about the lag time between complaints against doctors and the time it takes to investigate before any discipline is enforced.

Phila. Anesthesiologist Wins Defense Verdict in Multimillion-Dollar Case Over C-Section Complications, The Legal Intelligencer

The Defense Bar Is Feeling the Strain: Busy Med Mal Trial Schedules Might Be Phila.'s 'New Normal', The Legal Intelligencer

Philadelphia Jury Returns Defense Verdict in $12M Infant Death Case, The Legal Intelligencer

Philadelphia on Track for Record Year of High-Dollar Verdicts, The Legal Intelligencer

In Rarely Used Argument, Temple Says $25.9M Verdict Would Hurt the Community, The Legal Intelligencer

Fed. Judge Allows Lawsuit Alleging 'Skill' Games Are Illegal Gambling to Proceed-For Now, The Legal Intelligencer

An Older Pa. Woman Was Placed Under Guardianship. Her Family Says the System Betrayed Her, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Suburban Med Mal Findings Plummet as Plaintiffs Flock to Philadelphia, The Legal Intelligencer

Casinos Fight for Gaming Turf as Vegas-Style Machines Show Up in Local Bars, Convenience Stores, The Wall Street Journal

UPMC 'Provision' Could Ward Off Effects of Looming Med Mal Venue Rule Change-If It Can Survive in Court, The Legal Intelligencer

See more ›

Areas of Practice (4)

  • Health Care Liability
  • Miscellaneous Professional Liability
  • Catastrophic Claims Litigation
  • Appellate Advocacy & Post-Trial Practice

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of Arkansas School of Law; West Chester University
Year of First Admission:
1990
Admission:
1990, Pennsylvania; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Supreme Court
Memberships:

American Bar Association; American Inns of Court; Defense Research Institute; Pennsylvania Bar Association; Philadelphia Bar Association.

Birth Information:
May 6, 1962
Reported Cases:
Significant Representative Matters: Obtained a Non-Suit in a wrongful death case in Delaware County. The Court found upon Motion that there was no link to causation after extensive, nuanced argument. (2025); After an 11-day trial, obtained a defense verdict on behalf of four physicians and a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. The medical malpractice action involved the labor and delivery of a baby later alleged to have a hypoxic birth injury that caused developmental delays and permanent brain damage, among other issues. The plaintiffs' experts boarded $21 million in future medical costs to take care of the child and the demand in the pretrial was commensurate with those numbers. (2025); Secured a unanimous defense verdict in Philadelphia on behalf of a prominent orthopedic surgeon accused of inappropriate touching of a patient. The plaintiff alleged that the physician inappropriately touched her during a preoperative examination for bilateral hip surgery. Through meticulous cross-examination and persuasive argument, the defense team achieved a complete victory. (2025); Obtained a dismissal in the middle of trial after cross-examining the plaintiff's witnesses in a case involving a former NFL player and opera singer who contended they had permanent injuries after knee surgery and the failure to diagnose a pseudoaneurysm. Plaintiff's counsel agreed to dismiss Gary and his client prior to the end of their case to prevent him from participating in the trial further, and decided to limit their recovery to the other defendants due to the successful cross-examination. (2025); Secured a medical malpractice defense verdict in a complex urosepsis case where the damages included allegations of neurological sequelae and cognitive deficits. The trial was marked by aggressive cross-examination of expert witnesses and a deep dive into comprehensive neurological records and literature. (2025); Received a defense verdict on behalf of an anesthesiologist after a six-day trial in Philadelphia. The plaintiffs had contended the anesthesiologist failed to deal with internal bleeding, blood pressure issues and failed to communicate with the surgeon during a Cesarean section and in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), leading to the plaintiff almost bleeding out and causing the loss of her uterus during an emergency hysterectomy. The jury was receptive to the defense arguments that, in fact, the doctor not only complied with the standard of care, but exceeded it. (2024); Achieved a unanimous defense verdict in a wrongful death case. The lawsuit included allegations of failure to workup and diagnose lung cancer. The 9-day trial revolved around the care provided by the primary care and orthopedic physicians. The plaintiffs claimed the patient's symptoms were related to a Pancoast tumor that was undiagnosed, resulting in his death. Gary was able to establish with the jury the superiority of the defense experts by comparison, and explain there can be concurrent diseases and there was an objective reason for each and every one of the patient's symptoms. (2024); Secured a unanimous defense verdict on behalf of a cardiologist cardiologist who was accused of causing the death of a patient. The plaintiff contended the cardiologist should have immediately sent his patient to the hospital for an emergent cardiac catheterization due to unstable angina. Gary persuaded and convinced the jury that the patient indeed had stable angina and did not need urgent care, even though the patient died four days after the visit. (2024); Secured a defense verdict on behalf of a gynecological surgeon facing accusations of damaging a woman's ureters and urinary tract during a laparoscopic hysterectomy. The plaintiff claimed that the doctor's alleged inexperience and negligence led to a transection of the ureter. Following the verdict, the jury emphasized that Gary's cross-examination of the plaintiff's experts played a pivotal role in the verdict. (2024); Obtained a total dismissal of a hospital client after six days of trial. The matter involved allegations against the hospital for direct negligence and agency after a radical cystectomy, sepsis, perforation of the bowel and death. (2024); Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a urologist in a case involving testicular torsion. After a six-day trial the jury found the doctor was not liable for any injury sustained by the plaintiff. The key issue in the case revolved around presentation in the emergency room and the interpretation of an ultrasound as well as the presenting symptoms and complaints of the plaintiff. (2024); Secured a unanimous defense verdict after a six-day trial on behalf of a primary care physician accused of failing to timely diagnose cancer. The unanimous verdict was reached after a thorough and aggressive cross-examination of experts. Gary persuaded the jury that the doctor's actions were appropriate and that no CT screening was required for this patient despite their extensive smoking history. (2024); After an 8-day trial regarding the death of a patient, Gary obtained a unanimous defense verdict on behalf of an interventional cardiologist. The plaintiff alleged the doctor was negligent in his interpretation of an echocardiogram and in the performance of a ventriculogram during a cardiac catheterization. Gary succeeded in presenting expert testimony from four different specialties to persuade the jury his client acted appropriately at all times. Aggressive cross-examination of plaintiffs' experts contributed greatly to the victory. (2023); Secured a defense verdict after a nine-day trial where the jury found no liability for a primary care physician who was accused of making improper referrals to a weight loss physician and failing to work up a 36-year-old obese woman for cardiac issues. The decedent left behind a 4-year-old son and quadriplegic husband making the case extremely sympathetic. (2023); Secured a unanimous defense verdict in Chester County on behalf of a podiatric surgeon after a six-day trial. Plaintiffs alleged the doctor failed to meet the standard of care by not closely observing a patient in follow-up post-surgery on a severe Charcot foot, allowing an infection that led to a below-the-knee amputation. The trial involved seven experts and complicated medicine regarding various infectious pathogens. (2023); Secured a defense verdict for two anesthesiologists accused of malpractice. The plaintiffs had claimed the anesthesiologists failed to properly hydrate the patient during the procedure as well as adequately and appropriately monitor the blood pressure and heart rate. They were also criticized for extubating prior to the patient meeting the necessary criteria. The plaintiffs alleged the deficiencies resulted in poor perfusion to the bowel which led to necrosis and resection leaving the patient with short gut syndrome and cognitive deficits. The jury commented on the effective cross-examination and the quality of the defendants' experts as being important in their analysis. Raymond Petruccelli was instrumental in the defense of this case. (2023); Obtained a defense verdict for a lab director, hospital and health care system. Gary was asked to "parachute" in two weeks before trial and represent these health care providers. The complex case involved a lab mix-up that caused plaintiffs to have unnecessary surgery in the form of a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The surgery caused complications of stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The plaintiff made an eight-figure demand and the trial lasted eight days. (2023)
ISLN:
904068168

Peer Reviews

4.4/5.0 (1 review)
Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished Rating Badge

  • Legal Knowledge

    4.4/5.0

  • Analytical Capability

    4.4/5.0

  • Judgment

    4.4/5.0

  • Communication

    4.4/5.0

  • Legal Experience

    4.4/5.0
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Other Legal Directories

Lawyers Client Review
1.0/5.0 (1 review)
Client Champion

One of the rudest, most self centered, egotistical attorneys you would ever have the displeasure to meet. Believes he is better than everyone he interacted with. Don't waste your time with someone as...

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marshalldennehey.com/attorneys/gary-m-samms

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