Justin M. Gottwald
Shareholder
jgottwald@dmclaw.com |
Direct: 412-392-5636
Two PPG Place
Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-5402
Main: 412-281-7272
Fax: 888-811-7144
Justin M. Gottwald is a shareholder of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. Mr. Gottwald is a member of the firm’s Medical Malpractice Defense Group, Health Law Business Group, Product Liability Group, and Commercial Law and Litigation Group. He regularly lectures on topics in health care law and medical malpractice defense including presentations for various medical societies and health care systems. Mr. Gottwald concentrates his practice in litigation of cases through trial. His focus is in the areas of health care law, with a particular emphasis in medical malpractice defense, and in the representation of colleges and universities and their affiliated professionals. He has acted as lead trial counsel in numerous matters tried to successful defense verdicts.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Gottwald regularly counsels hospital administrators and physicians regarding issues of regulatory compliance and policies and procedures. He has represented an array of hospital and health care providers, ranging from some of the nation’s largest health care institutions to community hospitals, assisting his clients with a variety of legal issues in multiple jurisdictions.
Professional Accomplishments
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® – Rising Stars 2012–2017
Bar Admissions
- Pennsylvania
Education
- The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University, J.D. (2004)
- Drexel University, B.S. (2001)
Related Links
Representative Matters
- Lead trial counsel for a Pittsburgh academic hospital involving allegations that the physicians and staff negligently treated a bowel obstruction; after six days of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict
- Lead trial counsel for a radiologist who was alleged to have missed the diagnosis of a protruding screw inserted during a hip surgery, resulting in long term complications and revision surgeries; after five days of trial, the jury returned a defense verdict
- Lead trial counsel in numerous actions involving allegations of negligent labor and delivery care and its attendant injuries including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and shoulder dystocia
- Lead trial counsel for a group of anesthesiologists who were alleged to have negligently caused a stomach perforation during a plastic surgery procedure resulting in several surgeries and long term complications; case resulted in a defense verdict after five days of trial
- Successful defense verdict as lead trial counsel for an OB/GYN who was alleged to have negligently performed a hysterectomy resulting in a bowel injury and long term complications
- Served as lead trial counsel on behalf of a nationally-recognized university in a breach of contract and intentional interference with contract case action involving a claim for punitive damages; after seven days of trial, a defense verdict was entered on behalf of the university as to all claims
- Lead trial counsel for a nationally-recognized cosmetic surgeon resulting in a defense verdict
- Defended personal injury claims as lead trial counsel against a nationally-recognized children’s hospital in Pennsylvania state court resulting in a defense verdict
- Defense of physicians and other health care providers through trial in several Pennsylvania state court cases defending claims of personal injury and wrongful death
- Representation of a local hospital system in an indemnity and contribution action in Pennsylvania federal court; the case successfully concluded for the client on motion for summary judgment
- College and university representation in defense of personal injury, breach of contract, and civil rights litigation
- Health care product manufacturer representation in several federal and state court actions
Speaking Engagements
- “Medical Malpractice Litigation” (Speaker); Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; June 2022
- “Depositions and Discovery Practices in Allegheny County” (Speaker); American Inns of Court – Hay-Sell Pittsburgh Chapter CLE; 3/24/2022
- “Medical Malpractice Litigation” (Speaker); Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; June 2021
Admissions and Licenses
- Pennsylvania Bar Admission
- United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Memberships
- Allegheny County Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
Community
- American Heart Association Heart Ball – Pittsburgh (Executive Leadership Team 2022–2023; Heart Ball Chair 2023 and 2024)
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Annual Golf Classic (Co-Chair 2020 and 2016–2017; Chair 2018)
- Children’s Hospital Foundation Golf Classic (Committee Member 2022)
Education
- The Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University, J.D. (2004)
- Drexel University, B.S. (2001), History and Politics; 4-year varsity letter winner on wrestling team; in 2000, one of eight scholar-athletes recognized by the NCAA for overcoming adversity through academic and athletic achievement