Insight

Georgia's Injury and Malpractice Leaders

In 2021, Adam Malone recovered more than $38 million in settlements for catastrophically injured clients, while continuing his leadership roles outside the courtroom to enhance the profession for injury lawyers.

Malone Law Remain Leaders in Personal Injury
JS

Justin Smulison

March 14, 2022 09:59 AM

One would be hard pressed to find another lawyer in Georgia—and perhaps even the United States—as dedicated to plaintiffs injury law as Adam Malone. His reputation for excellence in Georgia’s courtrooms is matched only by his service to the legal community in the area of injury law.

“Year after year there is a constant assault on the civil justice system by those who fear the accountability that juries impose on wrongdoers,” says Malone, who was named the 2016 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Atlanta. “I took an oath to uphold and defend the constitutions of the United States and the State of Georgia. My duty is to fight for each and every one of my clients, and for the preservation of the constitutional system that provides access to the justice my clients deserve. I do this by volunteering my time to professional organizations whose mission is consistent with my oath.”

Malone has become an expert in representing survivors of traumatic brain injury through decades of handling trucking, motor vehicle and medical negligence cases. An authority on the subject, he shares his legal knowledge with his peers in the American Association for Justice (AAJ)—the nation’s largest organization for lawyers representing the injured. After serving on its Executive Board for more than 10 years, Adam became the chair of AAJ’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group in 2021. AAJ’s Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group is the nation’s most distinguished group of lawyers specializing in traumatic brain injury litigation.

In addition to traumatic brain injury, Malone is one of only few lawyers in Georgia who have the expertise necessary to competently handle cases involving brain injuries to newborn babies. “The saddest and often most challenging cases I handle are the ones involving profoundly brain injured children caused by negligent and inattentive care during labor,” Malone says. “They are fiercely defended and very expensive, but they are among the most gratifying of all when our work produces the resources the child and the child’s family needs to maximize their quality of life. I’m proud to have developed a niche in this area of law.”

His impact outside the courtroom also extends throughout the entire state of Georgia as well. In April 2022, Malone will begin serving as President of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. He will also continue serving on the Foundation Board of the Shepherd Brain and Spinal Center—the nation’s largest and most distinguished rehabilitation hospital, and on the Georgia Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Task Force, which he joined after its formation in 2020.

More Than $38 Million in Settlements for Catastrophically Injured Victims in 2021

In 2021, despite challenges presented by the pandemic, Adam Malone and Malone Law still resolved eight cases and recovered more than $38 million on behalf of their clients who were catastrophically or fatally injured. Each of these medical negligence cases began prior to 2020:

  • Paralysis. A pain management physician misplaced a catheter into a patient’s spinal cord and then advanced the catheter up through eight levels inside the cord causing irreversible and permanent spinal cord damage. The patient was permanently paralyzed. He was a retired husband and grandfather.
  • Brain damage. A neurologist dismissed and ignored classic warning signs of a stroke as a conversion disorder without doing any tests in a young man. The man went on to suffer a preventable stroke and is now permanently brain damaged, unable to work or live independently.
  • Wrongful death. A cardiologist failed to inform a woman of abnormal cardiac testing. The woman suffered a fatal heart attack two weeks later. The test and the autopsy confirmed that heart attack was completely preventable had she received timely treatment with a simple procedure in a cath lab.
  • Wrongful death. A hospital admitted a middle-aged lady who presented with signs of a heart attack. Through a series of miscommunications, she fell through the cracks and sat in the hospital for over 32 hours without any treatment whatsoever. The autopsy showed her heart attack and death were easily preventable with timely treatment.
  • Amputation. A surgeon botched the revision of an iliac bypass graft resulting in numerous additional emergency surgeries and an above-knee amputation of a middle-aged lady’s right leg. The surgeon failed to show up for one of the surgeries even though he was on-call. Discovery revealed he left for a brief vacation.
  • Unnecessary surgery. A hospital allowed a cardiologist it knew had been reported for performing medically unnecessary cardiac procedures and billing for them, to remain on staff where he performed another unnecessary cardiac procedure causing the patient to have a fatal heart attack.
  • Negligence. A rural hospital using only temporary physicians failed to follow-up on a patient’s chest x-ray and after the patient’s condition worsened, botched an elective intubation. The patient was deprived of adequate oxygen for over 19 minutes. She was a 28-year-old travel nurse and is now profoundly brain damaged living in the front room of her parents’ home requiring 24/7 care.
  • Misplaced catheter. A teaching hospital allowed a resident physician to place a central venous catheter under the supervision of an attending physician who did not have privileges to perform this procedure. Central venous catheters should only be placed in veins. They placed the veinous catheter in the patient’s carotid artery and caused the patient to have multiple strokes and brain damage from which he never recovered.

“It was gratifying to resolve these cases on behalf of these people and their families, who waited longer than expected for the justice they deserved,” Malone says. “This is our calling, and we strive mightily to be worthy of it.”

Justin Smulison is a professional writer who regularly contributes to Best Lawyers. He was previously a reporter for the New York Law Journal and also led content and production for the Custom Projects Group at ALM Media. In addition to his various credited and uncredited writing projects, he has developed global audiences hosting and producing podcasts and audio interviews for professional organizations and music sites. JustinSmulison.contently.com

Related Articles

Georgia's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our 2022 Georgia's Best Lawyers publication features top-ranked legal talent in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Greater Atlanta, Macon and Savannah.

Georgia's Best Lawyers 2022

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

IN PARTNERSHIP

Salvi & Maher, LLP: Illinois and Wisconsin's Personal Injury Firm


by Justin Smulison

For more than 35 years, Salvi & Maher LLP has defended their clients throughout Illinois and Wisconsin in various areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and trucking litigation.

Skyline of Chicago with green river and blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Emroch & Kilduff: Virginia's Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Attorneys


by Emroch & Kilduff

For over 40 years, the award-winning Virginia-based firm Emroch & Kilduff has worked to represent their personal injury clients in both state and federal courts.

Skyline with water and bridge on blue background

Aim High and Fly


by Khalil Abdullah

From a silent victim of hometown segregation to Air Force captain and lawyer of consummate skill, Karen Evans exemplifies leadership—and vows always to help those who seek to follow her path.

Karen Evans' Leadership in the Airforce

New England's Best Lawyers 2022


by Best Lawyers

Our New England's Best Lawyers 2022 publication features top-ranked legal talent in New England.

New England's Best Lawyers 2022

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers: The Injury & Malpractice Issue


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent from The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America and “Lawyer of the Year” recipients for personal injury and medical malpractice as well as thought leadership from some of the nation’s top lawyers.

Best Lawyers Injury & Malpractice Publication

Georgia Laws Taking Effect in 2022


by Gregory Sirico

Three new pieces of Georgia legislation aim to improve medical bill transparency, lower the sales tax on vehicles and enact further safeguards to protect children in foster care.

New Georgia Laws Enacted in 2022

Catastrophic Personal Injury


by Best Lawyers

Trial legend Frank Branson finds success mixing technology and new skills with vast courtroom experience.

Catastrophic Personal Injury

Big Wins From Coast to Coast


by Justin Smulison

Founder Michael S. Burg discusses how Burg Simpson’s lawyers secured major verdicts in some of the nation’s most unique cases in 2019.

Michael S. Burg Best Lawyers 2020

The Malone Legacy


by Alicia Lu

Adam Malone continues the legacy of improving lives he and his late father, Tommy Malone, achieved together.

Adam Malone Best Lawyers 2020

No Challenge Too Big


by Justin Smulison

Following its most successful year to date, Easton & Easton continues its streak of notable victories for California’s injured.

No Challenge Too Big

Defining Leadership


by Sean Stonefield

At Boston plaintiffs’ firm Jones Kelleher, attorneys Pat Jones, Tim Kelleher, and Rob DeLello have worked together for almost 25 years and now bring 90 years of cumulative experience to their practice.

Jones Kelleher: A Tradition of Excellence

In the News: Georgia


by Nicole Ortiz

A summary of newsworthy content from Colorado lawyers and law firms.

In the News Georgia 2018

One of NY’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers on 2 Surprising Trends Transforming the Industry


by Gregory Sirico

Lawyer Jeff Korek talks emerging personal injury law trends in IVF litigation and trial scarcity.

Doctor consoles couple in medical office

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot