About Mr. Gary M. Samms

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

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.

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.

Defense Verdict Obtained After a Six-Day Jury Trial

Health Care Liability
September 2, 2025

We obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a hospital and two Emergency Department physicians after a six-day jury trial in a complex and extremely emotional case involving the death of 7-year-old child. Allegations of negligence surrounded the failure to admit and perform a urine drug screen on an 18-year-old who presented high on synthetic marijuana or K2. We argued that the doctors appropriately performed numerous exams, tested and monitored the patient until he achieved clinical sobriety.

Defense Verdict on Behalf of Hospital and Emergency Department Doctors

Health Care Liability
Catastrophic Claims Litigation
Cannabis Law
August 29, 2025

We obtained a defense verdict on behalf of one of the Philadelphia region’s largest hospitals and two of its Emergency Department physicians after a six-day jury trial in a complex and extremely emotional case involving the death of 7-year-old child. Allegations of negligence surrounded the failure to admit and perform a urine drug screen on an 18-year-old who presented high on synthetic marijuana or K2. We argued that the doctors appropriately performed numerous exams, tested and monitored the patient until he achieved clinical sobriety.

Successfully Dismantled a Complex Claim Against a Major Health Care Corporation

Health Care Liability
Appellate Advocacy & Post-Trial Practice
June 25, 2025

We succeeded in partially dismantling a complex claim against a major health care client. The family of a former in-patient resident who died as a result of complications from the COVID-19 virus filed suit, raising claims that the patient was sexually assaulted while in the care of the hospital and a subsidiary ambulance company. Asked to join the defense team shortly before trial, we effectively discredited the plaintiff’s witnesses throughout the plaintiff’s case-in-chief.

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

"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

 

Awards

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Professional Liability
Posted by anonymous
December 07, 2024
Hired Attorney Mr. Gary M. Samms

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 rude as this, they can't help you.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Other 3
    • Health Care Liability
    • Miscellaneous Professional Liability
    • Catastrophic Claims Litigation

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Shareholder
    Firm Name
    Marshall Dennehey
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    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
    a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. The medical malpractice action involved the labor
    delivery of a baby later alleged to have a hypoxic birth injury that caused developmental delays
    permanent brain damage, among other issues. The plaintiffs' experts boarded $21 million in future medical costs to take care of the child
    the dem
    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
    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
    opera singer who contended they had permanent injuries after knee surgery
    the failure to diagnose a pseudoaneurysm. Plaintiff's counsel agreed to dismiss Gary
    his client prior to the end of their case to prevent him from participating in the trial further,
    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
    cognitive deficits. The trial was marked by aggressive cross-examination of expert witnesses
    a deep dive into comprehensive neurological records
    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
    failed to communicate with the surgeon during a Cesarean section
    in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), leading to the plaintiff almost bleeding out
    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 st
    ard of care, but exceeded it. (2024)
    Achieved a unanimous defense verdict in a wrongful death case. The lawsuit included allegations of failure to workup
    diagnose lung cancer. The 9-day trial revolved around the care provided by the primary care
    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,
    explain there can be concurrent diseases
    there was an objective reason for each
    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
    convinced the jury that the patient indeed had stable angina
    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
    urinary tract during a laparoscopic hysterectomy. The plaintiff claimed that the doctor's alleged inexperience
    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
    agency after a radical cystectomy, sepsis, perforation of the bowel
    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
    the interpretation of an ultrasound as well as the presenting symptoms
    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
    aggressive cross-examination of experts. Gary persuaded the jury that the doctor's actions were appropriate
    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
    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
    failing to work up a 36-year-old obese woman for cardiac issues. The decedent left behind a 4-year-old son
    quadriplegic husb
    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 st
    ard 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
    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
    appropriately monitor the blood pressure
    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
    resection leaving the patient with short gut syndrome
    cognitive deficits. The jury commented on the effective cross-examination
    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
    health care system. Gary was asked to "parachute" in two weeks before trial
    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
    erectile dysfunction. The plaintiff made an eight-figure dem

    the trial lasted eight days. (2023)
  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    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.

  • Education & Certifications
    Other Education
    University of Arkansas School of Law

    West Chester University
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1962
    May 6, 1962

Contact Mr. Gary M. Samms

Share Holder at Marshall Dennehey
4.0
2 reviews

620 Freedom Business Center, Suite 300King Of Prussia, PA 19406U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Mr. Gary M. Samms has a 4.4 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney maintain a practice in more than one location?
    Yes, Mr. Gary M. Samms has a presence in Philadelphia, PA.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Marshall Dennehey was established in 1962.