Albert M. Afonso
Of Counsel
Overview
Carol Nelson Shepherd, a founding partner of Feldman Shepherd, has devoted her legal career to helping those catastrophically injured by medical malpractice. For 40 years, she has vigorously advocated for her clients in claims against healthcare providers arising from obstetric and childbirth injuries, delayed diagnosis of cancer, improperly performed surgery, and other types of substandard medical care.
Carol has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries in medical malpractice cases. A sampling of her recent results includes:
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE:
- $24 million for brain injury to a newborn
- $5 million for an infant who was left severely disabled after suffering cardiac arrest during a minor surgical procedure
- $4.5 million for dental malpractice that left a 38-year-old father of two children with permanent spastic quadriparesis requiring him largely to be confined to a wheelchair and with significant difficulties with speech and activities of daily living
To view more Medical Malpractice case results Click Here
BIRTH INJURY:
- $16 million in federal court for the negligent management of labor and delivery resulting in an infant sustaining permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy
- $10.24 million in New York state for cerebral palsy caused by failure to respond to non-reassuring electronic fetal monitoring and failure to perform a biophysical profile
- $7.5 million in rural Michigan for brain injury sustained by an infant in the course of a negligently managed labor and delivery
To view more Birth Injury case results Click Here
Each year since 2004, Carol has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania, as a Top 100 Super Lawyer in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, and as a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Super Lawyer. In 2015, Carol was designated by Best Lawyers in America as “Lawyer of the Year” in the field of Medical Malpractice Law. She is the recipient of The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association’s Justice Michael A. Musmanno Award, the highest honor bestowed upon any Philadelphia trial lawyer. Carol has also been a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers since her induction in 2006, and a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America since 2010.
A distinguished lecturer and author of articles regarding medical malpractice and trial preparation, Carol has also held prominent leadership positions in regional and national legal organizations. She was the first woman president of The Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and was also elected president of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice. In 2015-2016, Carol served as President of the Board of the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP), an organization that addresses the unmet legal needs of Philadelphia’s homeless and shelter populations.
When Carol isn’t practicing law or spending time with her husband and children, she enjoys cooking, reading, and writing legal thriller novels.
Carol, a Syracuse University College of Law graduate, is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She has been admitted pro hac vice in New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Michigan.
Education & Admissions
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1978
Arizona State University, B.A., 1975
Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 1995
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1978
Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 1978
Admitted Pro Hac Vice in New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Michigan
Affiliations
Affiliations
Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia
Judge Pro Tem, 1993 – Present
Women’s Law Project
Board of Trustees, 1999 – 2005
Philadelphia Bar Association
Board of Governors, 1985 – 1988
Committee Chair, State Civil Procedure Committee, Women in the Profession Committee
Pennsylvania Association for Justice (formerly Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association)
Board of Directors and Officer positions, 1982 – 2001
President, 1997 – 1998
Pennsylvania Bar Association
House of Delegates, 1987 – Present
Officer positions, 1986 – 2000
Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
President, 1987 – 1988
Board of Directors and Officer positions, 1979 – 1987
American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America)
Board of Governors, 1988 – 1991
Committee Chair positions, 1988 – 1999
American College of Trial Lawyers
Fellow, 2006 – Present
Member, Pennsylvania State Committee, 2007 – 2009; 2010 – 2011; 2011 – 2012
Member, Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy Committee, 2006 – 2007
American Bar Association
Vice-Chair, Law & Medicine Committee, 1995 – 1998
Litigation Counsel of America
Fellow, 2010 – Present
National Association of Professional Women
Member, 2015 – Present
The International Women’s Leadership Association
Member, 2015 – Present
The National Women Trial Lawyers
Member, 2014 – Present
The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 in Philadelphia
Member, 2009 – Present
American Society of Legal Advocates
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers in Pennsylvania, 2014
Trial Advocacy Foundation of Pennsylvania
Statewide Seminar Committee, 1986 – 1995
The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Hearing Committee Member, 1986 – 1990
Chair, 1990 – 1992
Lawyers for Consumer Rights
Awards & Rankings
Awards
Super Lawyer
Thomson Reuters, 2004 – Present
Top 50 Women in Pennsylvania
Top 100 in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
Medical Malpractice Super Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
U.S. News and World Report, Recognized Since 2013
Lawyer of the Year in Medical Malpractice Law, 2015
“Women of Distinction” Award
Philadelphia Business Journal, 2018
America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators for Pennsylvania
2017
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers in Pennsylvania
American Society of Legal Advocates, 2014
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Legal Intelligencer, 2013
“Local Litigation Star” for Pennsylvania
Benchmark Plaintiff, 2013
“Women of Distinction” Award
The Legal Intelligencer, 2012
Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America, 2010 – Present
Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America
2010-2011
Woman of the Year
Women’s Resource Center, 2009
Fellow
American College of Trial Lawyers, 2006 – Present
Justice Michael A. Musmanno Award
Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, 2000
Milton D. Rosenberg Award
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 1999
Civil Litigation Section Special Award
Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1996
Top 100 Trial Lawyers – Civil Plaintiff Category
National Trial Lawyers
Delegate
Third Circuit Conference, 1987
Outstanding Women of American
1987
Special Merit Award
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, for contributions to continuing legal education of the Trial Bar, 1981
Publications
Publications
Cross-Examination of Medical Experts
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Superstars of Litigation: A Day on Personal Injury, August 2017
Neonatal and Pediatric Cases
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Critical Issues in Current Practice, November 2016
Proving OB Fetal Distress Cases at Deposition
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 10th Annual Med Mal Seminar, November 2015
Expert and Factual Depositions
Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, March 2015
Proving Medical Negligence Cases Through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 9th Annual Med Mal Seminar, November 2014
Social Media — Its New Role in Discovery and Litigation
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, November 2014
Understanding Anesthesia and Electronic Medical Records
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 8th Annual Med Mal Seminar, November 2013
Social Media — Its New Role in Discovery
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 8th Annual Med Mal Seminar, November 2012
Kernicterus
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 5th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, December 2010
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 5th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, December 2010
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Pregnancy
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 5th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, December 2010
Valproic Acid (Depakote) and Pregnancy
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 5th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, December 2010
Anesthesia — Medical Liability from Plaintiff’s Attorney’s Perspective
Hahnemann University Hospital, Grand Rounds Presentation — Anesthesiology, October 2010
Breast Cancer — Handling the Cancer Case
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, April 2010
Prostate Cancer — Handling the Cancer Case
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, April 2010
Obstetric Negligence in the Labor and Delivery Suite
March 2009
Failure to Diagnose Fetal Distress, a Medical Primer
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 3rd Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, November 2008
Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 3rd Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, 2008
Proving Negligence Cases Through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition
American Association for Justice, Annual Convention, April 2008
MCARE ‘509 Payment of Damages
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, November 2005
Antepartum & Intrapartum Surveillance During Pregnancy
American Conference Institute, March 2004
Using Daubert/Frye as a Sword, Not a Shield
Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Annual Convention, July 2003
Deconstructing the Medical Negligence Case
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, October/November 2001
Damages in a Death Case — Wrongful Death and Survival Actions
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, PBI No. 1999-2402, October 1999
Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Convention, July 1999
10 Tips for Cross-Examination of a Medical Expert
Chapter 6, Trial Tactics, Tips & Techniques, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, June 1999
Delay in Diagnosis of Cancer: Types of Cancer Frequently Encountered in Medical Negligence Claims
Pennsylvania Bar Institute 5th Annual Personal Injury Institute, PBI No. 1998-2021, Vol. 1, 1998
Playing Hardball
International Society of Barristers Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 4, October 1997
Top 10 Missed Diagnoses in the Emergency Room
The Barrister, Vol. XXVIII, No. 3, Fall 1997
Top 10 Missed Diagnoses in the Emergency Room
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 4th Annual Personal Injury Institute, PBI No. 1997-1238, Vol. 1, 1997
Proving Medical Negligence Cases Through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition
The Deposition Handbook, Second Edition, 1997 cumulative supplement, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Failure to Diagnose Cancer
Pennsylvania Bar Institute 3rd Annual Personal Injury Institute, PBI No. 1996-1091 Vol. 1, 1996
Urging a Cautious Approach to Extension of the “Separate Disease” Rule Beyond Asbestos Cases
The Barrister, Vol. XXVI No. 3, Fall 1995
Damages for Emotional Distress, Fear & Increased Risk
Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar, April 1994
Trial Evidence
Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar, April 1994
Recent Developments in Medical Negligence Cases
Association of Trial Lawyers of America Winter Convention, January 1994 (also published in Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, Education Foundation, Vol. 5, Issue 3, Summer 1994)
Failure to Diagnose Fetal Distress: A Medical Primer
The Barrister, Fall 1992
Avoiding Malpractice in Emergency Medicine
Contributing Author, Michael I. Greenberg M.D., Ed., Greenleaf Press, 1988
Potential Medical Negligence Claims: Screening cases that sound like malpractice but aren’t
Carol Nelson Shepherd, Esq. and Gerald F. Kaplan, M.D., The Barrister, Spring 1986
Emergency Medicine: From tonsillitis to trauma, the interface between the public and the hospital
Carol Nelson Shepherd, Esq. and Michael I. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., The Barrister, October 1984
The Pennsylvania No-Fault Motor Vehicles Insurance Act
Ed., David S. Shrager, Esq., Ed., published by the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 1979, and supplement 1982 (editorial assistant and co-author)
Jury Selection in a Civil Case and Preparation of the Trial File
Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1982; 1987
Practice Under the Pennsylvania No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act
Pennsylvania Civil Practice and Procedure program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1979-80
History, Development and Analysis of the Pennsylvania Comparative Negligence Act: An overview
24 Villanova Law Review 422 (1979), co-author with David S. Shrager, Esq.
Speaking Engagements
Speaking Engagements
Don’t Panic: Effective Trial Techniques for Young LawyersFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2019
Strategies for Developing the Blockbuster Case“How to Establish Liability for Fetal Heart Monitoring in 2018,” Feldman Shepherd CLE, 2018
Pennsylvania Association for Justice – Annual Medical Malpractice Seminar“Winning Obstetric Malpractice Cases at Trial,” 2018
American Conference Institute – 17th Annual Advanced Forum on Obstetric Malpractice Claims“Preventing Category Two Fetal Heart Monitoring Strip Liability: Safeguarding Against Incorrect Readings and Responses,” 2018
Use of Documentary Films at Mediations: “A Persuasive Tool to Establish Liability and Damages”Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association — Luncheon Lecture Series, 2018
The Power of Mindfulness and Moving Beyond Words: A Richer Representation of Your Case and Your Client“The Holistic Approach: Representing the Entire Person Not Just the Injury,” New Jersey Association for Justice, 2018
Supersize Your Verdicts: Creative Tips for Maximizing Jury VerdictsFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2018
Pennsylvania Association for Justice – Annual Med Mal Seminar“Winning Cases at Arbitration or Trial,” 2017
Overcoming “Alternative Facts”: Tips and Techniques to Establish the Truth of Your Case“Using mediation documentaries to refute defense expert opinions,” Feldman Shepherd CLE, 2017
Superstars of Litigation: A Day on Personal Injury“Cross Examination of the Defense Expert,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2017
Anatomy for LitigatorsTemple Law School, 2016
Med Mal Seminar – Critical Issues in Current Practice“Neonatal and Pediatric Cases,” Pennsylvania Association for Justice, 2016
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 10th Annual Med Mal Seminar, Med Mal and Beyond: Strategies for Every P.I. Attorney“Proving OB Fetal Distress Cases at Deposition,” 2015
Creative Lawyering: Innovative Strategies to Improve Your Practice and Increase Your Results“From Hospital Room to Court Room: How Emerging Technologies Can Enhance Depositions and Get You Your Biggest Med Mal Results,” Feldman Shepherd CLE, 2015
Strategies for Maximizing Your Client’s Recovery in Personal Injury CasesFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2015
A Whole New World? Product Liability Law in Pennsylvania After TincherFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2015
How to Effectively Conduct Expert and Factual DepositionsPhiladelphia Trial Lawyers Association, 2015
Medical Malpractice Update“Social Media — Its New Role in Discovery and Litigation,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2014
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 9th Annual Med Mal Seminar“Proving Medical Negligence Cases Through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition,” 2014
Unlocking the Blockbuster CaseFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2014
Law Firm Laboratory“Starting and Building a Successful Law Practice & Serving the Changing Needs of Tomorrow’s Clients, Philadelphia Bar Association,” 2014
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 8th Annual Med Mal Seminar“Understanding Anesthesia and Electronic Medical Records,” 2013
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 8th Annual Med Mal Seminar“Social Media — Its New Role in Discovery,” 2013
Proving Medical Negligence Cases Through the Defendant Doctor’s DepositionFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2013
Medical Malpractice Update“Social Media — Its New Role in Discovery and Litigation,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2013
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 7th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, Medical Update“ER Cases, Radiology, Pathology, Office-Based Medicine, Surgery,” 2012
Electronic Medical RecordsPennsylvania Association for Justice, 2012
Creative Lawyering from Investigation to Verdict, Part IIFeldman Shepherd and The Legal Intelligencer CLE, 2012
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 6th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, Electronic Medical Records“Disturbing New Trends in Medicine — Effect on Med Mal Cases,” 2011
Creative Lawyering from Investigation to VerdictFeldman Shepherd CLE, 2011
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 5th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar, Emerging Medical Causes of Action2010
Philadelphia Area Society for Healthcare Risk Management2010
Grand Rounds Presentation — Anesthesiology“Medical Liability from the Plaintiff’s Perspective,” Hahnemann University Hospital, 2010
Trial of a Medical Malpractice CasePennsylvania Bar Institute, 2009
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 4th Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice SeminarHot Medical Topics, 2009
Pennsylvania Master Series, Medical Malpractice: Bring Your FilesPennsylvania Association for Justice, 2009
Trial Tips, Pennsylvania Bar Institute2009
Opening StatementsALI-ABA, 2009
Pennsylvania Association for Justice — 3rd Annual Full Day Medical Malpractice Seminar2008
American Association for Justice Stalwarts Program“Proving your case through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition,” 2008
Shaping the Future of Medical Practice: Legal and Ethical Considerations“Medical Errors: Plaintiff’s Attorney Perspective,” Temple University, 2008
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association — 2nd Annual Medical Malpractice — Full Day Seminar2007
Civil Law PotpourriPennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges, 2007
Debate — Practicing Medicine in a Litigious Society: New Challenges, New SolutionsTemple University School of Medicine, 2007
Proving Damages in Personal Injury and Death CasesPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2006
Medical Malpractice — All New Full Day SeminarPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2006
The Advocate’s Perspective in Mediation of Medical Malpractice ClaimsAssociation for Conflict Resolution, 2006
Wrongful Death Cases & Minor’s Actions: Proving DamagesPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2006
Medical Malpractice: Experts in the New Age of M-CarePennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2006
Mastering Med Mal Mediation, Preparation, Strategies and EthicsPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2005
Med Mal — What You Need to Know — New Rules & DevelopmentsPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2005
Failure to Diagnose CancerPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2004
Cross-Examination of Medical Experts (videotape)Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2004
Proving Your Case Through the Defendant Doctor’s Deposition (videotape)Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2004
Med Mal — What you must know in 2004Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2004
Reducing the Risk of Obstetric MalpracticeAmerican Conference Institute, 2004
Certificate of MeritPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
Med Mal Expert Testimony: The Keys to VictoryPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
Medical Malpractice UpdatePennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges, 2003
Using Daubert/Frye as a Sword, Not a ShieldAnnual Convention, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 2003
Medical Malpractice: Critical Cross Examination“Ten Tips for Cross Examination of Medical Experts,” Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, 2003
Med Mal Top Ten Issues: What You Need to KnowPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
New Supreme Court Rules: Certificate of Merit and VenuePennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Telephone Seminar, 2003
Medical Malpractice — How to Win in Today’s EnvironmentPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2002
Medical Liability Reform, CAT Fund Reform and Patient SafetyPennsylvania Bar Institute Satellite Broadcast, 2002
New Med Mal Legislation — House Bill 1802Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2002
Trial Tactics, Tips & TechniquesPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2002
Proving Damages in PI and Death CasesPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2001
Deconstructing the Medical Negligence CasePennsylvania Bar Institute, 2001
Medical Malpractice WorkshopPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, 2001
Association of Trial Lawyers of America Boardwalk Seminar — Personal Injury — 2001: A Trial Odyssey“Using Frye/Daubert as a Sword, not a Shield,” 2001
Trial, Negotiation & Business Skills for Women Trial LawyersPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2001
Tort Update: EvidencePennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Luncheon Lecture, 2001
Race & Gender in the Courtroom: Tips & Tactics to Benefit your ClientsPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2000
Trial Tactics: Cross-Examination of Medical ExpertsPennsylvania Bar Institute, 2000
Using Frye as a Sword not a ShieldPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, Annual Convention, 2000
Effective Cross-Examination of Medical ExpertsPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 2000
Does Gender Bias Impact Chronic Pain, Diagnosis and Treatment?Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Winter Convention, 2000
Damages: Tactics in Personal Injury & Death Cases“Wrongful Death & Survival Actions,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1999
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association — 3rd Annual Medical Negligence Seminar: Focus on Orthopedic Surgery1999
Medical Malpractice: Delay in Diagnoses of CancerPennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, 1999
Trial Tactics, Tips and Techniques“10 Tips for Cross-Examination of Medical Experts,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1999
Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association — Second Annual “Trial, Negotiation & Business Skills for Women Trial Attorneys”1999
Community Involvement
Community Involvement
Homeless Advocacy Project
President, 2015
