Carol Nelson Shepherd

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

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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

More Results

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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

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

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

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

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

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

See More

Community Involvement

Homeless Advocacy Project
President, 2015