OVER TWO DECADES OF TRIAL AND MEDIATION EXPERIENCE WITH A BACKGROUND IN MEDICINE
Matt Wojcik has a reputation of successfully defending clients entangled in complex litigation and class actions related to medical malpractice, product liability, and drug/medical device claims. He brings 25 years of trial, arbitration, and mediation experience in the federal, state, and tribal courts of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Matt regularly represents product manufacturers, professionals, healthcare entities, construction contractors, and insurance companies in litigation involving negligence claims, catastrophic injuries, toxic torts, and construction defects. As a certified mediator, he offers a unique perspective by being able to view a case from the plaintiff’s perspective to reveal strengths and weaknesses, and how a jury is likely to respond to the claims and defenses.
With substantial experience representing physicians, attorneys, engineers, architects, manufacturers, and construction contractors facing professional liability claims, Matt appreciates what’s at stake and works to protect the clients’ practices, business relationships, and reputation. He began defending medical malpractice cases right out of law school, second chairing trials, and learning the mechanics of this unique kind of litigation. Medical malpractice defense turned out to be a natural evolution of his undergraduate interest in medicine and practical experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and has been a major focus of his practice. Matt is a quick study in how a medical procedure, mechanical process, or consumer product is supposed to work and, as a result, understanding claims of how a product failed or a procedure resulted in an adverse outcome. In addition to his trial work, he also advises clients on risk management strategies to minimize claims and avoid litigation going forward.
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By being thorough and thoughtful on the front end, Matt identifies the key issues in a case and collaboratively develops a litigation roadmap and budget to develop strong defenses in a strategic and cost-effective manner, while considering opportunities for early dismissal, risk transfer and resolution by mediation. Clients appreciate that he gives them a full view of the case with an honest assessment and ample information to consider the strengths, risks and potential exposure, and keeps them updated on developments that affect the case. Matt is there for his clients with the support they need, carrying the weight of the case on his shoulders, so they can go on with their lives and businesses.
PRACTICE AREAS
ADMISSIONS
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 1997
- Washington, 1998
- Alaska, 2007
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
- U.S. District Court, District of Alaska
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
- Puyallup Tribal Court
- Tulalip Tribal Court
EDUCATION
- Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College – J.D., 1997
- University of Washington – B.A., Political Science, 1993
- Pepperdine University, School of Law – Mediator Training Course, 2019
CLIENT WINS
- Defended chiropractor in a medical malpractice case involving vertebral artery dissection and resulting stroke. Obtained defense verdict following a jury trial.
- Defended podiatrist in a medical malpractice case involving amputation. Obtained defense verdict following a jury trial.
- Defended podiatrist in a medical malpractice case involving the development of serious post-surgical infection and need for revision surgery. Obtained directed verdict after eight days of trial.
- Successfully defended genetic genealogy company against class action certification and claimed damages of $90 million in a case involving claims of violation of Alaska’s Genetic Privacy statute, prevailing in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
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- Obtained defense verdict at arbitration in medical malpractice case resulting in an amputation of toes following laser treatment.
- Secured summary judgment dismissal in a federal court case against product manufacturer involving the alleged defective design of hydraulic lift device.
- Secured summary judgment dismissal of medical malpractice claims against podiatrist in a case involving amputation following post-surgical development of osteomyelitis.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against chiropractor involving carotid artery dissection and resulting stroke.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against podiatrist in a case involving claims of failure to diagnose and treat schwannoma tumor.
- International Association of Defense Counsel (Member; State Membership Chair)
- Association of Defense Trial Attorneys (Member)
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (Past-President)
- Oregon Association of Defense Counsel (Member)
- Defense Research Institute (Member)
- Washington YMCA Youth & Government (Board of Directors, 2015-2018)
- University of Washington School of Law (Mentor, 2002-2012)
- Special Olympics of Washington (Volunteer, 2001-2004)
- Construction Law Update, A 20-Minute Flyover, Hilton Head Client Retreat (April 2024)
- Time Management Strategies for Success and Sanity, Bullivant Houser (March 2024)
- The Business of Law, WDTL Past President CLE (March 2024)
- Presenter, “The Emperor’s Old Clothes: Selling The Partnership to the Next Generation”, ADTA Webinar (2023)
- Co-Speaker, “Voir Dire,” Perrin Conferences Asbestos Mock Trial & Training Program at The Hartford (2017)
- Speaker, “Seven Things that Get Podiatrists Sued (and How to Avoid Them),” Washington State Podiatric Medical Association (WSPMA) Annual Conference (2017)
- Co-Speaker, “Admission of Medical Expert Testimony and Direct Examination of Doctors,” National Business Institute (NBI) Effective Use of Medical Records and Medical Experts in Civil Litigation Seminar (2016)
- Speaker, “Spring Cleaning for Your Podiatry Practice,” Washington State Podiatric Medical Association (WSPMA) Annual Conference (2016)
- Speaker, “Changes in Class Action Certification,” RSUI Annual Claims Seminar (2015)
- Speaker, “Lessons Learned from an ENT Laser Fire Injury Lawsuit,” International Laser Safety Conference (ILSC®) (2015)
- Speaker, “Cedell v. Farmers Insurance: It’s Our Privilege (to insure you),” RSUI Annual Claims Seminar (2014)
- Speaker, “Social Media in Litigation,” Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Tort Law CLE (2014)
- Panel Speaker, “Professionalism in Practice,” KCBA Annual Bench-Bar Conference (2013)
- Speaker, “The Demise of Economic Loss and Rise of Independent Duty,” RSUI Annual Claims Seminar (2013)
- MC, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Annual Convention (2011)
- Speaker, “Preparing for Battle,” National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) Trial Preparation Seminar (2009)
- Moderator, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Snowbreak CLE (2007)
- Speaker, “Ex Parte Contacts: How Much is Too Much?” (2004)
- Co-Author, “Oregon Medical Malpractice Reference Guide” (1998)
- AV® Preeminent™, Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© (2024 — Professional Liability Litigation – Defendants; 2024 — Product Liability Litigation – Defendants)
- Selected for inclusion in Washington Super Lawyers (2020-2022 — Personal Injury Defense: General)
- Awarded DRI’s Exceptional Performance Citation (2011-2012)
- Named as a “Rising Star” in Washington Super Lawyers (2007 & 2005)
- Received Washington State Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee’s Random Acts of Professionalism Award (2005)
- Received Corpus Juris Secundum Award – Torts (1997)
CONNECTION TO MEDICAL FIELD RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Matt grew up in a military family and his mom was a critical care and school nurse. He was originally inspired to become a physician and went the pre-med route, working as a lab technician and an emergency medical technician (EMT) in college. Matt also volunteered at Harborview Medical Center ER and trained under a mentor he has a bond with to this day.
Matt’s career path changed once he discovered his interest in the law and becoming a litigator. He was able to merge his abiding interest in medicine with his education and training in law and has spent his career defending healthcare professionals and medical product manufacturers.
While Matt loves being a litigator, his favorite job is being a dad to his two boys (ages 11 and 14). He and his family enjoy all the outdoor activities that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, traveling the world, boating in the San Juan Islands, perfecting the perfect margarita, and spending time between Seattle and Bend.