John D. Martin is a trial lawyer and is the Managing Partner of the firm’s Wilmington, North Carolina office.  John concentrates his practice in the Medical Malpractice and Professional Liability Defense Practice Groups.  He has tried numerous medical malpractice and personal injury cases throughout eastern North Carolina.  Many of his cases involve brain injury, birth trauma, paraplegia, and wrongful death.  Additionally, John has experience with large construction litigation, premises liability, and hospital/workplace security.

John has appeared before the U. S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

John has been recognized by his peers and is listed in the publication The Best Lawyers in America®,  2006, and 2008 – 2022 editions and selected for inclusion in Lawyer Of The Year in the fields of Medical Malpractice Defense (2019 and 2022) and Personal Injury Litigation (2019).  He has been selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers® every year since 2009.  He also maintains an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious peer review rating that recognizes attorneys who have reached high levels of skill and integrity. In 2019, John was selected by his peers for inclusion into the American Board of Trial Advocates.

John defends hospitals, physicians and physician practices and long term care facilities in litigation. He represents and advises hospitals and medical care providers in pre-suit claims and risk management issues, and represents architects, engineers and related professionals in litigation and claims disputes. He also serves as panel counsel for various professional liability insurance carriers.

*Cases or matters referenced do not represent the attorney’s entire record. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The outcome of a particular case cannot be predicated upon a lawyer’s or a law firm’s past results.

Most Recent Posts

  News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Volunteer for Legal Aid Eviction Project

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In May 2020, Legal Aid of North Carolina launched an effort to help North Carolinians who were struggling to pay rent and were facing eviction. Legal Aid paired available emergency financial support with a search for volunteer attorneys from across the state who could help negotiate past and future payments with landlords.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Adds Staff to Wilmington Office

Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) today announced additions to its staff in Wilmington. Sarah Johann has been promoted to the position of Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Hannah Morris has joined Cranfill Sumner as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal. Evelyn Tordoff has joined the firm as a Paralegal.… Read More

  News

Martin and Shea Join American Board of Trial Advocates

John D. Martin and Colleen Shea have been invited to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a prestigious national association comprised of experienced trial lawyers and judges. Martin and Shea are Partners who are based in the Wilmington office of Cranfill Sumner LLP.… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Featured in Wrightsville Beach Magazine

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John Martin and Patrick Mincey are featured in the latest edition of Wrightsville Beach Magazine. “Longevity, Profitability and Personality” examines the process of becoming a partner in a legal services firm. John and Patrick share their personal insights and experiences in the article.… Read More

  Post

Handle Consumer Data With Care

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An Insights article by John Martin was published in today’s online edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal.  “Handle Consumer… Read More

  News

Cranfill Sumner Attorneys Listed Among 2016 Legal Elite

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Two Cranfill Sumner LLP (Cranfill Sumner) attorneys in its Raleigh and Wilmington offices were recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as part of the magazine’s Legal Elite program. Daniel Katzenbach, an attorney in the Raleigh office, was recognized for Construction Law, and John Martin of the Wilmington office was recognized for Litigation.… Read More

  Result

Martin and Shea Successfully Defend Regional Hospital

Case Results for NC Law

John Martin and Colleen Shea obtained summary judgment of a regional hospital in a case involving two separate visits to the Emergency Department at the hospital and patient admission to the hospital prior to her transfer to a tertiary care facility. … Read More

  Result

Martin and Shea Receive Defense Verdict in Wrongful Death Case

Case Results for NC Law

John D. Martin and Colleen N. Shea won a defense verdict for a Psychiatrist and Physician’s Assistant in a wrongful death case involving over $700,000 in medical expenses. The case involved allegations of improperly prescribing a drug with a Black Box Warning at over twice the FDA recommended dose.… Read More