Dodge, Deborah K.

Patrick is a member of the firm's healthcare liability group,  but his range of experience is  broad.  In addition to his medical malpractice work, he continues to handle various types of general liability matters on behalf of both insured and self-insured clients.

Patrick has substantial experience in the areas of motor vehicle warranty litigation, liquor liability, premises liability, and consumer fraud. He has also assisted in the handling of product liability, construction, automobile, professional liability and employment matters.  He has represented property managers in cases ranging from slip and falls to alleged errors and omissions under the management contract.

Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Patrick served as a legal intern with the Appeals Department of the Office of the District Attorney, Allegheny County.

During law school Patrick served as a legal intern with the Office of the General Counsel of Pittsburgh Mercy Health Systems.  His work there included in-depth research into various areas of Medicare regulations, as well as research into healthcare and general liability issues.

Patrick is a 2006 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law and a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph's University. He joined the firm as a law clerk in 2005.

Significant Representative Matters:

• Obtained voluntary dismissal of a dram shop death case where he was able to prove prior to the filing of a Complaint that plaintiff's decedent was intoxicated as a result of liquor contained within his home, rather than alcohol allegedly purchased at the client's bar.

• Prepared successful Motion for Summary Judgment in a conveyor belt death case in which we represented the company who purchased the assets of the bankrupt corporation which manufactured the conveyor belt at issue.

• Prepared successful Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in a death case on behalf of a methadone clinic.  Plaintiff's theory was that plaintiff's decedent was killed by a driver who had been either improperly treated at the methadone clinic or had been improperly permitted to drive following treatment.  He successfully argued that no duty exists to a third party motorist under such circumstances under Pennsylvania law.

• Has handled well over fifty compulsory arbitration cases in counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Has utilized ADR when appropriate, referring a number of cases to mediation where appropriate.

• Has assisted in the handling of numerous cases against bars filed by plaintiffs who alleged improper service of alcohol, either to themselves or to other patrons.  These cases have involved fatal motor vehicle accidents, assaults, suicide, and other significant and serious injuries.