Melanie J. Garner
Philadelphia Asbestos, Mass Tort, Personal Injury, and ERISA Lawyer
Melanie J. Garner is of counsel to the firm and has nearly 15 years of experience forcefully advocating on behalf of her clients in state and federal courts throughout the country. She has significant experience litigating various mass tort and personal injury claims, as well as litigating ERISA employee benefits claims. Since 2008, Melanie has represented plaintiffs and their family members helping them to recover millions of dollars in asbestos, mass tort, personal injury, and “qui tam” whistleblower cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and elsewhere.
Delivering
Personal Attention
ASBESTOS, MASS TORT, AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION
A large portion of Melanie’s practice includes representing mesothelioma victims, including those with occupational and other exposures to asbestos. In addition, she has litigated cases involving products liability and exposures to other toxic chemicals, including benzene and lead paint, class actions and other mass tort claims, including those involving defective medical products. Melanie has also litigated various other types of personal injury actions on behalf of those injured through the negligence or intentional conduct of others, including premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse cases. In addition to recovering millions of dollars on behalf of her clients, her work has held defendants, including many large corporations and employers, accountable for their wrongful conduct.
FOOTBALL CONCUSSION CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
Melanie also represents former professional and college football players suffering from catastrophic injuries, disabilities, latent brain disease and other cognitive impairments, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (“CTE”). She has pursued these claims as a part of the NFL Concussion Litigation Settlement and has also litigated individual lawsuits against the NCAA and private universities on behalf of former professional and student athletes and their family members. In recent years, she was part of the team that won a significant victory before the Supreme Court of Ohio in Schmitz v. Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Ass’n, 122 N.E.3d 80 (2018), which established significant precedent regarding the application of the “discovery rule” to the statute of limitations in such cases.
“QUI TAM” WHISTLEBLOWER LITIGATION
Melanie also has significant experience representing workers who “blew the whistle” and reported Medicare and other fraud conducted by their employers against federal and state governments. These cases, called “qui tam” cases, permit an employee who has not participated in the fraud to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government in order to recover on its behalf. Individuals who bring these suits are described as “relators,” and, in certain situations, they are entitled to share in the government’s recovery.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- “Mass Torts: What’s Hot and What’s Not in 2020,” Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Winter Member Meeting, Bethelehem, Pennsylvania, January 2020
- “Jurisdictional Updates,” Perrin Mid-Atlantic Asbestos Conference, Wilmington, Delaware, June 2019
- “Finding and Retaining Women Lawyers,” Women’s Breakfast, Perrin Mid-Atlantic Asbestos Conference, Wilmington, Delaware, June 2019
- “The ABCs of Complex Litigation: Asbestos, Benzene CRPS and More,” Legal Intelligencer CLE, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2016
- “Social Media Evidence: Finding It, Getting It and Using It,” Pennsylvania Association for Justice 34th Annual Auto Law Conference, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 2016
- “Off the Beaten Path – The Rules of Successful Qui Tam Litigation,” New Jersey Association for Justice Mass Tort – Boardwalk Seminar 2016, Atlantic City, New Jersey, April 2016
SUPER LAWYERS
Melanie was nominated and selected by her peers as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019, and as Super Lawyer in 2020.
Reviews
What Our Client Says About The Garner Firm
Top flight attorney
Adam Garner provided excellent courteous and considerate service in helping me resolve a long term disability claim. He was accessible, knowledgeable and exercised the good judgement necessary for us to be successful. I heartily recommend his expertise and services
Ken
SUPERIOR SERVICE!
This review is long over-due!
If you’re looking for professional and sound legal advice, The Garner Firm is where you want to start!
Throughout my relationship with The Garner Firm, there was never a time that I felt uninformed where my case stood. Attorney Adam Garner focuses on making sure his clients are well informed throughout their legal battle. I can reassure any prospective clients that Adam will maximize all his resources and fight to the MAX in order you’re reasonably compensated.
I invite you to take the opportunity to contact The Garner Firm – YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
Donovan
Best possible lawyer anyone could ask for!
Adam is extremely knowledgeable and always helped answer all of our questions we had. Very supportive in a challenging case. He understood our situation and was beyond great! He helped my family so much!
I would highly recommend Adam and the Garner Firm!
Robin
Highly Recommend
I would highly recommend Adam to anyone!!! He is very professional, works hard for you, and very knowledgeable. He is honest and upfront with you with any obstacles that he may face in representing you. He keeps you well informed of your case and responds promptly to any questions or concerns you may have. He does a Stellar job!!!
Nedra
The Absolute Best
From the initial phone call for assistance to the end of the case Adam and The Garner Firm was an absolute blessing to me and my family. He presented genuine concern and professionalism throughout the process. Where as other attorneys see’s a client as a client Adam fights for a client like were and individual who’s rights have been violated. I’m very grateful for his help through a very rough time and trust that this review is sincere. Blessing to the Adam and The Garner Firm.
D.S.
Adam Garner is a Terrific Attorney
Adam Garner is the definition of professionalism and expertise. He is currently handling my case, which turned out to be more difficult than expected, and is getting positive results. I would highly recommend Mr. Garner to anyone with a disability and/or workplace issue.
Christopher
Excellent Service
The Garner Firm provides quality advice and guidance for clients with employment matters. I highly recommend the Garner Firm.
Zella
Exceptional Job
Adam did an exceptional job in helping me both understand my situation and fight for my benefits/disability claim. He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and how it will effect your case. He was up front with us on how difficult our case may be and was always available to discuss our situation/answer questions. Adam also cares about you and takes an interest. He did an outstanding job to help me win my case against strong odds and was a blessing to have him as my lawyer. Thank you Adam for all you have done and continue doing on my behalf.
Beth
Beth
Highly Recommend
I would highly recommend Adam. He was courteous, professional, and very knowledgeable. He was attentive to my concerns and always responsive in a timely fashion.
Bob
What a great attorney,
I highly recommend him! He worked so hard and fought for what he thought I deserved. He is honest and will not lie to you, someone you can trust.
Jenelle
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