Matis Baum O'Connor
Matis Baum O'Connor

M. Brian O’Connor

Focus:

The defense of medical malpractice claims involving physicians of all specialties, hospitals, podiatrists and dentists; representing physicians in front of the State Board of Medicine.

Of Interest:

Brian began his career in Pittsburgh in 1989 as an Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County. After serving four years as a County Prosecutor, Brian joined Matis Baum O’Connor and concentrated his practice exclusively on the defense of medical malpractice cases. Since 1994 Brian has tried over 35 cases to verdict on behalf of physicians and hospitals in Western Pennsylvania. He is a frequent lecturer to physicians’ organizations on malpractice issues. Brian is a former president of the St. Thomas More Society, a guild for Catholic lawyers.

On October 2, 2008, Brian was inducted into the prestigious Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. Membership into the Academy is by invitation only.

In June of 2011 Brian was designated a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for the Defense of Medical Malpractice cases.

Brian and his wife, Patty, are parents of five children ranging in age from 7 - 19. His personal interests include reading history, running and traveling.

Testimonials:

“This past week was spent in the McKean County Courthouse defending an alleged medical negligence case. I was represented by M. Brian O'Connor and I wanted you to know that I was extremely pleased with his performance. He must have spent an enormous amount of time preparing for this case as it was evident in his expert cross-examination of all the plaintiffs' experts' witnesses. His choice of expert witnesses for my defense was excellent. Mr. O'Connor's calm and polite demeanor in his approach to the jury I feel was a key part in obtaining a 12-0 verdict in my favor in a record time of five minutes. The Judge who presided over the case later told me that I had a "very good lawyer" and I totally agree with him.”

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your excellent defense of my case. Your hard work, dedication, commitment and more importantly, belief in my innocence was integral in the jury's verdict. I know how much of yourself you put into these cases and how personally you take them. I admire you greatly for continuing to defend physicians. Practicing medicine in Western Pennsylvania has become a very difficult daily task due to the malpractice crisis. We depend upon dedicated folks such as yourself to be able to continue to practice our trade. Your closing argument was absolutely brilliant.”

“I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for the hard work you put in on our behalf in our recent malpractice trial. I know the results would not have been as favorable had you not spent the many hours that you did in laying the groundwork for this case. It is quite obvious that you spent a great deal of effort researching the important aspects of this case, and without your diligent efforts, I am sure that the outcome would not have been as favorable. I take great pride in my work and strive to maintain a level of clinical excellence beyond reproach, and it is quite clear that you feel the same regarding your profession."

Publications/Presentations:                           

  • “Medicolegal Issues in Foot and Ankle Surgery,” The Western Pennsylvania Hospital - The Scott Alter, DPM, Memorial Lecture Series. March 3, 1999.
  • “Malpractice Issues for the Primary Care Physician,” St. Francis Medical Center - Medical Grand Rounds. March 17, 1999.
  • “Status of Tort Reform in Pennsylvania,” September 14, 2000.
  • Tough Problems in Medical Malpractice, Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI), Pittsburgh, PA., December 17, 2002.
  • “Recent changes in PA Law Affecting Physicians,” November 14, 2000.
  • “Medical Malpractice? A Case Study,” The Western Pennsylvania Hospital. April 4, 2001.
  • “Discovery of the Treating Physician,” April 11, 2006.