Michael Phelan

Michael Phelan, Health Care Attorney in Richmond, Virginia

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Health Care, Product Liability, and TBI/SCI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratPhelan Petty Injury Lawyers

Richmond, VA

Practicing health care in Richmond since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael Phelan is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Health Care, Product Liability, and TBI/SCI. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Richmond, VA
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Health Care · Product Liability · TBI/SCI
  • Handles Health Care, Product Liability, and TBI/SCI matters from Richmond, VA.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael Phelan: Michael Phelan is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Health Care, Product Liability, and TBI/SCI. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Phelan

Michael concentrates on health care, product liability, tbi/sci, and truck accidents. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Health Care cases in Richmond, Virginia

Michael takes health care matters in Richmond, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Richmond, Virginia

Michael takes product liability matters in Richmond, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

TBI/SCI cases in Richmond, Virginia

Michael takes tbi/sci matters in Richmond, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Truck Accidents cases in Richmond, Virginia

Michael takes truck accidents matters in Richmond, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Phelan — Over 39 years of Virginia health care experience

Michael Phelan is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Health Care, Product Liability, and TBI/SCI. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claimes, product liability cases, and tractor-trailer crashes. Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding communication skills, and his sincerity and dedication. As one of his valued clients said, “Mike puts his heart into it.”

Michael’s tenacity on behalf of his clients resulted in one of the largest settlements in the country in a benzene exposure case, and he has been twice recognized for achieving some of the highest settlements in Virginia in traumatic brain injury cases.

Michael and his wife Laura have been married since 1987, and they have three grown children. His daughter has intellectual disabilities due to a birth-related traumatic brain injury, and Michael credits her for inspiring him to work tirelessly and fight for the victims of brain injuries.

Awards and Recognition

• AV (highest possible) rating from the Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory since 1996

• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) – 2019

- Invitation-only organization of trial attorneys and judges

- Members must exhibit virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism

• American Association for Justice, Weidermann Wysocki Award recipient — 2016 and 2019

• American Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers — 2007

• United States Supreme Court, Outstanding Pro-Bono Service award for representing victims in the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund — 2003

• The Best Lawyers in America - 2020

- Personal Injury Litigation

- Mass Tort Litigation

- Product Liability Litigation

• Virginia Super Lawyers Personal Injury General, Plaintiff, 2019

• Top 100: 2019 Virginia Super Lawyers

Community Involvement and Leadership

• Former chairperson, Northstar Academy

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

• United Parents Against Lead

• Commonwealth Community Trust

Professional Memberships

• Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA)

• American Association for Justice (AAJ)

- Board of Governors

- Leaders Forum

- Truck Litigation Group

• Virginia Bar Association, 1987 to present

• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

- Board of Governors

- Product Liability Section, former chairperson

• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

Working with Michael on a health care matter

Michael Phelan is a Virginia trial attorney who practices with a special focus on traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, pharmaceutical and medical device claimes, product liability cases, and tractor-trailer crashes. Michael’s peers have consistently recognized him for his excellence as a trial lawyer, and his clients have praised him for his commitment to deep research, his outstanding…

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for health care, product liability, and tbi/sci matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Michael Phelan's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Richmond Law School

    J.D. Law · 1987

  • Ohio Wesleyan University

    B.A. Economics · 1984

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Virginia

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts

    1987 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. Law in University of Richmond Law School and B.A. Economics in Ohio Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. Law in University of Richmond Law School and B.A. Economics in Ohio Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Phelan

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys

    ATAA) American Association for Justice (AAJ) (Board of Governors, Leaders Forum and Truck Litigation Group) Virginia Bar Association, 1987 to present Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Governors and Product Liability Section, former chairperson) · membership

Locations

Michael Phelan's office in Richmond

Michael's primary office is at 3315 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23230. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers

3315 West Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23230

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Phelan — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing health care attorneys in Richmond.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Phelan claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Phelan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new health care attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a health care attorney in Richmond, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many health care matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in health care practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every health care matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many health care practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Phelan

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a health care case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some health care attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do health care cases in Virginia typically take?

    Simple health care matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Richmond?

    Michael is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new health care clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Health Care attorneys serving Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia

Michael handles health care matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified health care attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these health care attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.