Founded by David M. Peterson in 1993, Peterson & Associates, P.C. is a highly aggressive and successful plaintiffs-only mass tort and personal injury law firm that handles all types of catastrophic personal injury cases, with an emphasis in the areas of pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. In 1981, Mr. Peterson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma, both engineering societies.
In 1984, Mr. Peterson received his J.D., cum laude, also from the University of Missouri Columbia graduating sixth in his class. He graduated Order of the Coif, and was a member of the Missouri Law Review, and the National Moot Court Team. He is the author of "Stacking of Uninsured Motorist Coverage", 49 Mo. L. Rev. 571 (1984). He received the Ike Skelton Advocacy Award for best trial attorney, and was the recipient of American Jurisprudence Awards in Evidence, Contracts, Criminal Law I, Criminal Law II and Constitutional Law.
Mr. Peterson formerly was a partner with Shook, Hardy & Bacon (an international litigation defense firm currently having over 500 lawyers), where he practiced law for almost ten years. Prior to founding Peterson & Associates, P.C., he defended major corporations against catastrophic complex products liability claims. Knowing how major corporations defend themselves creates a tremendous advantage in preparing for trial and shaping plaintiffs’ cases to greatly enhance success at trial Mr. Peterson has been part of many successful mass tort and Multidistrict Court (MDL) litigations, having successfully resolved thousands of cases against pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
Mr. Peterson practices from coast-to-coast, and has handled or been involved in cases in over twenty states. A background in engineering has proven invaluable in handling technical products liability litigation as well as mass tort pharmaceutical and medical device cases. Mr. Peterson currently serves by court appointment on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the California Coordinated Ortho-Evra® litigation, and also represents hundreds of clients involved in other mass tort litigation, such as Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Leads, Kugel® Mesh Patch, Trasylol®, and Vioxx® to name a few. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has obtained many judgments and/or verdicts well in excess of one million dollars. He has collected over $300 million on behalf of his clients.
Mr. Peterson has been voted by his peers to be included in Missouri and Kansas SuperLawyers® for the last five years in a row. He has also been rated by his peers as an A-V lawyer, the very highest rating possible as awarded by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a member of the Leaders Forum of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers (MATA), the Missouri Bar Association, the Minnesota Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), and is a member of various federal and appellate courts.
Nicholas S. Clevenger joined Peterson & Associates, P.C. as an associate in April 2005. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Clevenger clerked at the firm for over a year, gaining valuable experience in the practice areas of personal injury, pharmaceutical and medical malpractice and mass tort litigation.
In 2001, Mr. Clevenger graduated from Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Business Administration. He graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, School of Law in December of 2004.
Mr. Clevenger is a member in good standing of the Missouri Bar. In addition Mr. Clevenger is also a member in good standing in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Mr. Clevenger's practice focuses on mass tort litigation, including pharmaceutical and medical device claims, class actions and general personal injury claims.
Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. Some cases result in no recovery. Costs and expenses will be advanced and reimbursed to us only if you recover. You have no liability for costs or expenses unless a court directs. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Some matters may be referred to other lawyers. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri nor the Missouri Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Never stop taking any prescription drug without first consulting with a doctor. Not available in all states.
