Derek R. Layser
Derek R. Layser is a founding partner of Layser & Freiwald, P.C. With more than 100 jury trials to verdict, Mr. Layser maintains an active civil trial practice throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Until 1995, Mr. Layser worked and tried cases as a medical malpractice defense lawyer. Since then, he has brought his understanding and perspective to the handling of cases exclusively for plaintiffs, concentrating his practice in medical malpractice, product liability and other complex personal injury matters.
Mr. Layser has numerous six- and seven-figure jury verdicts and settlements to his credit. His $8.25 million dollar verdict on behalf of the widow of a young man whose family physician failed to diagnose colon cancer in time still stands as one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts ever in conservative Delaware County, Pa. The case was also extraordinary because the physician who failed to make a timely diagnosis, leading to the patient’s death, happened also to be his brother. Mr. Layser has handled a variety of complex, medical cases involving birth injuries, nursing home neglect, surgical mishaps and catastrophic brain injuries.
Mr. Layser also has extensive experience handling cases involving product defects, surgical and pharmacy errors, premises liability, such as apartment fires, and auto and trucking accidents.
Originally from the Reading, Pennsylvania area, Mr. Layser attended Shippensburg University before getting his law degree from the Delaware Law School of Widener University, where he was an honors student. Mr. Layser is admitted to practice in state and federal court in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is a member of both state’s bar and trial lawyers’ associations.
Mr. Layser has been recognized by his peers with an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, their highest rating. He is listed in the Bar Register of Pre-eminent Lawyers and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Layser has consistently been recognized by his peers as a Pennsylvania “Super Lawyer” and has also been named one of the Outstanding Lawyers of America.
Mr. Layser is frequently invited to lecture to attorneys at continuing education seminars. He has planned and delivered courses on pharmacy liability, legal issues involving settlements and releases, trial practice and trial evidence. He has also himself been asked to serve several times as an expert witness.
Mr. Layser is married and has three children.
