Shannon Clark Personal Injury Attorney

Shannon L. Clark

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As co-chair of the firm’s Plaintiff’s Personal Injury & Wrongful Death group, Shannon has long experience trying, litigating, and resolving cases involving motor vehicle crashes, aviation disasters, commercial trucking wrecks, product liability, and professional negligence.

Plaintiff’s Personal Injury

Shannon is a tireless advocate for victims of negligent and wrongful conduct throughout Arizona and in California, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.

He has handled virtually all varieties of personal injury cases, including product liability, motor vehicle accidents, dram shop actions, premises liability, elder abuse, medical malpractice, commercial trucking, sexual assault, medical device, pharmaceutical, and insurance bad faith.

Throughout his 24-year career, Shannon’s efforts have extended beyond the intricacies of any given lawsuit to champion consumer safety issues for greater social impact. His passion for justice and dedication to defending injured or wronged individuals has helped force manufacturers to recall or modify the design of dangerous products and garnered over $300,000,000 in jury verdicts, arbitration awards, mediation results, and negotiated settlements.

For example, Shannon has helped achieve voluntary recalls of five different defective products by automotive and other product manufacturers through tireless litigation and interaction with governmental agencies and investigative journalists. Further, he also achieved settlements that caused government agencies to revise safety protocols and training equipment for first responders through litigation efforts and creative negotiation.

With the fortitude, experience, resources, and “fire in the belly” required to take on major manufacturers and institutional defendants, Shannon is ultra-sensitive to the human element of each case he handles. This personal aspect of his practice makes Shannon broadly effective in understanding and resolving the challenges his clients face.

Beyond obtaining compensation for devastating injuries and personal tragedy, Shannon supports clients through the many non-legal details of putting their lives back together and moving forward.

Leadership

In addition to co-chairing G&K’s robust PI team, Shannon also serves on the firm’s Board of Directors, lateral recruiting committee, associate’s committee, and compensation committee.

Outside of the firm, Shannon is actively involved in ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, a youth development program in Chandler, Arizona. He currently serves on ICAN’s Board of Directors and its Fund Development Committee.

See Shannon’s profile on our main website.

Honors & Awards

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2016-2024; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2012-2024; Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2020-2024; Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, 2020-2024
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Phoenix Lawyer of the Year, Products Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2022, 2024
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, 2014-2023
  • Southwest Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff, 2012-2013
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Arizona, 2016, 2022, 2023
  • Arizona Business Magazine, Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona, 2022-2024
  • Forbes.com, Best Car Accident Lawyers Phoenix, AZ, 2024
  • Phoenix Magazine, Top Lawyer, Personal Injury, 2023
  • ICAN Heroes Award, 2022
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2012-2017
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, 2012-2013
  • Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education (AFLSE), Top Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 2018
  • Phoenix Business Journal, 40 Under 40, 2013
  • Gold Key National Honor Societies, Cornell University, 1996
  • Cornell National Scholarship, Cornell University, 1996

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Community & Philanthropy

  • Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired Board of Directors, 2005-2011, 2013-2020
    (Chairman 2010-2011)
  • Valley of the Sun United Way, Bench and Bar Donor Circle Founding Member
  • 100 Club of Arizona Board of Directors, 2015-2017
  • ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, Fund Development Committee Member, 2018-Present; Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Cayley Manor Homeowners Association Board of Directors, 2008-2011
    (President 2009-2011)

Representative Cases

  • Plaintiffs’ Leadership Committee and trial team member for mass tort claims against Bard for defective IVC filters.
  • Helped defrauded family resolve settlement fraud claims relating to defective truck tire.
  • Secured important Arizona Supreme Court ruling that Arizona hospitals can be subject to liability for abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.
  • Successfully resolved case for victims of failed (and later recalled) telescoping aerial ladder unit on fire engine.
  • Helped secure compensation from and government investigation of a major automobile manufacturer that failed to recall a dangerous stuck throttle defect on a popular SUV.
  • Resolved legal and accounting malpractice claims against major accounting firm on behalf of heirs to high profile businessman and entrepreneur.
  • Represented dozens of tread separation and/or rollover accident victims in successful product liability cases against Ford Motor Company, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., Bridgestone Corporation, Dunlop Tire Company, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, Kuhmo Tire Company, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Michelin North America, Yokohama, Sailun, Falken, and most tire manufacturers.
  • Member of team representing victims of fuel-fed fires caused by rear-impact collisions in Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors; helped cause Ford to spend $350,000,000 to improve safety of police vehicles.
  • Recovered record settlement for victims of elder abuse at a nursing home after a 2-month trial.
  • Member of leadership team for victims of Mexican Hat, Utah ski bus accident.
  • Represented family of man who died in Sedona Sweat Lodge tragedy.
  • Represented child pedestrian catastrophically injured by inattentive police officer.
  • Obtained confidential settlement for man paralyzed using unstable golf cart.
  • Recovered confidential settlements against auto manufacturers for defects causing seatback failure, unwanted acceleration, rollovers, airbag failures, and seatbelt malfunction.
  • $10,000,000 settlement for pedestrian hit by police vehicle.
  • $9,999,000 settlement for wrongful death of teenager killed by unwanted acceleration of her vehicle.
  • $4,000,000 settlement for seatbelt injury claim.
  • $3,000,000 settlement for aviation disaster caused by air traffic controllers.
  • $2,800,000 settlement for the family of a retired military general who died as a result of hospital staff negligence.
  • $2,750,000 settlement for negligence for a bike path accident.
  • $2,700,000 settlement for the family of a mother who died following childbirth as a result of physician malpractice.
  • $2,500,000 settlement for the wrongful death of an incarcerated inmate allowed to develop a fatal infection.
  • $2,500,000 settlement for construction accident case.
  • $2,400,000 settlement for victims of teenage driver speeding.
  • $2,000,000 settlement for man exposed to toxic fumes.
  • $1,650,000 settlement for passengers injured in a motor vehicle collision.
  • $1,600,000 settlement for a pedestrian who was severely injured after being struck and dragged by a truck while crossing a parking lot.
  • $1,225,000 settlement for parents of teen killed in intersection accident.
  • $1,000,000 settlement for a woman who sustained serious injuries in a rooftop fall due to concealed construction defect.

Published Works

Press Releases

Related News

Live Media

Speaking Engagements

  • Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW) Emerging Leaders Group Meeting, Preparing for Partnership: Vital Lessons & Business Skills Associates Must Develop Before Partnership, 2022
  • APA Seminar, Managing Success Through the Art of Preparation and Presentation, 2012
  • NALA Seminar, Demonstrative Evidence – How to Do It Right, 2011
  • State Bar Association, Motor Vehicle Accident Cases: Winning Presentation with the Use of Expert Witnesses and Graphic Illustrations, 2011
  • NBI Plaintiff Personal Injury Seminar, Personal Injury Damages, 2006
  • State Bar of Arizona, CLE in The Red Rocks, Personal Injury Conference, Product Liability Update; Use of Videos, Infographics and Technology in Mediation and Trial.

Languages

Spanish

Other

Judicial Clerkships
Judicial Clerk, Honorable Mary M. Schroeder, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1999-2000

Academic Appointments
Phoenix School of Law, Phoenix, AZ, Adjunct Professor, 2012-2013
Arizona Summit Law School, Phoenix, AZ, Adjunct Professor, 2013-2015

Study Abroad
Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain, 1994-1995

After the death of our son as the result of a tragic car accident, we obtained legal services from Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers. Our lawyers, Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer, filed a Wrongful Death claim on our behalf. We appreciated the professional attention to our case that Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer provided. They handled our case with honesty, respect, and compassion which helped comfort us during a very difficult time. Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer proved to be efficient and driven to obtain the best outcome for our claim. Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers are highly recommended by us!

Kathy Perkins

In April 2023 I was a victim in a serious pedestrian vs. pick up truck accident. My wife and I contacted Shannon Clark of Gallagher & Kennedy and are so glad we did, he got us a swift settlement from the insurance companies. We hope to never be in this situation again, but if we are we will not hesitate to call on Shannon and Gallagher & Kennedy.

Tim HookerGoogle

Robert Boatman and Shannon Clark were extremely professional, thorough, and compassionate representing us in a very sensitive personal injury claim. The availability, expertise, and diligence that they and their team represented in our case returned results that exceeded our expectations while being sensitive to our experience. We are greatly appreciative.

C SGoogle

Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer were great. They represented me in a malpractice lawsuit, and they were very professional and prepared. They kept me abreast of any new developments. We were able to settle out of court with great negotiation skills. I would highly recommend Shannon and Eleanor to anyone! Best decision you could make!

Vicki JamesGoogle

After sustaining injuries in a bicycle-auto crash, I was having immense difficulties in getting the at-fault insurance company to respond or take action. A friend recommended Shannon as a reliable lawyer, so I reached out.  Shannon Clark and Maria Raciti stepped in and took fantastic care of me throughout the case. They were competent, honest, timely, and pleasant. Ethical, competent people are hard to find; Shannon and Maria impressed me on both accounts. I most certainly recommend them.

Matt BardGoogle

I was very happy with Shannon Clark’s representation. He was professional, personable and knowledgeable, and I was very happy with the outcome. He even found an additional insurance policy we did not know even existed. I think anyone who is looking for a good personal injury lawyer would be well-served by choosing him.

Beverly BergGoogle

If you are looking for knowledgeable attorneys, seek Gallagher & Kennedy Law Firm. Shannon Clark and Eleanor J. Shaffer have provided legal representation in my mother’s case. While the personal injury case was quite lengthy, the entire team has been extremely supportive. During the mediation, Shannon advocated for my mother in which the case was able to be resolved outside of court. My mother has received exceptional service and we would highly recommend Shannon Clark, Eleanor Shaffer and his team.

Blanca RuizGoogle

Approximately a year and a half ago, my son was hit by an SUV while walking on the shoulder of a road; he suffered from multiple serious injuries while also sustaining horrific brain trauma. As his mother, I could only hope and pray that he would survive this disturbing event. I was in a state of extreme emotional disbelief being in a position of uncertainty regarding the life of my son. Even if he survived, the uncertainty of the quality of the rest of his life had still proven to be a permanent scar within my mind. This uncertainty was so great, that I had decided to speak to a legal council. By the grace of God, I had thankfully found the most compassionate and intelligent legal team available to me. This legal team had been under the company known as Gallagher & Kennedy Injury Lawyers. Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer were my angels straight from Heaven, blessing me with the promise of legal stability and representation that I had longed for since the incident. They have been there for my entire family throughout this traumatic experience. I can say without hesitation that they have shown the kind of compassion and concern that I desperately needed, which was more than I could have ever hoped for. They had provided attention to the legal aspects of this situation, of which I could not provide because my attention was focused towards the recovery of my son. They had given me the support and care that I had needed in order to push on through this painful event. I can vouch for them in saying that they did not take on this case simply for financial gain, but for moral reasons. If you ever need an attorney to walk you through a case involving an injury, these are the people that you need to contact! They put the victim and their family above all else. God bless everyone at Gallagher & Kennedy who provided all the support and aid to my son, as well as my family.

Mother and Family of Robert

Shannon is an amazing attorney to work with. He is very patient and understanding, as well as very thorough with any explanation process or questions I may have. I appreciate his genuine care as his client and the care he takes in his work!

Alyssa PartidaGoogle

Shannon Clark is an exceptional attorney- definitely one of the best you can find. His whole team is amazing. I especially want to also praise Ashley Fitzgibbons for her dedication to my cause. Shannon’s ability to understand the depth of an intricate and specific healthcare issue and identify the legal recourse was awesome to witness. His experience is obvious in every interaction. His ability to deliver hard truths in a compassionate and empathetic manner is something you cannot teach. I was referred to Shannon as “the best” in the business for my situation by another top AZ attorney. I am so grateful to Shannon for taking my case and for helping me get through a terrible situation.

Kathryn WattersonGoogle

I wholeheartedly recommend Gallagher and Kennedy. I had the privilege of working with Shannon Clark and was impressed by his professionalism, kindness, honesty and integrity. I cant recommend him highly enough.

Rachel IrvineGoogle

We didn’t know Shannon or Bill before we were referred to them by a family friend shortly after our serious auto accident. Shannon and Bill were patient in explaining our options and making sure we knew important details before making key choices. They were extremely professional and knowledgeable through every step of the process. We really felt like we had experts and advocates on our side. They got us a great result.

Wade ThornockGoogle

Shannon Clark and Eleanor Shaffer represented me in a serious car accident case and they did a wonderful job. I felt like they were always available and responsive and they both worked diligently to help me get a great result. I highly recommend anyone looking for an attorney consider Shannon, Eleanor, and the G&K injury team.

GuomingGoogle

My wife and I were in a serious auto accident a few years ago and employed the services of Shannon Clark. Shannon went above and beyond to help us and keep us informed every step of the way through our process, which by the way lasted close to a year from the date of the accident. He was great at presenting all of the details and options that the other person’s insurance company was offering as well as helping us with our own insurance company. He was a huge help in navigating the process.

JEREMYAvvo

Mr. Clark represented my wife and me in an extremely complex construction defect case involving the builder of our 6,000 square foot home. The damage was so extensive, we had to vacate the home for two years. Shannon did an excellent job of keeping us informed every step of the way. He did an outstanding job of negotiating with other parties in a very down to earth, non-adversarial manner. We were very pleased with his professionalism and a feeling that he really cared about our case and us personally. I would highly recommend Mr. Clark and his firm.

STEVEAvvo

Mr. Clark (Shannon) assisted my family on two complex claims and simply put, he is “Excellent”! My family was extremely pleased and grateful for his legal expertise. The one great thing about Shannon is his ability to break down complex legal issues / strategies into layman terms for his clients. Excellent negotiation skills and sincerely works for his clients true maximum benefits. He is responsive, thorough and will always communicate back with you promptly, even when out of the office. Overall – “Outstanding Skilled Attorney”!

BILLAvvo

Shannon is a fantastic attorney and an even better human being. He genuinely cares about his clients and his work. I have known Shannon for over 10 years, worked with him as a client and case investigator. He is top notch!

JASONAvvo

Shannon was the best in handling my case. He was very informative and attentive. He gave me the facts and possible outcomes with my case that were very realistic. He didn’t try to hype up what my case could bring me. He was very straight forward and fair with all costs associated with handling my case. I feel confident that I had the best lawyer handling my case and if the need arises again he will be the first person I call.

JONAvvo

Shannon handled a really challenging international case for me. I texted him and he passed in a huge way. He was totally engaged and made all of the right moves.

JOHNAvvo

I was very pleased with the handling of my case by Shannon Clark and the team at Gallagher & Kennedy. My personal injury case was relatively small by comparison with Mr. Clark’s other cases, but he did not make me feel as if it was. It took time to gather case information for the best results possible. He and his team were always available and were very prompt with responses to my inquires. The case results were better than expected and it was due to his and his firm’s reputation. My family and I are very grateful for everything Mr. Clark and his team did.

PETEAvvo

Shannon is a hard working, honest, responsible and very professional lawyer. He worked on our case long hours and even on the weekends. He will make you feel important and do everything he can to take care of your needs and answer any questions that come up during and after your legal case. My husband and I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer because of a car accident. Not only will he make sure the other driver, who in our case was at fault, is held responsible but also take care of insurance issues and medical bills from beginning to end of your claim. He made sure we didn’t go into collections while awaiting the insurance to pay the huge medical bills I had due to surgery caused by the accident. We are very grateful and pleased to have had him as our lawyer.

AUDREYAvvo

I was in a serious auto accident a few years ago and I was given Shannon Clark’s name as someone that could help me. Shannon and his firm was instrumental in working towards a resolution with a large corporation. My vehicle was totaled and I spent over a year recovering from my injuries. The financial impacts were devastating and limited resourcing to take on a large company. It was a David and Goliath situation and without him I would not have been able to reach a settlement and get my life back. He kept me informed every step of the way and I am forever thankful for not only his legal support but the emotional support.

ELIZABETHAvvo

After being in a serious car accident, Shannon not only was a huge help navigating the legal side but he was so helpful dealing with the emotional side of things. He always emailed back quickly, even if it was 10pm on Saturday night. So kind and so generous!

ASHELLEY E.Yelp

Education

  • Duke University
    J.D., with honors, 1999
    Order of the Coif
    Note Editor, Duke Law Journal
  • Cornell University
    B.A., with distinction, 1996
    Dean’s Scholar
    Phi Beta Kappa
    Phi Kappa Phi

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Arizona, 1999
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1999
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 2001

Associations & Memberships

  • Lawyers Associated Worldwide, Firm Representative
  • State Bar of Arizona, Member
  • The American Association for Justice, Member
  • Arizona Association for Justice, Member and Board of Directors, 2020-Present
  • Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness, Member, 2021-Present
  • The National Trial Lawyers Association, Member
  • State Bar of Arizona, College of Trial Advocacy, Faculty Member, 2022-Present
  • 100 Club of Arizona, Member
  • Trial Law Institute, Member
  • Diversity Law Institute, Member
  • Arizona's Finest Lawyers, Sustaining Member, 2013-Present
  • International Society of Barristers, North American Fellow
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow, Order of Veritas