Honors and Awards:
Quarter Finalist
Fredrick Douglas Moot Court Competition Community Involvement: - Man to Man Mentor/Mentoree Program in the City of Detroit, Mentor. - Urban Solutions, Inc. Board of Directors - Motor City Optimist Club, Charter Member and Trustee - Volunteer Coach for Southfield Lathrup Falcons - Brother Rice High School Dad's Club, Board of Directors Law Review:
- Detroit College of Law Review
- Northwestern University, BS Lectures/Classes Taught: - Minority Bar Review course, Wolverine Bar Association
- Career Days at Detroit Public Schools Published Works, Articles and Op Ed's: - Michigan Medical Law Report, "Chaperones are Necessary Eyewitness for Both Patient, Doctor." | Professional Associations and Memberships: - Wolverine Bar Association, Past President, Past Executive Board
- Michigan Association for Justice,
Executive Board Sustaining, Board of Directors
- American Association for Justice, Michigan Minority Delegate Representative & State Delegate
- American Bar Association
- National Bar Association,
past Special Assistant to the President, past member
of Judicial Review and Selection Committee
- Federal Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan, Judicial Qualifications Committee
- Wolverine Bar Association, Clerkship Committee Professional Accomplishments: An eight year old was taken to surgery to correct “bow legs” and a presumed anesthesia error left the child with significant brain damage. Although the hospital and doctors insisted that they had done nothing wrong, a settlement just under 7 million dollars was paid after Mr. Watkins investigated and worked up the case. An unsuspecting 19 year old basketball player suffered from a connective tissue disorder that made him susceptible to aortic dissections. He presented to an ER with acute chest pain and was sent home only to return with worsening symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment was allegedly delayed two days, almost claiming the young man’s life. However, the majority of his intestines required removal and Mr. Watkins was retained to seek recourse. The details of the settlement are subject to a non-disclosure agreement. A frustrated mother who had sought help from multiple attorneys for her son’s Cerebral Palsy diagnosed after 2 years of life. NO one was able to see a case. However, Mr. Watkins uncovered an apparent oversight. The child had been misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated for his seizure disorder which resulted in further deterioration. The matter was prosecuted to a multi-million dollar settlement, the details of which are subject to a non-disclosure agreement. A 44 year old husband and father presented to his family physician with reports of chest pain prompting performance of EKGs and referral for cardiac evaluation, including a stress test. While portions of his cardiac evaluations were abnormal, no catheterization was pursued. Within weeks thereafter the young man died of an acute myocardial infarct. The family consulted Mr. Watkins about whether the death should have been prevented. Top notch cardiac experts were consulted by Mr. Watkins’ firm and testified under oath that their family member had a better than 90% chance to live had appropriate and timely catheterization been pursued. The family’s settlement is subject to a non-disclosure agreement. |
