Anthony S. Cottone

Partner
M  804.664.5996
O  804.806.4802
acottone@byrnecanaanlaw.com

Anthony (Tony) Cottone is an accomplished trial attorney who has built his career on defending healthcare professionals and organizations in high-stakes medical malpractice litigation. He represents physicians, dentists, healthcare groups, specialized care facilities, and national hospital systems across a wide range of disciplines, including orthopedics, obstetrics, neurology, oncology, and long-term care. Known for his strategic advocacy and deep knowledge of the healthcare industry, Tony is trusted to protect both the reputations and livelihoods of those who provide essential medical services to our communities.

Beyond malpractice defense, Tony’s practice extends to professional board investigations, commercial disputes, general liability matters, and appellate advocacy. His work has earned recognition throughout Virginia and beyond—he was named a “Go To Lawyer” in Medical Malpractice Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2022) and honored as Legal Elite in Civil Litigation by Virginia Business Magazine (2023-2025).

Tony is also a recognized leader in the field. He has served as the Chair of the Professional Liability Defense Federation’s Healthcare Committee and Chair of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys’ Medical Malpractice Section, where he frequently writes and speaks on cutting-edge healthcare and litigation issues. He is currently a Board Member at Large for the Virginia Association of Defense Attorney’s. His publications include in-depth analyses on medical malpractice caps, provider liability, and evolving standards in patient safety and risk management.

With a reputation for excellence in the courtroom and leadership in professional organizations, Tony combines sharp litigation skills with a commitment to advancing the defense bar and supporting the healthcare professionals he represents.

Representative Results

  • Defense Verdict – LEEP Procedure (Henrico County Circuit Court, 2025) Lead attorney in a five-day jury trial against an OB/GYN physician facing a $1,000,000 demand for alleged negligence in the performance of a LEEP procedure. Unanimous defense verdict. Tried with Michael Millstein.
  • Defense Verdict – Wrongful Death/Alleged DVT Misdiagnosis (Fairfax County Circuit Court, 2025) Five-day wrongful death trial defending an orthopedic surgeon and practice group accused of failing to diagnose deep vein thrombosis one week before the patient's death. Successfully established that DVT was not present at the time of the office visit. Unanimous defense verdict. Tried with Sean P. Byrne.
  • Defense Verdict – Post-Operative Anticoagulation (Fairfax County Circuit Court, 2024) Six-day jury trial defending a spine surgeon and practice group against claims of inadequate discharge instructions following spinal surgery. Demonstrated that the surgeon provided repeated, appropriate anticoagulation guidance and that the patient, who was managed by multiple specialists, made a full recovery. Unanimous defense verdict. Tried with Sean P. Byrne.
  • No-Pay Dismissals Secured and negotiated numerous no-pay dismissals on behalf of healthcare provider defendants across a range of clinical specialties.
  • Murphy v. Olive, Court of Appeals of Virginia, Record No. 0865-23-2 (2024) Won summary judgment in a medical malpractice case involving alleged negligent treatment of a chemical burn resulting in bilateral toe amputations, then successfully briefed and argued the appeal before the Court of Appeals of Virginia. The Court rejected all eight of plaintiff's assignments of error, including challenges to discovery rulings, disqualification motions, and evidentiary decisions. Certiorari subsequently denied by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
  • Motion to Dismiss Granted on Grounds of Legal Nullity (Prince William County Circuit Court 2026) - Plaintiff's lawsuit against skilled nursing facility dismissed for irreparable  procedural defects.
  • Motion to Dismiss Granted for Lack of Expert Certification (Henrico County Circuit Court 2026)- Lawsuit surrounding medical negligence related to sleep appliance dismissed for failure to comply with Va. Code § 8.01-20.1.
  • Motion to Dismiss Granted on Sovereign Immunity (Norfolk City Circuit Court 2025)- Personal injury matter dismissed against municipality on the pleadings based on sovereign immunity.
  • Selected as “Go To Lawyer” in Medical Malpractice Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly – 2022
  • Recognized as “Legal Elite” in Civil Litigation by Virginia Business Magazine – 2023 & 2025
Licensure
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • Virginia
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Academic Credentials
  • Widener School Of Law, JD, 2012 Cum Laude
  • Syracuse University, BS, Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Political Science, 2005
Associations & Professional Memberships