Chip Horner’s law practice focuses on defending medical negligence lawsuits, including high exposure birth trauma claims, ophthalmology, autism, failure to diagnose cancer, wrongful death and surgical matters. He is experienced in all aspects of health law.
Chip’s clients range from large integrated health systems to solo practitioners, nurses, midwives, dentists, and many different allied health professionals. Chip also represents clients before licensing boards in Oregon and Washington and advises his clients on related health law matters. Additionally, he has experience in general liability lawsuits, including Employer Liability Law, premises liability and motor vehicle accidents.
Clark (Chip)'S PRACTICE AREAS
- Dental Malpractice Defense
- Health Law
- Healthcare Data Security, Privacy, and HIPAA Compliance
- Insurance Coverage Litigation
- Licensing, Board Matters, and Regulatory Agencies Representation
- Long-Term Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Home Liability Defense
- Medical Malpractice Defense
- Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Defense
- Premises Liability Defense
- Product Liability Defense
Obtained defense verdict for clinic and providers after three-week long trial in $20+ million lawsuit alleging failure to diagnose cancer.
Obtained defense verdict for hospital system in claims alleging negligence by hospital OBGYN.
Obtained defense verdict for OB/GYN in $40+ million lawsuit after 3-week trial alleging failure to diagnose herpetic lesion leading to neonatal herpes encephalopathy.
Obtained defense verdict for mental health group in $3 million wrongful death claim alleging inadequate cognitive behavioral therapy leading to suicide.
Obtained dismissal of institutional client in $10 million breast cancer claim alleging failure to identify and treat cancer recurrence and successfully defended re-filed case leading to second dismissal.
Achieved positive resolution for health insurance plan against claims of unfair trade practices, negligence, and breach of contract in alleged inadequate care for autism lawsuit.
Obtained eve-of-trial dismissal for orthopedic surgeon in alleged failure to appropriately repair labral tear.
Successfully defended large medical group over claims of failure to appropriately diagnose and treat possible thyroid cancer.
Successfully resolved a wrongful death claim brought against a large long-term care facility.
Successfully resolved multimillion dollar claim against a periodontist for alleged failure to diagnosis cancer.
Prevailed on Motion for Summary Judgment in sepsis related lawsuit filed by a health care provider against multiple medical providers.
Defended provider against sexual abuse allegations.
Achieved positive outcomes for many Oregon and Washington health care providers in board actions against them.
Filed private petition in juvenile court on behalf of hospital to require DHS to locate a secure non-hospital environment for minor.
Lewis and Clark College
Northwestern School of Law
J.D., 2001
University of Michigan
B.S., Natural Resources and Environment, 1997
Hart Wagner LLP
Partner, 2011-present
Associate, 2003-2010
The Honorable Jerome LaBarre
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Judicial Clerk, 2001-2003
Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center
Legal Intern, 2001
Oregon State Courts
Washington State Courts
US District Court: District of Oregon
England and Wales, UK
Best Lawyers in America
Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2024
Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2024
Multnomah Bar Association
American Bar Association
Defense Research Institute
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Professional Liability Publications Liaison, 2011
Professional Liability Committee Vice Chair, 2012
Owen M. Panner American Inn of Court, 2002-2006
“Oregon Civil Pleading and Litigation”
Authored chapter for Oregon State Bar, BarBooks, April, 2020
“Ask the Expert”
The Scribe, May 2014
“Electronic Medical Records – Pitfalls and Practicalities”
The Verdict, Oregon Association of Defense Counsel Magazine, Summer 2011
Oregon Medical Association Basic and Advanced Training in Risk Management, 2013 – 2018
“The Anatomy of a Medical Negligence Lawsuit,” The American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants Annual Meeting, March 2018
OHSU, Medical Student Presentation, 2015 – 2017
“Demystifying Medical Malpractice,” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Oregon Section Meeting, 2016
“Anatomy of a Lawsuit,” OHSU Medical Student Presentation, 2016
“Medical Negligence 101,” Podiatry Residency Training, 2016
Personal Activities
Outside of work, Chip enjoys coaching his son’s ice hockey team, playing hockey himself, as well as camping, hiking, climbing and traveling with his family.