Our elder abuse attorneys are here to help you fight for what’s right, every step of the way.
David T. Marks
Chairman & Co-Founder
CONTACT INFO
(855) 529-6296
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BAR ADMISSIONS
- Texas Bar
EDUCATION
- South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, J.D. (December 1977)
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas, B.A. (December 1974)
About David T. Marks, Chairman & Co-Founder at Marks Balette Young & Moss
David T. Marks is a relentless advocate for justice, driven by a deep compassion for those harmed by corporate negligence. With over three decades of experience, he is widely recognized for his exceptional courtroom skills and meticulous approach to trial preparation—leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of the best possible outcomes for his clients. His career has been defined by landmark cases, including some of the largest verdicts in the United States arising from the wrongful death or catastrophic injury of nursing home residents.
David's commitment to this vulnerable population was forged in the crucible of a highly publicized murder case: State of Texas v. Autumn Hills Convalescent Center, Inc. In 1979, as a young criminal district attorney, he inherited a file that would consume the next seven years of his professional life. This case, the first in the nation to charge a corporation with murder by omission, pitted him against the state's top defense lawyers. The eight-month jury trial exposed the devastating consequences of corporate greed, revealing how Autumn Hills's decision to cut essential services and supplies in pursuit of profit led to widespread resident harm and care deprivation. This experience indelibly shaped David, solidifying his understanding of the human cost of corporate irresponsibility and igniting a fire within him to champion the cause of public advocacy.
Driven by this profound experience, David dedicated his career to representing those abused and neglected by corporations across the country. His compassion fuels his unwavering pursuit of justice, leading him to become a powerful force for change in the realm of nursing home accountability. For over 20 years, he has been actively involved in legislative efforts to improve the enforcement of nursing home regulations, helping to shape the standards by which these corporations are held responsible. His expertise has been recognized by the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging and the Health and Human Resource Committee of the Texas House of Representatives, where he has testified as an expert witness.
David's dedication extends beyond the courtroom. He has tirelessly championed legislative reforms to protect nursing home residents. For example, after securing a settlement that required the largest nursing home operator in Texas to maintain a corporate registry of employees terminated for abuse or neglect, barring their reemployment within the chain, he advocated for the expansion of this system to all Texas nursing homes.
Further demonstrating his commitment, he played a key role in drafting and supporting the passage of House Bill 3386, closing a dangerous loophole in the state's criminal history screening process that allowed a known felon with a history of abuse to gain access to vulnerable residents. David's tireless efforts, often undertaken on behalf of his clients, have been instrumental in protecting the lives and well-being of countless individuals.
His expertise and dedication have made him a sought-after speaker and educator. David frequently receives requests from across the country to share his knowledge with practicing attorneys and healthcare professionals on topics ranging from trial advocacy to the critical issues impacting the health and safety of the elderly.
David T. Marks's unwavering commitment to advocacy, profound compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice forms the very bedrock of how clients are served at Marks Balette Young & Moss.
His influence permeates the firm's culture, shaping its values and guiding its approach to every case. It's not merely about legal representation; it's about a deep, personal investment in each client's well-being and a tireless dedication to achieving the best possible outcome.
This compassion isn't just a sentiment; it's a driving force. It fuels his meticulous approach to case preparation, ensuring that no detail is overlooked, no stone unturned. This thoroughness stems from a genuine desire to understand the full impact of the injustice suffered by his clients, allowing him to craft the most compelling and effective legal strategies. He instills this same level of care and attention in every member of the firm, fostering an environment where clients feel heard, understood, and truly supported throughout the often daunting legal process.
David's pursuit of justice is not simply about winning cases; it's about achieving meaningful results for his clients. He understands that legal battles often have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the individuals directly involved but also their families and communities. Therefore, the firm prioritizes understanding the unique needs and goals of each client, tailoring their approach to achieve the most impactful and positive outcomes. This client-centered philosophy, inspired by David's leadership, ensures that every case is handled with the utmost care, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the human element involved. At Marks Balette Young & Moss, justice is not just a concept; it's a lived experience, meticulously pursued with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a real difference in the lives of their clients.
DAVID HAS BEEN FEATURED ON
ARTICLES WRITTEN BY DAVID T. MARKS
Lynn Fitzhugh, Individually and As Representative of Geraldine Jones Pyle, Deceased vs. Telesis/Walnut Place Nursing Home, Inc.
Insurance Giant Found to be Partner in Operation of Bankrupt Nursing Home Chain -Liability May Exceed One-Half Billion Dollars
AWARDS & HONORS
- The National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) honored David in 2005 with its Special Appreciation Award for his effective promotion of residents’ rights and in supporting NCCNHR’s national advocacy in improving accountability and quality in nursing homes.
ASSOCIATIONS
- Sub-Committee on Nursing Home Regulation and Enforcement (1984-1985)
- Institute Of Medicine
- National Academy Of Science, Washington, D.C.
- Medical Malpractice Committee
- Texas Trial Lawyers Association (1992-1994)
- Discovery Abuse Committee
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1992-1994)
- Sub-Committee on Nursing Home Regulation and Enforcement;
- Institute of Medicine, and the National Academy of Science.
INVITED FACULTY
- American Academy of Forensic Science
- The United States Department of Justice
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- The Southern Trial Lawyers of America
- The American Association for Justice
- The National College of District Attorneys
- The University of Arkansas School of Medicine
- The University of Texas School of Nursing
- Texas Tech School of Nursing
- State Bar of Texas
- The National Association of Medicaid Fraud Examiners
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NOTABLE CASES & SETTLEMENTS
Mendoza v. Summit Care Corp., et al. (02/22/2006)
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Waites v. Beverly Enterprises, Inc., et al. (12/08/1997)
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Goodson v. Luminant, et al. (08/03/2009)
View Article
Bailey v. Senior Living Properties, LLC, et al. (07/23/2003)
View Article
LEGAL PUBLICATIONS
“Why Institutions Lose Lawsuits (And Why They Might Deserve To),” Memorial Hermann Hospital System, Pressure Ulcers and the Law, Houston, Texas, August 2008.
“Deconstructing A Landmark Resident-on-Resident Abuse Nursing Home Case Against Summit Care Corp.,” Memphis, Tennessee, October 2006.
“Litigating Pressure Sore Cases,” Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Houston, Texas, August 2002.
“Ten Guidelines for Nursing Home Litigators In Bankruptcy Cases,” State Bar of Texas Nursing Home Liability CLE Presentation, Dallas, Texas, November 2002.
“10 Principles of Prosecuting a Pressure Sore Case,” Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Phoenix, Arizona, October 2001.
“Key Areas of Financial Accountability & Compliance,” National Citizens Coalition of Nursing Home Reform, October 2001.