Elizabeth R. Merritt

Elizabeth Merritt focuses her civil trial practice on professional liability matters, defending healthcare professionals and appraisers in malpractice litigation. Additionally, Ms. Merritt devotes a significant portion of her practice to business litigation, personal injury, premises liability, and employment matters. She also handles domestic relations cases, including divorce, custody, visitation, child support and guardianship. Ms. Merritt regularly appears in Massachusetts and Rhode Island state and federal courts.

Representative Accomplishments

After oral argument, Ms. Merritt blocked a lawsuit against a physician by persuading a Massachusetts Superior Court judge to deny a motion to amend the complaint, which order was upheld on appeal to the Massachusetts Appeals Court. She successfully removed a medical malpractice case to the Massachusetts Superior Court in order to convene a medical malpractice tribunal, which led to a dismissal of the lawsuit. In federal court, Ms. Merritt persuaded a judge to deny an opposing party’s request to preclude expert opinions at trial. On behalf of a real estate appraiser, she persuaded a federal judge in Rhode Island to grant summary judgment, dismissing all claims, including negligent misrepresentation and fraud. In a case involving serious personal injuries, Ms. Merritt recently obtained a substantial six-figure settlement on behalf of an individual seriously injured while riding a bicycle.

Seminars

Ms. Merritt has lectured on healthcare legislation, veterinarian malpractice and Medicare reporting requirements.

Publications

Ms. Merritt is co-author of the "Lunch With Legends" article series published bi-monthly in  the Rhode Island Bar Journal. Lunch With Legends highlights the trailblazers, trendsetters and treasures of the Rhode Island Bar.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• Editorial Board of the Rhode Island Bar Journal
• Rhode Island Bar Association
• Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association
• Family Court Bench Bar
• American Bar Association
• Rhode Island Bar Association's Animal Law Committee
• Providence Chamber of Commerce
• Rhode Island Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Project
• Secretary and a board member to The Manton Avenue Project