Recognitions & Memberships
Now Reviewing — Confidential
Major Claims Currently Under Review
Our office is accepting confidential case reviews in three significant areas. Click any card below to read more, or call (559) 439-7500.
Institutional Abuse — Los Angeles
LA County Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse
For adults who were sexually abused, coerced, or retaliated against while held in Los Angeles County juvenile halls or probation camps — including Central, Barry J. Nidorf, Los Padrinos, and Camp Joseph Scott. Litigation continues despite recent settlements.
Read More & Confidential Review →Institutional Abuse — CDCR
California Women’s Prison Sexual Abuse
For women sexually abused, coerced, threatened, or retaliated against at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF, Chowchilla) or the California Institution for Women (CIW, Chino). Active federal civil rights investigation.
Read More & Confidential Review →Environmental — Central Valley
Nitrate Well Water Contamination
For Central Valley families whose private wells or community drinking water has been contaminated with nitrate — Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Merced, and Stanislaus counties. Documented contamination tied to dairy and agricultural operations.
Read More & Talk With Us →Track Record
Over more than 25 years of practice, Attorney Milligan has recovered many millions of dollars on behalf of clients. Our work spans catastrophic personal injury, institutional accountability, and government-entity defendants throughout California.
A note on confidentiality
Many of our most substantial matters are subject to confidentiality agreements and cannot be discussed publicly. The peer recognitions, board certifications, and forum memberships displayed on this site reflect work that includes those matters. Where you see those credentials, you are seeing the result of cases we are not free to describe.
Millions
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case turns on its own facts.
About Attorney David L. Milligan
Welcome. I’ve dedicated more than 25 years to helping those who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries get the justice and compensation they deserve. Throughout my career, I’ve remained focused on one goal: to serve my clients with diligence, integrity, and respect.
I’m humbled and honored to have earned the trust of people across Central California—including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Bakersfield, and Modesto—by standing up for their rights. If you’ve been injured and need an advocate, know that I will always fight to protect your best interests.
- Board-Certified Civil Trial Specialist
- Millions recovered for injury victims
- Highly rated by peers and clients alike
- Personalized, one-on-one attention
Credentials & Recognition
Below are my professional credentials. While I’m grateful for each recognition, what truly matters is how they translate into skilled advocacy for my clients. These honors reflect years of rigorous work, proven results, and a dedication to doing what’s right.
Certified Specialist, Civil Trial
State Bar of California
Being recognized by the State Bar of California as a Certified Specialist means I’ve demonstrated tested expertise in civil litigation. Very few attorneys achieve this distinction, which involves a separate exam and peer evaluations. For my clients, it’s reassurance that they have someone officially recognized as highly proficient in handling complex trial work.
Board Certified, Civil Trial
National Board of Trial Advocacy (Recertified 12/20/2020)
The NBTA’s Board Certification is recognized nationwide as a hallmark of high-level trial capability. Lawyers who earn this go through strict screening, peer review, and must have extensive courtroom experience. Recertification proves a sustained commitment to ethics and skill, so clients know I continuously meet the highest standards for trial attorneys.
Ranked Associate, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
ABOTA membership is by invitation only, reserved for trial lawyers who meet strict qualifications for number of jury trials and professional integrity. Fewer than 10% of attorneys nationwide qualify. Being a Ranked Associate means judges and peers recognize my proven ability in the courtroom and my respect for the civil jury trial system.
Past President, Central California Trial Lawyers Association
Serving as President of a major regional trial lawyers association shows the trust my colleagues place in me. It was an honor to help guide and support other trial lawyers in our community. For clients, it highlights my dedication not just to my own practice, but also to the broader mission of justice for the injured.
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
An AV Rating is the highest mark Martindale-Hubbell bestows, based on peer reviews of both skill and ethics. Earning “AV” signifies preeminent standing in the legal profession. I’m grateful that other lawyers have recognized my commitment to professional excellence.
NITA Master Advocate
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
The National Institute for Trial Advocacy is known for its rigorous, hands-on training in courtroom skills. Earning the status of “Master Advocate” shows I’ve focused extensively on mastering trial advocacy—conducting jury selection, cross-examinations, and arguments in a way that clearly tells my client’s story.
Super Lawyer (2016–Present)
Super Lawyers is a rating service recognizing outstanding lawyers with high degrees of peer recognition and professional achievement. Being selected repeatedly means I’ve been consistently recognized for my trial work, ethics, and positive outcomes for clients.
Life Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
This forum includes attorneys who have won million-dollar or multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients. It’s about producing real, tangible results that profoundly impact clients’ lives. Earning life membership here reflects a track record of fighting to maximize outcomes, especially when everything is on the line.
U.S. Navy Veteran
Serving in the United States Navy instilled in me a profound sense of duty, perseverance, and integrity. I believe in service beyond self—and I bring that mentality to every case, working diligently so clients know they have an advocate who truly cares about their well-being.
While I’m thankful for each of these honors, my focus remains on how these experiences help me be a better advocate in court. Every accomplishment reflects the hard work, skill, and values I strive to bring to every case, large or small. If you choose to work with me, know that my commitment to excellence and ethics will guide every step of your legal journey.
Practice Areas
Three pillars of work, each pursued to verdict when needed. We represent injured individuals against companies, government entities, and the people responsible.
Pillar I
Catastrophic Personal Injury
Severe, life-altering injuries — the cases where the medical record alone tells a story.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal injuries requiring surgery
- Loss of limbs / amputations
- Burn injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Severe nerve damage; CRPS / RSD
- Aviation accidents (DLM is an instrument-rated pilot)
- Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents
- Serious construction worksite injuries
- Work-related third-party civil claims
- Wrongful death and survivor actions
- Dog attacks
Pillar II
Institutional Accountability
Cases against the public and private institutions whose failures or misconduct caused the harm.
- Sexual abuse in juvenile facilities and probation camps
- Sexual abuse in women’s prisons (CDCR, CCWF, CIW)
- Failure to supervise / failure to protect
- Negligent hiring and retention
- Cover-ups and institutional silence
- Government-entity liability
- Civil rights violations by public agencies
- Cases revived under California’s AB 218 framework
Pillar III
Environmental & Toxic Exposure
Cases where industrial or agricultural operations have damaged the environment people live in and depend on.
- Nitrate contamination of well water
- Drinking water contamination from agricultural sources
- Dairy and CAFO-related groundwater claims
- Property and health impacts of contamination
- Source identification through expert hydrogeology
- Loss of property value from contamination
What we do not handle: medical or dental malpractice, or workers’ compensation claims (though we do handle work-related third-party civil claims).
Where We Litigate
Our office is in Fresno. Our practice is statewide. We accept matters where the facts and venue support our involvement, and we appear in the courts that fit each case.
Home Court
Fresno County Superior Court is our home court. We have appeared in Fresno County for more than 25 years.
Central Valley
Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, Kings, Tulare, Kern, and San Joaquin County Superior Courts. We try cases throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Statewide Reach
Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento, the Bay Area, and other California courts when our involvement makes sense for the case.
Federal Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, when federal jurisdiction is appropriate or required.
Co-Counsel & Referrals
We accept co-counsel arrangements with attorneys whose cases are well-suited to our trial practice. Fee-sharing per CRPC 1.5.1.
Travel Where Needed
Attorney Milligan is an instrument-rated pilot and routinely travels for depositions, hearings, and trial.
What Clients Say
A small selection from the reviews our clients have left on Google. Read all of them at the link below.
★★★★★
“I appreciate Attorney Milligan’s dedication to my case. He is a great attorney and has a great staff. I highly recommend him.”
— Pushpinder Kler
★★★★★
“I’m so happy today my case finally came to an end with a perfect win paid in full thanks to Mr. Milligan. The wait was worth it.”
— Rozanne L. Rodriguez
★★★★★
“Mr. Milligan quickly responded to all of my calls and emails, and he put my mind at ease during a very stressful process.”
— Terin M.
★★★★★
“He is the best attorney I’ve ever had to use. He always returns phone calls. Very nice staff. David Milligan is an amazing attorney and person.”
— Charly Huber
★★★★★
“I had to leave a message and got a call back the same day. My questions were answered and everything was explained in detail.”
— Estefana Sierra
★★★★★
“David is sharp, knows his stuff, and is willing to go the extra mile for his clients.”
— Parag Amin
★★★★★
“I highly recommend the Law Offices of David Milligan. He has handled my cases, as well as my family’s.”
— Jennifer Ortiz
★★★★★
“Although not a client, I wish I had chosen David L. Milligan as my attorney after a motor vehicle accident.”
— Gwynn Clark