Dustin J. Denning
Email: djdenning@cml-law.com
Areas of Concentration:
Trial Practice, including the defense of medical malpractice, general liability, insurance, products liability and employment claims; Labor Relations
General Background Information:
Dustin is a shareholder in the firm. He specializes in civil defense litigation in state and federal courts, with a particular emphasis on the defense of health care providers, including hospitals and physicians, in medical malpractice claims. Dustin also defends employment and premises liability claims throughout the State of Kansas. He has extensive experience in counseling and defending employers on topics ranging from claims of sexual harassment, to ADA and FMLA. Dustin also represents electrical cooperatives in labor negotiations with unions.
The following are some representative results that Dustin has obtained on behalf of clients:
- Obtained a defense verdict from a jury on behalf of a hospital in a wrongful death medical malpractice case in which the final demand was in excess of $1,000,000.
- Obtained a defense verdict from a jury on behalf of an orthopedic surgeon in a medical malpractice claim in which the amount sought at trial was in excess of $450,000.
- Obtained a defense verdict from a jury on behalf of a nursing home in a personal injury claim in which the amount sought was in excess of $300,000.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of an insurance company in an uninsured motorist (UM) claim. Richert v. McHone and American Family Mutual Insurance Company, 35 Kan.App.2d 417, 135 P.3d 767 (2006).
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a physician in a medical malpractice case where causation was challenged.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of an employer sued in federal court under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dustin has obtained his “AV® Preeminent™” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, which is its highest rating for lawyers who have obtained a reputation among their peers for exemplary professional expertise, experience, stature, and high ethical standards. 
Dustin has also been selected for inclusion in the 2018 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America © in the areas of Medical Malpractice – Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America © is based entirely on peer review and recommendations of lawyers with experience working in the same practice areas as those receiving recognition. Dustin was recently recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants for the Wichita area.
Dustin is a Salina native and received his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. His peer memberships include the Kansas Association of Defense Counsel, in which he serves as Past President, and DRI. He is a past president of the Saline-Ottawa Counties Bar Association.
Education:
University of Kansas (B.A., Political Science, 1995; J.D., 1999).
Memberships:
Saline-Ottawa Counties Bar Association (Past President); Kansas Bar Association; Kansas Association of Defense Counsel (President 2012); DRI; Kansas Association of Hospital Attorneys.
Community:
- Salina Education Foundation, Inc. Trustee of Board of Directors (2002-05); Nominating Committee (2002-03)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, Inc., Board of Directors (1999-2005); Executive Committee (2001-05); Secretary (2001-05); Personnel Committee (1999-05)
- Salina Area United Way Key Accounts Committee (2001-02)
- Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Salina Program, (2001) Volunteer, Diplomat (2002)
