Richard J. Zabbo is an experienced civil litigator whose practice focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in professional liability suits throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Rich was named by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2010, 2011, and 2013 – 2018. He was selected as a Super Lawyer in the field of Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice in 2019.
Additionally, Rich is a Special Lecturer in Healthcare Law at his alma mater, Providence College. His course is a requirement for all undergraduate students majoring in Healthcare Policy & Management and covers various topics including medical liability, informed consent, healthcare privacy and healthcare fraud and abuse.
In March 2011, Rich was appointed by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chafee to serve as a member of the Rhode Island Health Care Reform Commission. The Healthcare Reform Commission was tasked with advising the Governor in terms of implementing federal healthcare reform, with the overall goal of accessible and affordable healthcare for all Rhode Islanders.
Prior to joining the firm, Rich worked for over nine years in Providence, Rhode Island at a regional litigation firm with an emphasis on medical malpractice and complex business litigation.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys cooking, fishing, running and spending time with his wife and two children. He is also a former member of the Providence College Cross Country and Track Teams. Rich currently serves as a Board Member of the Providence College Greater Providence (Mal Brown) Alumni Club.
Suit against surgeon for claim of negligent positioning of patient during surgery
Otolaryngologist sued after patient developed labyrinthitis
Wrongful death claim against anesthesiologist following administration of anesthesia
Suit against podiatrist for claim of negligent delay in diagnosing occlusive arterial disease
Participation as a panel member in this Rhode Island Bar Association presentation to recently admitted members of the Rhode Island Bar, June 16th, 2006 in Providence Superior Court, Providence, RI.
Taking Depositions Workshop, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, 2018, 2019.
American Bar Association
Suffolk University Law School Alumni Association, Rhode Island Chapter
Super Lawyer Rising Star 2010-2011, 2013, 2015-2018
Medical Malpractice Defense 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
Peer recognition as an outstanding attorney, 40 or under. Recognition as a Rising Star is limited to no more than 2.5% of lawyers licensed to practice in the state.
Massachusetts State (2003) and Federal (2006)
Juris Doctor May 18, 2003
Semifinalist, Thomas C. Clark Oral Advocacy Competition, 2002.
Recipient of Suffolk University Law School First Year Distinguished Oral Advocate Award in recognition of outstanding performance in oral advocacy.
President, Health Law Society, 2002 – 2003.
Member, Student Bar Association Board of Presidents, 2002 – 2003.
Providence College Providence, RI
B.S. Health Policy and Management, cum laude May 21, 2000
Alpha Epsilon Delta National Honor Society, Pre-Health Professions.
Tau Pi Phi National Honor Society Accounting, Business and Economics.
Academic All Big East Selection, Cross Country and Track 1997 – 1999.
Richard J. Zabbo
Tel: (617) 701-7932
rich@bergstresser.com
