John Hartwell Cocke

Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

4.0 (1 reviews)

Clarksdale, Mississippi

50+ years experience

Merkel & Cocke PA

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Contact Information

662-337-8486

https://www.merkel-cocke.com/attorneys/john-hartwell-cocke/

30 Delta Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614-1388

Create an account to contact this attorney

Bio

After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975, Mr. Cocke moved to Clarksdale, MS to begin practicing in a general litigation firm. In 1982, Mr. Cocke and Mr. Merkel left that firm and established Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and since that time the emphasis of Mr. Cocke's practice has progressed more and more toward medical malpractice. At the present time his practice is exclusively devoted to handling medical negligence cases for the plaintiff, either as a result of direct contact by the client or as, more commonly occurs, on referral from other attorneys who are not familiar with the handling of medical negligence cases. Mr. Cocke handles all types of medical negligence cases, but a uniform requirement is that serious injury or death have occurred as a result of the medical mistake. Mr. Cocke has handled many "brain damaged baby cases," as well as deaths as a result of the failure to treat in the emergency room setting and the premature discharge of patients after surgery, as well as failure to promptly diagnose cancer. Mr. Cocke has developed a particular interest in the use of modern technology in medical negligence cases and has spoken at seminars on this subject. The Internet has developed into a very useful tool in conducting medical research and communicating with other attorneys handling similar cases via the Internet is also a major help in the handling of medical cases. Mr. Cocke has been selected Best Lawyer of the year in 2012 and 2016 in The Memphis area in the field of Medical Malpractice and has been selected a Best Lawyer and Super Lawyer every year since 2006. After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975, Mr. Cocke moved to Clarksdale, MS to begin practicing in a general litigation firm. In 1982, Mr. Cocke and Mr. Merkel left that firm and established Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and since that time the emphasis of Mr. Cocke's practice has progressed more and more toward medical malpractice. At the present time his practice is exclusively devoted to handling medical negligence cases for the plaintiff, either as a result of direct contact by the client or as, more commonly occurs, on referral from other attorneys who are not familiar with the handling of medical negligence cases. Mr. Cocke handles all types of medical negligence cases, but a uniform requirement is that serious injury or death have occurred as a result of the medical mistake. Mr. Cocke has handled many "brain damaged baby cases," as well as deaths as a result of the failure to treat in the emergency room setting and the premature discharge of patients after surgery, as well as failure to promptly diagnose cancer. Mr. Cocke has been selected Best Lawyer of the year in 2012 and 2016 in The Memphis area in the field of Medical Malpractice and has been selected a Best Lawyer and Super Lawyer every year since 2006.

Practice Areas

Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Memphis (2024)
Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Memphis (2021)
Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Memphis (2019)
Lawyer of the Year: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Memphis (2016)
Lawyer of the Year: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Memphis (2013)
Recognized: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Practice Area: Medical Malpractice Law
Special Focus: Birth Trauma
Special Focus: Catastrophic Injury
Special Focus: Mediation
Special Focus: Medical Devices
Special Focus: Medical Negligence
Special Focus: Personal Injury
Special Focus: Wrongful Death
Super Lawyer - Medical Malpractice Mid-South

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007

Education

University of Virginia, J.D., graduated 1975

Get Directions on Google Maps

Reviews

John Scott

3 weeks ago

Highly Recommended for Medical Malpractice Cases

Mr. Cocke was an absolute professional in handling my medical malpractice case. His 50 years of experience in general practice, particularly in medical malpractice law, was evident in the way he navigated the complexities of my case. He was awarded Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs in Memphis multiple times, and it's clear why. His deep understanding of the legal nuances and his ability to present my case effectively were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome. While I appreciate the thoroughness and dedication he brought to my case, I did notice that his response times to emails and calls were sometimes slower than I expected. However, this was a minor inconvenience compared to the exceptional legal expertise he provided. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a seasoned attorney in this practice area.