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Testimonials
From the book “Scout’s Honor: Sexual Abuse in America’s Most Trusted Institution.
None of this story could have been told without Doug Wessel, the attorney who got that first batch of [Confidential] Files, and his clients … [Doug’s] work and the willingness of the family involved to get through a wrenching trial is the foundation for all that is known about sex abuse in the Boy Scouts of America.
– From the book “Scout’s Honor: Sexual Abuse in America’s Most Trusted Institution.”, Doug’s client was a young Boy Scout sexually abused by a Scoutmaster previously convicted of sexually abusing Boy Scouts in another state. Doug obtained by Court Order 10 years of the secret Confidential Files of the Boy Scouts of America that graphically detailed the sexual abuse of Boy Scouts by hundreds of Scout leaders. Doug submitted these Confidential Files into evidence, and, thereafter, the Boy Scouts instituted warnings and other safety measures credited with preventing sexual abuse of an untold number of boys.
KT, wife of brain-injured Client JT.
[My husband] is a fellow who has had an extremely tough life. Thank goodness you worked your magic for him. Otherwise, he probably would be on the streets. Today he lives with freedom thanks to what you were able to do. You enabled him to embrace a future full of possibilities. You saved his life and helped to insure his future. Know that what you do is life altering for those you help. You are my hero. Lordy, I will never forget all those calls with you bouncing off your brilliant ideas. Maybe when we believe in something we are unstoppable. You had such passion. You never gave up even when I, at times, did. You wove a tale of truth. Keep working your absolutely brilliant legal mind. You have some crazy skills. The process was amazing for me to witness. I never in my life had the opportunity to see anyone do what you were able to do. By the grace of God, we got Doug. You worked a miracle. We are humbled that God saw fit to put you in our life. You are 1 of 5 people I’ll see in heaven because you touched my life in such a big way. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Forever grateful. Forever your friend.
– KT, wife of brain-injured Client JT. , Defendant trucking hired convicted murderer who hit fellow trucker JT over the head with a hammer during an argument on the road. Case referred to Wessel after Tennessee attorney offered to settle for $750,000. Settled for $3,000,000 in available insurance coverage shortly before trial.
SE, injured in car crash.
Mr. Wessel was kind to me from the first day I met him. He fought for my daughter and me, and he was genuinely concerned about our health and well-being. He was relentless. The insurance company did not accept the $500,000 verdict in my case and appealed, and we won again. I am grateful for his help, professional attitude and kindness during that very difficult time in my life
– SE, injured in car crash. , Defendant’s insurer offered $25,000 of $100,000 insurance coverage. $500,000 verdict affirmed by Virginia Supreme Court. Insurer paid entire judgment of $563,000.
SH, victim of physical assault by employer/business magnate.
Doug, you are a truly great lawyer. I am so grateful to you and for your hard work. You had faith in me when I had lost faith in myself. Thank you for hanging in there with me. I’m grateful for having you as my lawyer/friend. You are a wonderful and great man, and I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless you and your family.
– SH, victim of physical assault by employer/business magnate. , Arbitration award for compensatory and punitive damages.
JD, victim of rape in store parking lot.
A great advocate. He helped turn my life around.A great advocate. He helped turn my life around.
– JD, victim of rape in store parking lot., Confidential settlement
CH, injured in car crash.
We won because Doug controlled the case and the trial.
– CH, injured in car crash.
SN, injured in car crash.
You really are a Super Lawyer.
– SN, injured in car crash., $500,000 settlement for all available insurance coverage.
NH, injured in car crash.
I could write all day long and it still wouldn’t be enough to praise what a dedicated attorney Doug Wessel is. He is a sharp strategist and truly cares for his clients. Invest your trust in him and he will fight for you until the very end.
– NH, injured in car crash. , Settlement for all available insurance coverage.
“Top Doctor” and expert witness in 2020 regarding Doug’s representation of suicidal victim of mild traumatic brain injury.
You actually saved someone’s life.
– “Top Doctor” and expert witness in 2020 regarding Doug’s representation of suicidal victim of mild traumatic brain injury. , Case settled for all insurance coverage of $500,000.
Expert witness in 2021 in Doug’s brain-injury case.
You are amazing at what you do.
– Expert witness in 2021 in Doug’s brain-injury case., Verdict of $7,000,000.
Neuropsychologist and expert witness in 2020 regarding Doug’s brain-injury research for Client’s case.
The documentation you prepared for this case was by far the most comprehensive I have ever seen.
– Neuropsychologist and expert witness in 2020 regarding Doug’s brain-injury research for Client’s case.
2021
It is so exciting when the good guys pull ahead.
– 2021
Opposing counsel in Doug’s brain-injury trial. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
Wonderful job presenting your case … your closing argument was a thing of beauty.
– Opposing counsel in Doug’s brain-injury trial. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
Opposing counsel in another of Doug’s brain-injury trials. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
That was the best direct examination of a plaintiff I’ve ever seen.
– Opposing counsel in another of Doug’s brain-injury trials. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
Opposing counsel in still another of Doug’s brain-injury trials. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
Nobody else could have done this.
– Opposing counsel in still another of Doug’s brain-injury trials. Multi-million-dollar verdict.
2021
You are a total rock star.
– 2021
2025
Doug is an “outstanding warrior of the best kind.
– 2025
2021
What you’ve accomplished is truly remarkable and will help TBI clients all over Virginia. Excellent lawyering.
– 2021
2021
What you’ve accomplished is truly remarkable and will help TBI clients all over Virginia. Excellent lawyering.
– 2021
2021
Outstanding advocacy … great job on behalf of all TBI [traumatic brain injury] survivors.
– 2021
2022
Doug is “tireless, creative, imaginative, energetic, persistent, and zealous in his advocacy at every step of the way.
– 2022
2023
Doug is “one of the most creative and skilled thinking-everything-through lawyers I know.
– 2023
2023
You “demonstrate very sophisticated understanding that is the result of strong knowledge of the law combined with extensive practical experience, and the good judgment to discern effective courses of action.”
– 2023
2021
What a brilliant piece of work. Proud to know you and thanks from all of our present and future clients.
– 2021
2024
Outstanding strategy and preparation throughout. This is the stuff of which great lawyers are made. And you are clearly one. You brought justice to someone who suffered horrifically. She was lucky to have you as her champion.
– 2024
2025
Great lawyering – your tenacity (that I’ve always admired) is what impresses me the most.
2024
Simply a phenomenal result.
– 2024
2024
Spectacular work.
– 2024
2025
Sweet, sweet justice.
– 2025
2025
You likely do not realize it, but you have had an outsized influence on me as I have been coming along as a trial lawyer. I recognized long ago that you are one of the best attorneys around, and I have greatly appreciated your thoughtfulness, thoroughness, attention to detail, and cleverness ever since. I have read depositions you have taken just so that I can try to be a better lawyer.
– 2025
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.