Zachary B. Hayden
A former medical malpractice defense attorney, Zachary believes most medical professionals work hard for their patients—but when preventable mistakes cause life-changing harm, he is relentless in holding those responsible accountable.
The fight is personal.
Zachary Hayden brings a rare and powerful advantage to medical malpractice litigation—an advantage earned by years spent on the other side. Before joining McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips in January 2024, Zachary spent five years defending hospitals, physicians, and nursing homes in complex medical malpractice and nursing home negligence cases at a South Carolina defense firm. He began his legal career as a Staff Attorney for the South Carolina Supreme Court, where he developed a strong foundation in legal analysis, precision writing, and how judges evaluate high-stakes cases.
Few plaintiff attorneys possess the sort of insider knowledge Zachary brings to the courtroom. Having worked as a pharmacy technician during his formative years and defended medical institutions and their insurers, he understands exactly how cases are evaluated behind closed doors—how liability is minimized, how expert witnesses are selected and attacked, and how defense strategies are built from day one. These experiences allow Zachary to quickly spot red flags, anticipate defense tactics before they are deployed, and communicate effectively with medical experts and juries alike. It is this perspective that makes him especially dangerous to defendants and invaluable to injured patients and families.
Zachary approaches every case with the same mindset: preparation wins cases, and details matter. He is relentless in uncovering the truth and committed to holding medical providers accountable when preventable mistakes cause life-altering harm.
Beyond the courtroom.
Growing up, Zachary was one of five children in a close-knit family where there was no shortage of competition, laughter, or fun. Having moved six times as a child, he learned early how to adapt, connect with people from all walks of life, and embrace new challenges. Branching away from the family’s healthcare tradition, Zachary opted to pursue law and became the first attorney in the family.
Outside the office, Zachary values time spent with his wife Katie, two sons Henry and Charlie, and their beloved dogs. He also enjoys cooking, playing guitar, travel, and golfing. A Virginia Tech Hokies and Washington Commanders fan, he takes pride in cheering on his teams, even when times are tough.
