About Melissa A. Davidson

With over two decades of experience at Hankey Marks & Crider, Melissa A. Davidson has established herself as a formidable litigator in the realms of personal injury and disability law.

Melissa’s legal career is built on a foundation of psychology and public service. Her prior experience with the Indiana Department of Family and Children provided her with a “boots-on-the-ground” understanding of the challenges her clients face—knowledge she now uses to dismantle the bureaucratic hurdles of Social Security and insurance carriers.

Since joining Hankey Marks & Crider in 2000, Melissa has channeled that same protective instinct into her legal practice. Whether she is navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability and ERISA or fighting for the injured in personal injury cases, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her years in social services.

A seasoned trial attorney, Melissa is a frequent presence in both State and Federal Courts. While she is licensed in Indiana, her reputation for disability advocacy often takes her to Federal Courts across the country.

Outside the Courtroom, when she isn’t in trial, Melissa is likely seeking inspiration in the outdoors. An avid painter, hiker, and angler, she splits her time between Indiana and Florida to ensure she stays active (and near the water) year-round.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree – Psychology – Ball State University
Juris Doctorate – Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Professional Associations

American Association for Justice
American Bar Association
Indianapolis Bar Association
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR)

Courts Admitted

All Indianapolis State Courts
United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 2006
United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 2006
United States Circuit Court for the 7th Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Awards

Case Victories

Kelly v. GEPA Hotel Owner Indianapolis LLC, 993 N.E.2d 216 (Ind. Ct. App. 2013)
Precedent-Setting Appellate Victory:
- Obtained a published Indiana Court of Appeals decision reversing summary judgment for a hotel and elevator company in a personal injury case. The court held the trial court improperly excluded the plaintiff’s expert and confirmed that the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur—which allows a jury to infer negligence from the accident itself—can apply to elevator malfunctions. This ruling protected the plaintiff’s right to a jury trial and serves as a published precedent for injury claims involving elevator malfunctions across the state.

Speaking Engagements

Speaker at the DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) 2009 National Conference regarding disability benefits and mental health conditions.
Speaker at the 2014 Indiana Key Consumer Mental Health Conference
Presenter to RHI (Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana) in 2016 regarding injury-related claims with a special focus on Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Long Term Disability benefits.

Contact Information

Melissa A. Davidson
Hankey Marks & Crider
429 E Vermont St #200
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 634-8565
Fax: (317) 634-9818

What Clients Have to Say

I would refer anyone to Hankey Marks & Crider. I have nothing to say but a group of excellent people. Anytime I had any questions is all I had to do was call my rep and they would get back with me within 24 hours with my answer. I would like to personally thank Hankey and his staff for making this such a great experience!!!! I can never thank you enough.

Tiffney R.

I had been denied my Social Security the first time about 12 years ago. I gave up, I didn't file an appeal. UI did everything I could to work and help with our expenses, to no avail. About 3 years ago I felt forced to try to file again, even encouraged by my Dr. Again, I was denied. But this time I didn't give up. I needed the help and I believed by law I should have it. So I called Hankey Law. I was skeptical at first and my husband was even more so. The wait for a hearing is beyond crazy and there is very little anyone can do to speed it up. During the wait the Hankey team was there to help with my anxiety and impatient fears. They continued to keep my medical information current. We finally went to court, twice The Hankey Team was there all the way to the end and then some. We won!!! I couldn't just thank 1 or 2 people at Hanky they really are a team. We used to snicker when Mr. Hanky said in those commercials "We hope you never need us, but if do we're here when need us". I'm not sure that's the exact quote but it's 100% true. I'm very grateful they were there when I needed them.

Shelby S.

Lynne was very helpful and informative guiding me through the twist and turns involved with achieving Disability benefits. With her talented and professional knowledge I was awarded Disability. Highly recommend Hankey Marks & Crider.

Randy G.

Several years ago I became seriously ill, had to give up my job and needed help in getting Disability. Within 1 day of asking others Hankey's Law Office was recommended by 5 people! It was a no brainer. Hankey it would be. I was extremely naive & nervous with the process and needed a lot of guidance. Hankey's staff was very pleasant & helpful. My biggest shout-outs go to Jered, my Case Manager and Sondra Burger, the Attorney for my case. Jered had the patience of a saint to field my nerves and questions. He was always prompt with return phone calls and handled my questions in a calm, kind and knowledgeable manner. Sondra Burger was the advocate you need as you go to Court. She gave clear directions and stood strong beside me as I answered my questions. She made sure and errant answer would not affect my case. I was fully aware of her presence and support, leading me to speak up for myself and my needs. I am sincerely grateful.

Cindy T.

I recommend Hankey Marks & Crider to everyone I know that needs assistance. They are top notch people. Everyone that I've had the pleasure of being in contact with has been very helpful and always get back to you in a timely manner. We most recently worked with Stacy Crider and Melissa Davidson, and they were both fantastic. Thank you for all your help and for listening to my problems. You're great!!!

Kim B.

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