Chris A. Messerly
Experience
- Member of the consortium of attorneys litigating complex injury and death cases involving the Minneapolis I 35W bridge collapse on a pro bono basis.
Selected Results*
For a young mother and spouse who suffered severe brain damage due to paramedics' negligence, Chris Messerly obtained an $11.1 million verdict that allowed the family to modify their house so that the mother/wife could move from a nursing home to her own home to live with her family. The verdict also allowed the family to obtain around-the-clock care for their mother/wife, to repay past medical costs, and to provide a safe and secure future for the family.
Chris Messerly represented a teenage boy who suffered a severe brain injury when the car in which he was riding collided head-on with a truck. The $10.3 million verdict allowed his parents to buy an accessible home and pay for a care provider for their son. The recovery paid back all past medical costs and provided for all future care, rehabilitation, and security.
A girl was injured at birth due to the medical malpractice. As a result, she suffered permanent injuries that would require care and treatment for the rest of her life. The $4.4 million verdict obtained by Chris Messerly provided for all of the young girl's needs so that neither she nor her parents would have to worry about being able to pay for her future care. The recovery Chris Messerly obtained also paid back the taxpayers of the State of Minnesota who had been paying the girl's significant medical expenses.
Obtained a $2.5 million verdict on behalf of a farmer and his wife. Due to the failure of a neurosurgical team to promptly diagnose and perform surgery on a severe back condition called cauda equina syndrome, the farmer can no longer work on his farm and has lost significant function of his bowel and bladder and much of the use and feeling of both of his legs. The verdict obtained by Chris Messerly provided the funds to allow the family to keep their farm and provide for future medical expenses and loss of income.
Media
Minneapolis attorney Chris Messerly, Past President of the Minnesota Association for Justice, posed with some children and two employees from the Sabathani Community Center who displayed helmets donated by the trial lawyers’ group. The program — called “Lids for Kids” — gave away about 50 helmets. (Minnesota Lawyer, June 25, 2007)
Has made several media appearances including appearances on:
ADR TV (Germany)
American Morning With Paula Zahn (CNN)
Connie Chung Tonight (CNN)Court TV
Dateline NBC
Daytona Beach News Journal (Florida)
Fox News Channel
GMTV (England)
Good Morning America (ABC)
KARE TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
KSTP AM (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
KSTP TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
Minnesota Lawyer
Minnesota Public Radio
NBC Nightly News
New York Times
Pioneer Press (St. Paul)
Post-Bulletin (Rochester, Minnesota)
Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Sun Sentinel (Florida)
The Today Show (NBC)
UPN TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
VIVA! Magazine (Brazil)
WCCO AM (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
WCCO TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
Wolf Blitzer Reports (CNN)
WTMJ TV (Milwaukee)
Recognition
- "Member of the Year," Minnesota Association for Justice (2009)
- Recipient of the second annual "Pro Bono Award" from the American Association for Justice for securing a bridge fund for the victims, as well as assisting the investigation into the cause of the 35W Bridge Collapse (2009)**
- "Professional Excellence Award," from the Minnesota State Bar Association, awarded to a group of lawyers who represented survivors of the 35W Bridge Collapse on a pro bono basis (2009)**
- "Attorney of the Year," Minnesota Lawyer (2008, 2000)**
- "Everyday Hero Award," Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota (2008)
- Named a “Super Lawyer” by Minnesota Law & Politics (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009) **
- Named in “Minnesota’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers” by Minnesota Law & Politics (2009, 2001) **
- Recognized as one of "One Hundred and Fifty Lives That Make a Difference," Hamline University Press (2005)
- “Excellence Award,” Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (1998-1999)
- “Member of the Year,” Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (2000-2001)
- “Distinguished Alumni Award,” Hamline University School of Law (2000)
Memberships
American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
Minnesota Association for Justice (formerly Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association) (Past President; Executive Committee; Board of Governors; Public Relations Committee)
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
State Bar of Wisconsin
American Board of Trial Advocates
Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers
Public Justice
Ramsey County Bar Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Minnesota Million Dollar Roundtable
Civic Associations
- Hamline University School of Law Alumni Association, Past President
- Ramsey County Bar Association hockey team, Captain
- University of St. Thomas Law School Mentoring Program, Mentor
- Hamline University School of Law Advisory Committee, Past Board Member
- Hamline University School of Law, Health Law Advisory Committee (2006-2008)
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy, William Mitchell School of Law, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., Instructor
- Snail Lake Elementary School Mock Trial Program, Past Instructor
- Mounds View School District Advisory Committee, Past Chair
- Mounds View Youth Hockey Association, Coach
- Mounds View High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Girls Hockey teams (2001-2002), Coach
- Shoreview Youth Baseball Association, Coach
- North Metro Junior Football Association, Former Coach
- National Youth Sports Coaches Association
- USA Hockey Coaching Education Program, Certified Coach (Advanced: Level 3)
- Team Minnesota (Governor Pawlenty's hockey team)
- Minnesota Wild Senior Hockey League, Captain
- Minnesota Street Rod Association
- Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, Minnesota
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Minnesota
- U.S. District Court, North Dakota
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
Education
- Hamline University School of Law, J.D., with honors (1986)
- Bowdoin College, B.A.
Articles
-
Mandatory Reporters Must Speak for the Abused Child
Minnesota Association for Justice
(Fall 2007)
-
President's Page: Serving Minnesotans in Many Ways
Minnesota Association for Justice
(Summer 2007)
-
President's Page: Reframing the Debate
Minnesota Trial Lawyer
(Winter 2007)
-
What We Do Is More Important Than Who We Are
Minnesota Trial Lawyer, Volume 31, No. 4
(Fall 2006)
-
Obtaining Justice When A Child Dies
American Association for Justice
(September 2005)
-
Nowhere to Turn: A Glance at the Facts Behind the Supposed Need for Tort "Reform"
Hamline Law Review, Vol.28 No.3, (Summer 2005) (co-authored)
-
When Every Second Counts
TRIAL
(May 2003)
-
Six Lessons I have Learned Representing Linda McDougal
Bill of Particulars (The New York State Trial Lawyers Institute)
(Spring 2003)
-
Proposed Joint Liability Changes Protect Tortfeasors, Not Taxpayers
Minnesota Lawyer (April 30, 2002)
-
BANG! You’re Medical Negligence Case is Dead: Ambushed by the Expert Affidavit Statute
Minnesota Trial Lawyer, Vol. 25, No. 4 (Fall 2000)
(Fall 2000)
-
Trial Techniques: Using a Focus Group Could Help Value Your Case
Minnesota Lawyer (March 27, 2000)
-
Liability of Adverse Medical Examiners
Minnesota Trial Lawyer, Vol. 23, No. 3 (Summer 1998)
-
The Child Witness in Tort Cases: The Trials and Tribulations of Representing Children
William Mitchell Law Review, Vol 24, No. 1 (1998)
Selected Speeches
-
I-35W Bridge Collapse Litigation and Special Fund
ABOTA Minnesota Chapter Meeting, Duluth, Minnesota
(September 25, 2009)
-
Trying the Wrongful Death Case with Little Pecuniary Loss
Minnesota Association for Justice, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(March 31, 2009)
-
Trial Practice & Procedure in Minnesota State Court: How to Litigate the Civil Case
Minnesota CLE, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(November 7, 2007)
-
Electronic Medical Records Liability
Minnesota Association for Justice, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(April 19, 2007)
-
Passion in Advocacy
Minnesota Association for Justice, Minneapolis, Minnesota
(April 13, 2007)
-
Passion in Advocacy
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, Duluth, Minnesota
(March 3, 2007)
How to Avoid Medical Malpractice
University of Minnesota Medical School (March 6, 2007)
Experts/Evidence Issues
Minnesota Judicial College (May 3-5, 2006)
- New Thoughts on Child Death Cases
Wrongful Death Seminar, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (January 27, 2006) - The Life of a Trial Lawyer: Practicing With Passion
ATLA Student Chapter, (January 25, 2006) - Medical Malpractice Claims: The Common, Repetitive Strategies of Learned Treatise Used (Abuse), For Voir Dire Questioning, Improper Cross and the Non-Calling of Witnesses; Oops They Did It Again! Overcoming Common Defense Strategies and Tactics
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (January 14, 2005) - Issues in Wrongful Death Cases – Maximizing Damages in a Child Death Case
Wrongful Death Seminar, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (November 4, 2004) - Passion, Compassion & Damages in Action – 12th Trial Advocacy Seminar
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. (November 4, 2004) - Leveling the Playing Field
Midwest Regional Conference for Women in the Law (April 22, 2004) - Defining Success: All Ages, All Stages – Minnesota Regional Conference for Women in the Law
Minnesota Women Lawyers, Inc. (April 21 - 23, 2004) - The Tort “Deform/Reform" Debate
Hamline University School of Law (April 21, 2004) - 911 Dispatch and Response Time
ATLA’s Emergency Transportation Services Negligence, National College of Advocacy, July 31, 2003. - Pro Tort Deform, Threatening the Right to a Jury, Medical Malpractice Minnesota Institute of Legal Education (April 25, 2003)
- Issues in Wrongful Death Cases – Maximizing Damages in a Child Death Case
Wrongful Death Seminar, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (February 14, 2003) - Lawyers and Paramedics – Mini MBA® In Emergency Medical Services
University of St. Thomas (October, 24, 2003; April 8, 2003; October 9, 2002; October 3, 2001; April 4, 2001; October 12, 2000; April 6, 2000; October 14, 1999) - Using Technology to Prove Your Case to the Jury. The Trial Lawyers Toolbox – Building The Winning Case
Iowa Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Des Moines, IA (November 7, 2002) - Witness Choices. The Toolbox – the Mechanics of Trying the Case
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (October 4, 2002) - Expert Witnesses – Effective Use Of Medical Experts
Minnesota Institute of Legal Education (June 5, 2002) - Medical Malpractice 2001 – The Good, The Bad and The Truly Frightening: Overview of (a) The Status of CIVJIG 91.40 after Blatz v. Allina and Orbeck v. Larsen (b) Current Status of Affidavit of Expert Review Statute (c) Current Status of Retroactivity of 1999 Change to Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (September 21, 2001) - Overview Of a) The Status Of CIVJIG 91.40 after Blatz v. Allina and Orbeck v. Larsen, b) Current Status Of Affidavit Of Expert Review Statue, And c) Current Status Of Retroactivity Of 1999 Change To Medical Malpractice Statue Of Limitations. Medical Malpractice, The Good, The Bad, And The Truly Frightening
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (September 21, 2001) - Expert Witnesses – Particular Issues in Medical Negligence
Minnesota Institute of Legal Education (June 21, 2001) - Handling the Automobile Accident Case – Legislative Update - Auto Law Issues
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (April 12, 2001) - Legal Issues And Concerns Related To AEDs In The Workplace. Automated External Defibrillation for the Workplace
American Heart Association (March 15, 2001) - Don’t Blow Your Last Chance
Continuing Legal Education Day, Hamline University School of Law (October 6, 2000) - Birth Injury and the Law
Trinity Health Symposium on Perinatal Medicine & Women’s Health Care (September 23, 1999) - Confidentiality of Medical Records – How to Avoid Getting Sued
Minnesota Institute of Legal Education (May 6, 1999) - Improper Disclosure (Or Failure to Disclose) Medical Records- A Statutory Right to Recover Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Minnesota Institute for Legal Education (May 6, 1999) - Preparing and Presenting the Child Witness: The Trials and Tribulations of Representing Children
American Association for Justice Winter Convention (January 23-27, 1999) - Experts: Do You Really Need Them? If So, How to You Find Them and What Do You Do with Them?
Hamline University School of Law Alumni Day (March 6, 1998) - Expert Witnesses, The Real Story – Practice Tips for Cross Examination of Experts
Minnesota State Bar Association (February 13, 1998) - Children in Civil Cases – The Trials And Tribulations of Representing Children: Who Is Your Client? Children in Civil Cases
All District Legal Education (May 9, 1997) - Medical Negligence – Direct Hospital Liability – The Newest Development in Negligent Credentialing
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (February 7, 1997) - The Fine Art of Representing Children – The Trials and Tribulations of Representing Children
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. Eighth Trial Advocacy Seminar (October 18, 1996) - Insurance Coverage for the 21st Century – Sexual Misconduct: How Far Does the Clinic’s Coverage Extend?
Professional Legal Education Resource Center (June 11, 1996) - What Are Medical Records? The Legal And Practical Aspects Of Obtaining And Using Medical Records
Minnesota State Bar Association (October 19, 1995) - Unraveling the Mystery of Medical Records – What are Medical Records?
Minnesota State Bar Association (April 21, 1994) - Maximizing Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Minnesota Continuing Legal Education (January 27, 1993)