Tom lends an experienced hand to clients looking to minimize their risks from catastrophic accidents, product liability and insurance matters, both before and after litigation ensues.

Overview

When difficulties spark threatened or real litigation, utilities, pipelines, propane companies, and appliance and equipment manufacturers rely on Tom's over four decades of experience.

Tom has extensive experience in defending clients in all stages of litigation involving fires, explosions and other catastrophic accidents. Tom collaborates with his consumer products and manufacturing clients to develop warning programs and risk management strategies. He also helps resolve insurance coverage disputes involving insurance coverage and claims of bad faith.

Experience

  • Defended and advised utilities in $100 million lawsuits involving power outages at oil refineries and other critical infrastructure installations.
  • Tried lawsuits in state and federal courts in Missouri, Kansas, Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Washington.
  • Led the defense of complex catastrophic personal injury suits and complex commercial disputes.
  • Argued appeals before the Missouri Supreme Court, Missouri Court of Appeals, United States Court of Appeals for the Second, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits, and Texas Court of Appeals.
  • Coordinated investigations and crisis responses involving explosions, fires and accidents involving significant personal injury and property damage.
  • Defended declaratory judgment, garnishment and contract actions involving insurance coverage and bad faith.

News & Insights

Recognitions

Recognitions

Pro Bono Publico Award, The Missouri Bar, 2020

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® list, 2017-2027 for Product Liability Litigation–Defendants

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

The Missouri Bar 

Kansas Bar Association 

State Bar of Montana

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association 

Propane Gas Defense Association 

Rotary Club of Kansas City, Club 13 

Admissions

  • Missouri, 1984
  • Kansas, 2008
  • Montana, 2016

Education

University of Illinois, J.D., 1984

University of Kansas, B.A., with highest honors, 1981

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