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Chris Messerly

Chris Messerly
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Chris Messerly

Partner

camesserly@rkmc.com


Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.
800 LaSalle Avenue
2800 LaSalle Plaza
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Phone: 612.349.8500
Toll Free: 1.800.553.9910
Fax: 612.339.4181

Experience

Chris Messerly began his career at Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. in 1981 as a part-time messenger, weekend receptionist, and clerical aid.  Since then, he has committed the last twenty-five years of his life as an attorney representing families and individuals who have been injured in cases involving medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability and other harm caused by wrongdoers.  Aside from attending college for four years in Maine where he played hockey, Chris has lived his entire life in Minnesota.  He and his wife of 30 years have three children. 

The following are examples of cases in which Chris has helped individuals and families:*

  • Pro Bono Legal Services for the Survivors and Those Who Lost Loved Ones in the I-35W Bridge Collapse.  Chris Messerly  was the spokesperson and a leader of a 17 law firm consortium providing legal services to the over 100 survivors and  those who lost loved ones on August 1, 2007 when the I-35W Bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River.  Our firm has provided free legal services to its clients.  In 2008, we helped secure a legislatively created $37 million compensation fund for survivors and those who lost loved ones.  In 2009, we recovered additional compensation from PCI Corporation, the construction company which placed thousands of pounds of construction material on the bridge the day it collapsed.  In August 2010, URS Corporation, the company hired by the State to provide engineering services on the bridge, agreed to pay more than $40 million to settle the Consortium clients' claims.  An additional $1.5 million was recovered from URS which all attorneys representing those on the bridge will donate for the construction of a memorial.  In total, more than $77 million has been recovered for survivors and those who lost loved ones and Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. attorneys and staff devoted more than 20,000 pro bono hours to the case.  For his efforts, Chris was featured in "After the Collapse: Personal injury lawyer Chris Messerly tackles the 35W bridge collapse," Minnesota Super Lawyers' magazine (June 2011).
  • For a young mother and wife who suffered severe brain damage due to paramedics' negligence, Chris 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 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 suffered brain damage at birth due to medical malpractice. As a result, she suffered permanent injuries that would require care and treatment for the rest of her life. Chris obtained a $4.4 million verdict to provide 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 also paid back the taxpayers of the State of Minnesota who had been paying the girl's significant medical expenses.
  • Chris obtained a $2.5 million verdict on behalf of a Wisconsin 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 money recovered provided the funds to allow the family to keep their farm and provide for future medical expenses and loss of income.
  • Chris represented a woman who suffered facial scars and depression when she requested a light chemical peel by dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Carney of Skin Speaks Spa, M.D., who then proceeded to perform a deeper acid peel.  Although our client asked for the procedure to stop when she was in pain, the doctor continued.  After seven days of trial, the jury unanimously awarded our client $986,639.11.

* Past results are reported to provide the reader with an indication of the type of litigation in which we practice and does not and should not be construed to create an expectation of result in any other case as all cases are dependent upon their own unique fact situation and applicable law.

Media

NLADAChris Messerly receiving the 2010 Arthur von Briesen Award along with his law partners Philip Sieff and James Chin, Gary Windom (far left), NLADA Board Chairperson, and Jo-Ann Wallace (far right), President and CEO of NLADA.  (Photo courtesy of NLADA)



LidsMinneapolis 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)


Second Harvest Chris, Captain of the Ramsey County Bar Association Hockey Team, helped collect 200 pounds of food which was donated to Second Harvest food shelf. The food (and checks to buy many more hundreds of pounds of food) was collected at the 21st annual International Barristers' Cup Hockey Tournament held at the Vadnais Heights Sports Center on April 9, 2011. The contributions came from the members of the bar association hockey teams from Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, Duluth/Iron Range, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

 

Chris has made several media appearances including appearances on:

  • The Today Show (NBC)
  • Good Morning America (ABC)
  • Dateline NBC
  • NBC Nightly News
  • CBS Early Show
  • New York Times
  • Court TV
  • Fox News Channel
  • American Morning With Paula Zahn (CNN)
  • Connie Chung Tonight (CNN)
  • GMTV  (England)
  • ADR TV (Germany)
  • VIVA! Magazine (Brazil)
  • And many other television shows and newspapers nationwide.

Recognition

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2012 edition) 
  • Named "Litigator of the Week," by The AmLaw Litigation Daily (August 26, 2010)** 
  • Recipient of the National Law Journal "Pro Bono Award" (2010)**
  • First recipient of the "Chris Messerly Community Service Award" from the Magnuson Chapter of the National Legal Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta (2010)**
  • Recipient of the "Arthur von Briesen Award," National Legal Aid & Defender Association (2010)** 
  • Law360 "Pro Bono Firm of 2010" for representing clients in the I-35W bridge collapse case (2010)**
  • "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, 2010, 2011) **
  • "Professional Excellence Award," from the Minnesota State Bar Association (2009)** 
  • Named a "Litigation Star," Legal Media Group Benchmark Litigation Survey (2010, 2011)** 
  • Recipient of the "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)** 
  • "Excellence Award," Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (1998-1999)**
  • "Member of the Year," Minnesota Association for Justice (2008-2009, 2000-2001)** 
  • Recognized as one of "One Hundred and Fifty Lives That Make a Difference," Hamline University Press (2005)**
  • "Distinguished Alumni Award," Hamline University School of Law (2000)**
  • Named in “Minnesota’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers” by Minnesota Law & Politics (2009, 2001)**

**Being named to the list or receiving the award is not intended and should not be viewed as comparative to other lawyers or to create an expectation about results that might be achieved in a future matter.

Memberships

  • American Board of Trial Advocates, President, Minnesota Chapter
  • American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
  • Minnesota Association for Justice (formerly Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association) (Past President; Executive Committee; Board of Governors)
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • 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, Former President
  • Ramsey County Bar Association hockey team, Captain
  • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Captain of hockey team in "Lawyers on Ice" to help raise money for legal aid
  • Hamline University School of Law Advisory Committee, Former Board Member
  • Hamline University School of Law, Health Law Advisory Committee, Former Board Member 
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy, William Mitchell College of Law, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., Instructor
  • Snail Lake Elementary School Mock Trial Program, Former Instructor
  • Mounds View School District Advisory Committee, Former Chair
  • Mounds View Youth Hockey Association, Former Coach
  • Mounds View High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Girls Hockey teams,  Coach (2001-2002)
  • Shoreview Youth Baseball Association, Former Coach
  • North Metro Junior Football Association, Former Coach
  • USA Hockey Coaching Education Program, Certified Coach (Advanced: Level 3)
  • Minnesota Wild Senior Hockey League, Captain
  • Minnesota Street Rod Association
  • Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, Minnesota
  • Ironman Triathlete (Ironman St. George 2010; Great Floridian Triathlon 2008)
  • Twin Cities Marathon (1984-present)
  • USA Hockey, Member
  • USA Triathlon, Member

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 (St. Paul, Minnesota, 1986)
  • Bowdoin College, B.A. (Brunswick, Maine, 1981)
  • Mounds View High School (Arden Hills, Minnesota, 1977)

Articles

  • The Robins Justice Report - Special Edition
    The Robins Justice Report (Summer 2011)
  • Mandatory Reporters Must Speak for the Abused Child
    Minnesota Association for Justice (Fall 2007)
  • President's Page: Serving Minnesotans in Many Ways Focus on the Future
    Minnesota Association for Justice (Summer 2007)
  • President's Page: Reframing the Debate Focus on the Future
    Minnesota Trial Lawyer (Winter 2007)
  • What We Do Is More Important Than Who We Are Focus on the Future
    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)
  • 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, Iowa (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)