Practice Areas
Expertise
As one of the most highly-respected civil litigation firms in Wisconsin, Simpson & Deardorff specializes in several practice areas.
Simpson & Deardorff provides insurance coverage analysis for auto, commercial, general liability, professional liability, homeowners, and specialty lines. Whether the issue is potential risk transfer, priority of coverage involving multiple parties, layered coverage, or any other complex coverage situation, we provide seasoned, thoughtful opinions tailored to each case.
If pre-suit negotiations fail, our attorneys will file declaratory actions regarding primary and excess coverage issues. We are experienced in conducting examinations under oath and regularly attend mediations in the companion tort claim to ensure all parties understand the coverage available to settle claims. This strategy has effectively assisted in the settlement of claims that, without coverage intervention, would not have come to a resolution.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Jennifer M. Burns, Michelle D. Johnson
Simpson & Deardorff has defended motor carriers and their insurers for decades. We provide a timely response to new claims, and review compliance with FMCSA and State of Wisconsin regulations so our clients are aware, early on, of any potential regulatory issues. Our attorneys offer valuable insight, helping our clients understand the full picture of a claim. Simpson & Deardorff has access to a vast network of experts, including accident reconstructionists and engineers, to ensure a thorough and complete investigation.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause
Simpson & Deardorff is frequently retained in the immediate aftermath of an incident to provide rapid response and investigation, counseling the involved parties to navigate the various law enforcement or other governmental investigations that may ensue.
Enlisting the help of engineers or accident scene experts to promptly assess the situation is crucial. Simpson & Deardorff’s attorneys will formulate the appropriate strategies needed to ensure accuracy, compliance, and objectivity, and minimize unforeseen complications.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Joseph M. Mirabella, Nicole R. Radler, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause
The firm has defended construction claims brought by or against owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, suppliers, and design professionals. We provide representation to clients in general building construction including industrial, commercial, and residential structures. Our attorneys have experience with allegations of defective and negligent design, defective products supplied to construction projects, and construction design defects that have caused catastrophic failure or environmental concerns.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Nicholas S. Harkness
Simpson & Deardorff defends insurers of commercial entities and residential homeowners from personal liability and damage suits resulting from alleged incidents occurring on their property.
Our attorneys meticulously investigate and evaluate claims to provide clients with a strategic, cost-effective litigation plan. The firm’s knowledge of personal injury law and expertise in gathering pertinent records and reports allows us to identify medical and causation issues quickly.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Jennifer M. Burns, Nicholas S. Harkness, Michelle D. Johnson, Jackson T. Thiel, Danial H. Yeh
The attorneys at Simpson & Deardorff possess decades of experience defending insurers and businesses in serious personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other catastrophic incidents. Our attorneys prepare for trial from the moment we are retained, identifying the liability and causation issues central to the incident, and utilizing subject matter experts to investigate pertinent issues. Our legal team efficiently gathers and evaluates medical records, including details of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. We target discovery to the needs of each individual case, often resulting in settlement or dismissal.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Jennifer M. Burns, Nicholas S. Harkness, Michelle D. Johnson, Jackson T. Thiel, Danial H. Yeh
Simpson & Deardorff provides business clients with the insight and strategies necessary to avoid expensive and protracted litigation. We counsel clients regarding development of best practices and contractual provisions to ensure compliance with applicable law. When litigation becomes necessary, we employ creative and thoughtful legal strategies to maximize positive outcomes.
Attorneys
Simpson & Deardorff’s attorneys are experienced in evaluating the merits of a potential appeal, analyzing complex legal issues, researching the backgrounds and tendencies of the members of an appellate panel, and effectively communicating our client’s position to the appellate panel through written briefs and oral presentations.
Our attorneys are admitted to and experienced practicing before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and the Seventh Circuit. They are passionate about crafting persuasive legal and policy arguments in support of our clients’ positions, often on issues of first impression requiring analysis of statutory interpretation, legislative history, and surveys of other jurisdictions. We strive to stay at the cutting edge of the law through our appellate work, helping to shape Wisconsin law on critical issues facing our clients.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Joseph M. Mirabella, Nicole R. Radler, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause
Subrogation is an essential legal tool that protects insurers’ financial interests. Our attorneys work on behalf of insurance companies to aggressively pursue subrogation recoveries following third-party claims. Our attorneys have helped insurers maximize their recoveries by litigating on behalf of our insurance clients. We seek to achieve amicable resolutions that minimize our clients’ costs whenever possible.
Attorneys
Joseph M. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Nicholas S. Harkness, Danial H. Yeh, Jackson T. Thiel
Our team has specialized knowledge of Wisconsin law regarding enforcement of homeowner and businessowner policies, appraisals and other estimating tools. Simpson & Deardorff’s attorneys strongly defend against damage claims of hail, wind, fire, water, and other instances where weather and bad faith laws make it easy to make unrealistic, inaccurate claims.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Jennifer M. Burns, Michelle D. Johnson
Simpson & Deardorff has a long-standing reputation for effectively defending insurance carriers in litigation involving allegations of first party insurance bad faith, including claims arising out of auto, home, and commercial lines. Our attorneys aggressively litigate issues of first impression regarding the many complexities in this area of law.
The threat of a potential bad faith action hangs over insurance carriers with ever increasing frequency. We understand the risks and potential hazards, and work with our clients to minimize exposure.
Attorneys
Christine M. Rice, Nicole R. Radler, Joseph M. Mirabella, Brittany L. Mirabella, Maria B. Krause, Jennifer M. Burns, Michelle D. Johnson
The use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in business, commercial, insurance, and other disputes generally results in a more expeditious, economical, and private resolution for all parties involved. Our attorneys are experienced in facilitating mediation and arbitration. We apply our decades of experience and trial lawyers and counselors to your dispute, and provide the neutrality, objectivity, and emotional intelligence needed to guide both parties to a mutually acceptable solution.