Chris Messerly

When life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence or a devastating accident, navigating the legal system to seek justice can feel overwhelming. For families and individuals in Minnesota, having a compassionate yet formidable advocate by their side is crucial. In our local community, one name stands out for his unwavering commitment to the injured: Chris Messerly. Known for his distinguished career and profound impact, Chris Messerly has built an outstanding reputation as a caring and highly-accomplished attorney dedicated to serving those who have suffered severe injuries or losses.

Chris Messerly’s career is marked by a deep commitment to service and a remarkable ability to achieve significant results for his clients. He has specialized in representing individuals and families in some of the most challenging and impactful cases, including medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability. His work has not only secured substantial verdicts and settlements that have transformed the lives of his clients, but he has also been instrumental in shaping new law in Minnesota, particularly to protect vulnerable populations like child abuse victims. This dedication to both individual justice and broader societal change truly sets him apart.

His impressive track record extends to some of the most high-profile and complex cases our state has seen, including playing a pivotal role in securing compensation for victims of the I-35W bridge collapse. This level of experience and proven success in such profound cases demonstrates a lawyer who is not only deeply knowledgeable in the intricacies of personal injury and medical negligence law but also possesses the strategic foresight and determination required to prevail against formidable opponents.

For Minnesotans seeking legal representation in the aftermath of a catastrophic injury or a tragic loss, Chris Messerly offers more than just legal expertise. He offers a partnership built on empathy, rigorous preparation, and a relentless pursuit of justice. His numerous accolades and the heartfelt testimonials from those he has helped underscore his dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of his clients, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve to rebuild their futures.

Chris Messerly's practice, while associated with a larger firm like Robins Kaplan LLP, has a central and easily accessible location in the heart of Minneapolis, making it convenient for clients across the Twin Cities and beyond. His office address is 800 La Salle Ave Lounge, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA.

This address places the office within a prominent downtown Minneapolis building, typically associated with professional services and legal practices. La Salle Avenue is a well-known street in the downtown core, offering excellent connectivity and ease of navigation for visitors. For those driving, the downtown area provides numerous parking ramps and lots within a short walking distance of 800 La Salle Avenue, ensuring that clients can find convenient parking when attending appointments.

The location also boasts superb public transportation access. Minneapolis's robust bus network has multiple stops close to La Salle Avenue, providing connections from various neighborhoods and suburban areas. Additionally, the office is within close proximity to several METRO light rail stations, including the Nicollet Mall Station (Blue and Green Lines), which offers a direct link from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, downtown St. Paul, and other key areas throughout the metropolitan region. This strong public transit infrastructure makes it particularly convenient for individuals who rely on buses or trains to reach their destination.

Being situated in such a central and accessible part of Minneapolis underscores the firm's commitment to client convenience and accessibility. For Minnesotans seeking legal counsel, the ease of reaching this office minimizes travel burdens and allows for a more focused and stress-free engagement with their legal team. The professional environment of the downtown core also contributes to a sense of confidence and seriousness in addressing critical legal matters.

Chris Messerly has cultivated a distinguished legal career primarily focused on advocating for individuals and families who have suffered significant harm due to negligence or wrongdoing. His practice areas are highly specialized, focusing on complex litigation that seeks to secure justice and compensation for victims. Based on his public profile and reported cases, his core services include:

• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs: This is a cornerstone of his practice. Chris Messerly represents individuals who have been injured or suffered losses due to medical negligence, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, medication errors, and failures to treat. His record includes significant verdicts and settlements in cases involving severe brain damage from paramedic negligence ($11.1 million verdict), failure to diagnose blood clots ($2.5 million wrongful death jury verdict), and numerous other instances of medical professional accountability.
• Personal Injury Litigation: He is a leading advocate for those who have sustained injuries in various types of accidents caused by the negligence of others. His work in this area encompasses a wide range of incidents, including catastrophic injuries, severe accidents, and cases where individuals have suffered profound physical and emotional trauma. He secured a $40 million settlement on behalf of the I-35W bridge accident victims and their families, highlighting his capacity to handle large-scale personal injury claims.
• Products Liability: Chris Messerly represents clients who have been harmed by defective or dangerous products. This involves holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for products that cause injury due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.
• Wrongful Death Cases: In tragic situations where a loved one has died due to negligence, Chris Messerly provides compassionate and robust representation to surviving family members, seeking compensation for their profound loss, including securing an $20.6 million wrongful death verdict in one notable case.
• Child Abuse Litigation: He has a profound commitment to protecting vulnerable children. Notably, he helped "make new law in Minnesota to help children who are victims of child abuse," representing a catastrophically brain-injured child and successfully pushing for legislation requiring doctors to report suspected abuse.
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs: His involvement in significant cases like the I-35W bridge collapse and the national opioid litigation (where he obtained a $589 million settlement for Tribal Nations) demonstrates his expertise in representing large groups of plaintiffs against powerful entities.
• Pro Bono Work and Community Service: Beyond his paid casework, Chris Messerly has a strong commitment to pro bono legal services, including for victims of the I-35W bridge collapse and Title IX cases. He also played a key role in securing a bridge fund for victims and assisting in the investigation of the bridge collapse.

His services are characterized by a deep understanding of complex legal and medical issues, combined with a compassionate approach to his clients' suffering.

Chris Messerly’s career is distinguished by a remarkable blend of legal acumen, dedication, and a consistent track record of success in high-stakes litigation. Here are some of the key features and highlights that define his practice and reputation:

• Exceptional Verdicts and Settlements: He is renowned for securing substantial financial recoveries for his clients. Notable examples include an $11.1 million verdict for severe brain damage due to paramedic negligence, a $4.4 million verdict for a young girl's lifelong care, a $20.6 million wrongful death verdict, and a significant role in the $40 million settlement for I-35W bridge collapse victims. Most recently, he obtained a $589 million settlement in national opioid litigation for Tribal Nations.
• Pioneering Legal Precedent: Chris Messerly has been instrumental in "making new law in Minnesota," particularly in cases involving child abuse. His advocacy led to legislation requiring doctors to report suspected child abuse, directly impacting child protection in the state.
• Recognized Among Legal Elites: His extensive list of awards and recognitions is a testament to his standing in the legal community. These include being named one of "America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators," a "Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyer" for multiple years, and a recipient of the "Minnesota ICON Award" (2023). He has also been recognized multiple times as "Attorney of the Year" by Minnesota Lawyer.
• Commitment to Pro Bono and Community Service: Beyond his paid cases, Messerly has a deep commitment to pro bono work. He provided free legal services in a landmark paternity case in Wisconsin and spearheaded efforts to secure a compensation fund for I-35W bridge collapse victims, even recruiting other firms for the cause. This dedication earned him the "Arthur von Briesen Award" from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association and the "Everyday Hero Award" from Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
• Compassionate and Client-Focused Approach: Despite handling complex, high-profile cases, he maintains an outstanding reputation as a "caring" attorney. He is known for his commitment to the service of families and individuals, ensuring their needs are met beyond just legal representation, as exemplified by cases where recoveries allowed families to bring injured loved ones home from nursing homes.
• Experienced Litigator: With a career spanning decades, including starting as a messenger and clerical aid at Robins Kaplan LLP in 1981, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of the litigation process from every angle.
• Thought Leadership and Advocacy: He has been a frequent speaker and advocate on crucial legal topics, including the long-term impact of 9/11 and the importance of mandatory reporting for child abuse. He also served as president of the Minnesota Association for Justice.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Chris Messerly as a highly effective, deeply compassionate, and widely respected legal professional who has made significant contributions to justice in Minnesota and nationwide.

In the specialized field of personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability law, where Chris Messerly excels, the concept of "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense is generally not applicable. Legal services of this nature are highly personalized, complex, and contingent on the unique circumstances of each case. Attorneys like Chris Messerly are sought after for their proven expertise, extensive experience, and formidable courtroom skills, rather than for discounted rates or package deals.

Instead of typical promotions, the value proposition offered by Chris Messerly and his associated firm, Robins Kaplan LLP, lies in their commitment to a contingency fee basis for many of their plaintiff-side cases. This means:

• Contingency Fee Arrangement: For many personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability cases, clients do not pay any upfront legal fees. Attorneys only get paid if they win the case through a settlement or verdict. Their fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the recovered compensation. This arrangement is a significant "offer" in itself, as it removes the financial barrier for individuals who have been severely injured and may not have the immediate funds to pursue a lawsuit. It aligns the attorney's success directly with the client's recovery, ensuring a shared incentive for the best possible outcome.
• Free Initial Consultations: While not explicitly stated for Chris Messerly, it is a standard practice for reputable personal injury and medical malpractice firms to offer free initial consultations. This allows potential clients to discuss their case, understand their legal options, and learn about the firm's approach without any financial commitment upfront. This can be considered a significant "special offer" as it provides invaluable early guidance at no cost.
• Commitment to Maximizing Recovery: The firm's entire focus is on securing the maximum possible compensation for their clients. Chris Messerly's track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements demonstrates this commitment. While not a "discount," achieving a higher recovery directly benefits the client more than a lower recovery with a reduced fee percentage would.

Therefore, while you won't find traditional sales or promotional discounts from Chris Messerly, the financial structure of his practice, particularly the contingency fee model, serves as a powerful "special offer" that makes top-tier legal representation accessible to those who need it most, regardless of their immediate financial situation. This arrangement reflects a deep confidence in their ability to achieve successful outcomes for their clients.

For individuals and families in Minnesota seeking to connect with Chris Messerly regarding legal representation for serious personal injury, medical malpractice, or product liability matters, here is the direct contact information:

• Address: 800 La Salle Ave Lounge, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
• Phone: (612) 349-8500
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-349-8500

Reaching out by phone is the most effective way to initiate contact. The phone number provided will likely connect you to his office or the administrative team, who can guide you through the process of scheduling an initial consultation or providing more information about their services. When contacting, it's advisable to have a brief summary of your situation ready to help the team direct your inquiry appropriately. Chris Messerly and his firm are known for their commitment to clients, and contacting them directly is the first step toward exploring your legal options with a highly experienced advocate.

For Minnesotans facing the profound challenges of personal injury, medical malpractice, or the devastating impact of defective products, Chris Messerly stands out as an exceptionally suitable and trusted legal advocate. His presence right here in Minneapolis offers more than just convenience; it provides access to a seasoned legal professional with a proven, empathetic, and impactful track record, deeply rooted in serving our local community.

The accessibility of his office at 800 La Salle Ave in downtown Minneapolis ensures that individuals across the Twin Cities and beyond can easily reach him, whether by car or public transportation. This local presence is crucial, as it allows for direct, in-person consultations and builds the personal rapport necessary for navigating complex and often emotionally charged legal cases.

What truly makes Chris Messerly an ideal choice for locals, however, is his demonstrated commitment to justice and his remarkable success in the very areas of law that impact everyday Minnesotans. His extensive experience in medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability means he understands the specific laws, medical complexities, and local nuances that apply to cases within our state. His significant verdicts and settlements, some of which have directly benefited Minnesota families and even shaped state law to protect vulnerable children, are tangible proof of his dedication and effectiveness.

Furthermore, his unwavering commitment to pro bono work and his instrumental role in supporting victims of the I-35W bridge collapse showcase a lawyer who is not just skilled in litigation but genuinely cares about the well-being and recovery of his community. For Minnesotans, this means entrusting your most critical legal battles to an attorney who combines top-tier legal expertise with a profound sense of compassion and public service. When navigating life-altering injuries or wrongful death, having a champion like Chris Messerly, who has consistently shown he will go the extra mile for justice and accountability, makes him an undeniable choice for those seeking to secure their future and find resolution right here in Minnesota.