Miller Schirger Honored Among Missouri’s Top 5 Verdicts and Settlements of 2022 January 18, 2023
Missouri Lawyers Media annually recognizes lawyers for achieving the top verdicts and settlements in the state. For 2022, Missouri Lawyers Media announced Miller Schirger had earned recognition in two categories of its annual awards. Miller Schirger attorneys John Schirger, Matthew Lytle, and Joseph Feierabend were honored at the Missouri Lawyers Awards ceremony on Thursday, February 9th at the Missouri Athletic Club in Saint Louis, Missouri for having secured both a Top Plaintiff’s Verdict and a Top Settlement in 2022.
- No. 4, Top Plaintiffs’ Verdicts:
Karr v. Kansas City Life Insurance Company | $28.4 million | A class action for breach of contract which alleged Kansas City Life systematically overcharged the class of policyholders over the past 30 years.
- No. 3, Top Settlements:
Jackson County v. Trinity Industries Inc. | $56 million | A class-action settlement to recover the costs of replacing faulty roadway safety equipment.
The full list of 2022 Top Verdicts & Settlements winners is available here (subscription may be required).
Missouri Jury Awards $28.4 Million to Kansas City Life Policyholders December 14, 2022
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (December 12, 2022) – A unanimous Jackson County, Missouri jury awarded $28.4 million to a class of more than 8,000 Missouri owners of universal life insurance products issued by the Defendant, Kansas City Life Insurance Company. Universal life insurance is a type of life insurance that includes an interest-bearing savings account, or cash value, from which the insurer deducts money each month to cover certain deductions identified in the policy. The class action, filed in 2019, was brought on behalf of current and former policy owners for overcharges to the cash values of their policies.
The class received full damages on all three counts of breach of contract, which alleged Kansas City Life systematically overcharged the class of policyholders over the past 30 years. (Karr v. Kansas City Life Insurance Co., 1916-CV26645).
“We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict,” said Matt Lytle, trial counsel for the Missouri class. “Policyholders like Mr. Karr, who have dutifully paid their policy premiums year after year, deserve to have their charges determined as written in their policies and the wrongfully taken funds returned to them.”
The Karr case is one of five state-wide class actions being prosecuted by Miller Schirger LLC and Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP claiming Kansas City Life has systematically overcharged its universal life insurance policyholders for decades. In a pretrial ruling, the Court determined that Kansas City Life had violated policies at issue as a matter of law. The jury was asked to determine if those violations caused damages to policyholders and, if so, the amount of those damages. The trial lasted three days.
Miller Schirger and Stueve Siegel Hanson have looked at dozens of policies like the one at issue in this trial, and continue to evaluate such claims and prosecute similar cases across the country. They have obtained significant settlements and judgments in numerous cases involving alleged wrongful cost of insurance charges on universal life insurance policies.
Thomson Reuters 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honors Attorneys at Miller Schirger November 18, 2022- Thomson Reuters has honored three Miller Schirger attorneys in its Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers 2022 edition, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and partner Matt Lytle. The 2022 edition of Missouri and Kansas Rising Stars has honored partners Joseph Feierabend and Toby Hausner. Super Lawyers has recognized Steve Miller in the area […]
John J. Schirger Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America August 18, 2022- Founding partner John J. Schirger of Miller Schirger, LLC, has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© 2023 rankings for Commercial Litigation. Only the top 5% of attorneys in America are named to The Best Lawyers in America. Top-rated attorneys review nominees within their geographic and practice areas in a competitive selection process. Miller Schirger […]
Thomson Reuters 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honors Attorneys at Miller Schirger November 17, 2021- Thomson Reuters has honored three Miller Schirger attorneys in its Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers 2021 edition, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and partner Matt Lytle. The 2021 edition of Missouri and Kansas Rising Stars has honored partners Joseph Feierabend and Toby Hausner. Steve Miller has been recognized by Super Lawyers in […]
USAA Life Insurance Class Action Settles for $90 Million October 1, 2021- Miller Schirger LLC and co-counsel Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP have settled a nationwide class action lawsuit against USAA Life Insurance Company (USAA) over alleged life insurance policy overcharges. The settlement was approved by the court on August 26, 2021 and provides that USAA will pay $90 million (less fees and expenses) in cash compensation to […]
Washington Class Certified in State Farm Life Insurance Litigation September 29, 2021- On September 20, 2021, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington certified a Washington statewide class action against State Farm Life Insurance Company. The life insurance product at issue is State Farm’s Universal Life Insurance Policy, Form 94030. Plaintiff alleges that State Farm overcharged policyholders through cost of insurance and other […]
Schirger Named to Missouri Lawyers’ Media’s 2021 Power List for Commercial and Consumer Law September 29, 2021- John J. Schirger has been named to Missouri Lawyers Media’s 2021 Power List for Commercial and Consumer Litigation. The Power List recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves through notable jury trial outcomes, significant settlements (both in class action suits and individual claims), and set forth critical precedents. The selection process by Missouri Lawyers Media of […]
John Schirger Appointed Co-Lead Counsel in Ski Pass Insurance MDL December 22, 2020- On December 10, 2020, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, selected Miller Schirger partner John Schirger as Co-Lead and Interim Class Counsel for all Plaintiffs in the multidistrict litigation styled – In Re: United Specialty Insurance Company Ski Pass Insurance Litigation. Consumers who purchased ski pass insurance filed lawsuits nationwide […]
Thomson Reuters 2020 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honors Attorneys at Miller Schirger November 24, 2020- Thomson Reuters has honored three Miller Schirger attorneys in its Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers 2020 edition, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and partner Matt Lytle. The 2020 edition of Missouri and Kansas Rising Stars has honored partner Joseph Feierabend and associate Toby Hausner. Steve Miller has been recognized by Super Lawyers […]
Schirger Named to Missouri Lawyers’ Media’s “The Power List” for Commercial and Consumer Law November 2, 2020- November 2, 2020 Missouri Lawyers Media has named John J. Schirger to its Power List for Commercial and Consumer Litigation. The Power List denotes attorneys who have distinguished themselves through notable jury trial outcomes, significant settlements (both in class action suits and individual claims), and set forth critical precedents. The selection process by Missouri Lawyers […]
Federal District Court Issues Another Ruling in Favor of Business Owners in COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Litigation October 5, 2020- October 5, 2020 — Miller Schirger, Stueve Siegel Hanson, Langdon & Emison, and Shaffer Lombardo Shurin recently secured another favorable ruling for business owners denied pandemic-related business interruption coverage by their insurers. In May, the firms filed a lawsuit on behalf of four locally owned and Kansas City-based dental practices against their insurer, Owners Insurance […]
Western District of Texas Court Certified Nationwide Class in Life Insurance Litigation October 2, 2020- On September 23, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas certified a nationwide class in an action against USAA Life Insurance Company. The products at issue are Universal Life 3 and/or Universal Life 4 life insurance policies issued or administered by USAA Life Insurance Company that were active as of […]
Favorable Ruling in District Court Received for Business Owners in COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Litigation August 19, 2020- Miller Schirger and co-counsel Stueve Siegel Hanson, Langdon & Emison, and Shaffer Lombardo Shurin recently obtained one of the first favorable rulings for business owners denied pandemic-related business interruption coverage by their insurers. In June, the firms filed a lawsuit on behalf of K.C. Hopps, a locally owned Kansas City-based restaurant group against its insurer, […]
Eighth Circuit Affirms $34.3M Jury Verdict Against State Farm Life Insurance Co. June 26, 2020- Miller Schirger LLC and co-counsel Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP secured a victory at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals with affirmance of a $34.3 million jury verdict against State Farm Life Insurance Co. for overcharges on life insurance policies. John Schirger, Matt Lytle and Joe Feierabend were the attorneys at Miller Schirger who handled both […]
3 Things Business Owners Should Do About Business Interruption Insurance June 5, 2020- June 5, 2020 Article in Kansas City Business Journal
Miller Schirger is Accepting COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance Claims April 21, 2020- The coronavirus crisis has resulted in business closures and interruptions nationwide. According to a recent MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, a total of 54 percent of all small businesses are closed or could close in the near future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To protect themselves and their companies against precisely […]
California Class Certified in State Farm Life Insurance Litigation April 2, 2020- On April 2, 2020, a California class action against State Farm Life Insurance Company was certified as a class by a federal court. The life insurance product at issue is State Farm’s Universal Life Insurance Policy, Form 94030. Plaintiff alleges that State Farm overcharged policyholders through cost of insurance and administrative charges within the policies, […]
Thomson Reuters 2019 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honors Attorneys at Miller Schirger November 25, 2019- Thomson Reuters has honored three Miller Schirger attorneys in its Kansas and Missouri Super Lawyers 2019 edition, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and partner Matt Lytle. The 2019 edition of Missouri and Kansas Rising Stars has honored partner Joseph Feierabend and associate Toby Hausner. Steve Miller has been recognized by Super Lawyers […]
America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators® Selects John J. Schirger to its Ranks September 26, 2019- John J. Schirger, co-founding partner of Miller Schirger LLC, has been nominated to America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators®. Selection to America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators for each state is by invitation only and is comprised of the nation’s most exceptional trial lawyers for High Stakes Business Litigation matters. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active […]
Stephen R. Miller Named to America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators September 9, 2019- Steve Miller, co-founding partner of Miller Schirger LLC, has been selected by America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators®. Selection to America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators for each state is by invitation only and is comprised of the nation’s most exceptional trial lawyers for high stakes business litigation matters. Recipients of this award have, at the minimum […]
Miller Schirger Attorneys Honored in The National Law Journal Top 100 Verdicts 2018 September 4, 2019- Miller Schirger partners John Schirger, Matt Lytle and Joe Feierabend were honored by The National Law Journal for their efforts in securing a Top 100 Nationwide Verdict in 2018.
Kansas City Life Insurance Company Accused of Overcharging Policy Owners June 18, 2019- Insurance company violated the terms of its life insurance policies, according to recent lawsuit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2019 (KANSAS CITY, MO) – A class action lawsuit has been filed against Kansas City Life Insurance Company alleging that Kansas City Life systematically overcharged policy owners for the cost of insurance and expense charges draining […]
Miller Schirger Wins $883,465 for Client January 31, 2019- Miller Schirger attorneys Steve Miller and Toby Hausner obtained an $883,465 award on behalf of Berkel & Company Contractors, Inc. against Phillips Hardy, Inc., following a one-week arbitration hearing. Berkel, a specialty deep foundations, shoring, and ground improvement subcontractor, installed sheeting and shoring on two highway projects for Phillips Hardy, a regional general contractor. Phillips […]
Miller Schirger Attorneys Honored for Top 5 Missouri Verdict in 2018 January 25, 2019- Miller Schirger partners John Schirger, Matt Lytle and Joe Feierabend were honored by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for their efforts in securing a Top 5 Verdict in Missouri in 2018. The lawyers obtained a jury verdict of $34.3 million for the plaintiff class of life insurance policy owners in Vogt v. State Farm Life Insurance Company. […]
Thomson Reuters 2018 Super Lawyers Honors Attorneys at Miller Schirger November 14, 2018- Thomson Reuters has honored three Miller Schirger attorneys in its Kansas and Missouri Super Lawyers 2018 edition, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and partner Matt Lytle.
Life Insurance Class Action Settles for $59.75 Million August 1, 2018- Miller Schirger LLC and co-counsel Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP have settled a nationwide class action lawsuit against John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) over alleged life insurance policy overcharges. The settlement was approved by the court on May 8, 2018 and provides that John Hancock will pay $59.75 million (less fees and expenses) in cash […]
Jury Awards $34.3 Million to State Farm Life Insurance Policyholders June 8, 2018- After two hours of deliberations, a federal jury in Missouri awarded $34.3 million to State Farm policyholders in a class action trial.
Missouri Class Certified in State Farm Life Insurance Litigation April 24, 2018- On April 20, 2018, a Missouri class action against State Farm Life Insurance Company was certified as a class by a federal court. The life insurance product at issue is State Farm’s Flexible Premium Adjustable Whole Life Insurance Policy, Form no. 94030.
Miller Schirger Names Joseph M. Feierabend to Partner January 31, 2018- Miller Schirger is pleased to announce attorney Joseph M. Feierabend has been named a partner.
Missouri Class Certified in Guardrail Litigation December 8, 2017- On December 6, 2017, a Missouri class action consisting of Missouri counties and others was certified against Trinity Industries, Inc. and Trinity Highway Products, LLC (“Trinity”). The product at issue is Trinity’s ET-Plus guardrail end terminals.
Schirger Certified as Lifetime Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, The Top Trial Lawyers in America® November 17, 2017- The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, which recognizes one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States, is pleased to certify John J. Schirger, founding partner of Miller Schirger LLC, as a lifetime member. Forum membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards, or settlements. Forum […]
Miller Schirger Attorneys Honored as 2017 Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters November 17, 2017- Thomson Reuters has recognized three Miller Schirger attorneys in the 2017 edition of Kansas and Missouri Super Lawyers, including founding partners Steve Miller and John Schirger, and Partner Matt Lytle.
Miller Recognized by Construction Lawyers Society of America Fellowship September 20, 2017- The Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA), a construction law honorary society, has invited Steve Miller, founding partner of Miller Schirger, LLC, to its Fellowship.
Nationwide Policyholder Class Certified in Policy Overcharge Litigation April 3, 2017- On March 23, 2017, a nationwide policyholder class was certified against John Hancock Life Insurance Company. The life insurance product at issue is John Hancock’s Flex V Premium Variable Whole Life Insurance Policy.
Miller Schirger Obtains Jury Verdict for Client August 26, 2016- Miller Schirger, LLC, along with co-counsel Fraser Stryker PC LLO of Omaha, Nebraska, recently obtained a complete defense verdict for Rotella’s Italian Bakery, Inc., a Nebraska based bakery company, after a four-day federal jury trial.
Missouri Lawyers Weekly – Life Insurance Class Action Settles for $2.25 Billion July 8, 2016- Two Kansas City law firms played a role in a $2.25 billion out-of-state settlement for members of a class action lawsuit against The Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. that alleged policy overcharges.
$2.25 billion nationwide class action settlement April 15, 2016- Miller Schirger LLC and co-counsel, Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP, announce that an Indiana court has granted final approval of a $2.25 billion settlement of a class action lawsuit against The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company over alleged life insurance policy overcharges. Lincoln National agreed to settle the case by, among other things, issuing term life […]