COVERED
Dave : What is the most complex case you ’ ve dealt with in your career ?
Will : I was a local counsel for a noise-induced hearing loss case involving the Santa Fe Railroad . The case involved their employees who claimed that their hearing was damaged from all the Santa Fe noise stops over 20 to 25 years . Over that time , the Santa Fe Railroad had multiple types of coverages , multiple self-insured retention situations , multiple layers of coverage , and figuring out which companies are responsible during which time period was incredibly complex .
Dave : What is the strangest thing that occurred in case you were defending ?
Will : The strangest request came during a court case I was trying . It was a big case involving an auto accident where the plaintiff suffered a traumatic amputation of his right leg above the knee . Fortunately , he made a good recovery , given the fact his leg was amputated . The trial ended in a mistrial , to make a long story short , and I reported it back to the insurance company . They asked me to get an independent medical examination of the plaintiff , who had no other injuries . I was astonished . My response was , “ Do you think he is just hiding his leg ?” I just found it strange .
Dave : What have you liked most about working with KAIA members ?
Will : I represented other associations during my career , but the thing that stands out most about working with KAIA is the quality of the people within the insurance industry . I ’ ve enjoyed working with agents because they are simply great people . They are engaging , kind , smart , and extraordinarily decent people serving their communities . Members have always been eager and willing to listen to my legal advice . Not all members of other associations are willing to do that . KAIA members have been simply a delight to work with , and working at the association has been the most enjoyable part of my law practice , without question ..
Dave : What are your retirement plans , and what are you look forward to most ?
Will : I ’ m most looking forward to having some time to do some volunteer work . I ’ ve always wanted to volunteer at the Topeka Library . I love playing bridge and want to start a bridge club . I think I spent most of my sophomore year of college playing bridge , and I taught a bunch of my military colleagues to play when I was in the service . My future wife , Denise , would join us at the student union to play bridge in college . After
38