Timothy F. Devereux is a Partner at Wagner Reese, LLP, an Indianapolis-based personal injury law firm. With over 30 years of legal experience, he specializes in product liability, construction site injuries, industrial accidents, and catastrophic personal injury cases. Licensed in Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and Colorado, Timothy has argued cases before the Indiana and Colorado Supreme Courts, the 7th and 10th Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Indiana Court of Appeals. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, has held leadership roles in the Indianapolis Bar Association, including serving as Vice President, and is a nationally published author in Matthew Bender’s Products Liability Practice Guide.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• [1:28] How Timothy F. Devereux’s passion for product liability shapes his legal career 
• [4:29] Financial considerations that guide legal education choices and influence professional pathways
• [9:58] Timothy’s approach to navigating high-profile product liability cases 
• [16:05] What challenges do plaintiffs face under Indiana’s Product Liability Act?
• [18:19] Landmark case of an undocumented worker’s rights and its legal impact
• [23:49] Key differences between trial work and appellate advocacy
• [25:16] Timothy delves into the legal concept of res ipsa loquitur and its implications on premises liability

In this episode…

Product liability cases often hinge on complex technical details and legal nuances that can overwhelm juries. In states like Indiana, conservative verdicts and strict liability laws make it even harder for plaintiffs to secure fair compensation. How can trial lawyers overcome these hurdles and advocate effectively for their clients?

Experienced personal injury attorney Timothy F. Devereux shares his journey from law school to handling high-stakes product liability claims across the US — from kerosene heaters to fireworks — and the legal strategies he employs in corporate negligence cases. He revisits a landmark case he and Alex Limontes worked on together, where they fought for an undocumented client’s right to claim lost wages — a case that went all the way to the Indiana Supreme Court and resulted in a precedent-setting outcome. Timothy also explains how appellate law requires a more strategic, big-picture approach compared to the fast-paced, tactical nature of trial litigation. With a case study of a recent “Appeals on Wheels” where he represented a student injured by a falling window, he demystifies the legal principle of res ipsa loquitur. 

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, host Alex Limontes sits down for a fireside chat with his longtime friend and fellow attorney, Timothy F. Devereux, Partner at Wagner Reese, LLP. Set in Alex’s bourbon bar, Timothy discusses his journey into law, how he developed a specialization in product liability cases, and his recent “Appeals on Wheels” experience. He highlights the key differences between trial and appellate work and the impact of res ipsa loquitur in personal injury cases. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Alex Limontes: LinkedIn | Bio | Facebook 
• Hurst Limontes LLC
• Timothy F. Devereux on LinkedIn
• Wagner Reese, LLP

Quotable Moments:

• “If you dig deep enough, you’ll find they were aware of the problem and chose to ignore it.”
• “Personal injury trials in Indiana should not be about immigration; they should be about injuries.”
• “Appellate work is more cerebral; you’re arguing public policy, not just facts like in trial court.”
• “Windows shouldn’t fall out of buildings by themselves. Res ipsa loquitur means the thing speaks for itself.”
• “The concept of justice applies to everyone, regardless of status.”

Action Steps: 

• Master product liability laws in your state: Understanding the nuances of liability statutes and jury tendencies helps lawyers build stronger, more strategic cases. This knowledge is crucial in conservative states like Indiana, where securing fair verdicts can be challenging.
• Emphasize public policy in appellate work: When preparing for an appeal, focus on how court decisions will impact future cases and legal precedents. This big-picture approach can convince judges more effectively than simply rearguing facts.
• Document corporate negligence thoroughly: Always uncover internal records showing companies’ awareness of product defects. Clear evidence of ignored warnings strengthens your argument and can shift a case’s momentum.
• Highlight client credibility and real-world impact: In cases involving undocumented clients or marginalized groups, present solid proof of employment history and tax records. This humanizes the client and challenges biased assumptions about their rights.
• Prepare for unexpected court dynamics: Appellate arguments often involve sharp, rapid-fire questions from judges. Practicing concise, well-reasoned responses helps maintain confidence and control during high-pressure moments.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.