Richard C. Scattergood

Experience

For more than 25 years, Rich Scattergood’s diligent and unwavering representation of clients in civil litigation has earned him a reputation as a trial attorney clients can trust to obtain the best possible results in high-stakes litigation. Rich has earned the respect of his peers and opposing counsel alike, having taken over 45 cases to a jury verdict in courtrooms all over Minnesota. His trial victories include dram shop, tractor-trailer, premises liability, insurance coverage, and numerous car accident cases, with several involving especially high-exposure damages such as wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, and quadriplegia. Rich’s clients have the advantage of his trial experience during negotiations, often leading to favorable settlements which may have been unachievable by a less-proven trial lawyer. When a case needs to be tried, he is always prepared to adeptly present a client’s case to the jury. Rich has also arbitrated over 1,500 no-fault cases.

An active member of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA), Rich served on the organization’s Executive Committee for 5 years and was President of the MDLA from 2015-2016. Rich has served since 2006 as co-editor of the MDLA Release Deskbook , and was recognized for his dedication to MDLA as the recipient of the MDLA President’s Award in 2011. He is also an active member of DRI, the largest national organization of civil defense attorneys, and recently served as the State Representative for Minnesota.

Respected by both the plaintiff and defense bar, Rich is routinely selected as an arbitrator and has a spontaneously growing mediation practice.

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., Magna Cum Laude, 1994
• University of Minnesota, B.S. Economics, 1990

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota, 1994
• U.S. District Court, Minnesota

Practice Areas

Personal Injury Litigation

• Boating and Recreational Vehicle Accidents
• Liquor Liability/Dramshop
• Motor Vehicle Accident
• No Fault Arbitration
• Premises Liability
• Products Liability
• Retail and Hospitality
• Sex Abuse and other intentional torts
• Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury

Professional Liability

• Directors and Officers (D&O)

Other Civil Litigation

• Defamation

Professional Associations

• Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, Past President
• Defense Research Institute, State Representative

Professional Recognition

• Super Lawyer, 2003-2005, 2009-2023

Representative Cases

• John Miernicki, et. al vs. Duluth Curling Club, et. al., 699 N.W.2d 787, (Minn. App. 2005)
• Stuedemann v. Nose, 713 N.W.2d 79 (Minn. App. 2006)
• Cook v. Blades, 2009 WL 2447501 (Minn. App.)
• Newell v. Eide, 2015 WL 2467576 (Minn. App.)
• Englund v. MN CA Partners/MN Joint Ventures, 555 N.W.2d 328 (Minn. Ct. App. 1996)

Presentations

• “Collegiality and Civility”, MDLA Trial Techniques Seminar
• “The Defense Perspective”, MN Association for Justice Car Crash Seminar
• “Ask Rich”, MDLA Mid-Winter Conference
• “Use of Toxicology Experts,” MDLA Mid-Winter Conference
• “How to Try a Case Against a More Experienced Lawyer”, MDLA Mid-Winter Conference
• “Professional Tips for Dealing with Unprofessional Lawyers”
• “Strategies for Developing Comparative Fault and Handling General Liability Claims”, MDLA Mid-Winter Conference
• “Preparing your Automobile File for Settlement or Arbitration”, Minnesota State Bar Association
• “Auto Insurance Update”, MDLA Insurance Law Institute
• “No-Fault Arbitrations – From Start to Finish”, MDLA Brown Bag Trial Technique Series
• “Insurance Coverage for Dummies”, Hennepin County Bar Association
• “Preparing, Negotiating & Litigating the Dram Shop Claim”, Minnesota State Bar Association Motor Vehicle Accident Seminar
• “No Fault Workshop”, MDLA Mid-Winter Conference