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Keith Carlson – In Memorium
Keith Carlson – In Memorium
(1959-2021)
Keith Carlson
Biography
Over Keith’s three decade long career, his approach as an insurance coverage attorney Chicago resulted in numerous victories for clients and resulted in setting legal precedents in the field of insurance coverage law. He had a practical and common sense style which meant his clients’ best interests were served and justice prevailed.
Through aggressive negotiations or litigation he was able to achieve the most desirable outcome for clients. Keith Carlson was honest, practiced law with integrity, and kept an above-board approach to all and malice towards none. He really believed that justice without integrity was not worth obtaining.
Because of his in-depth understanding of the law and applications of the law, Keith was considered one the the preeminent authorities in the field of insurance coverage. In fact, he argued in front of the Appellate Court of Illinois more than 15 times and the Supreme Court of Illinois 3 times.
One of the most important cases Keith litigated was County Mutual Ins. Co. v. Livorsi Marine, Inc. (222 Ill.2d 303 856 N.E.2d 338) at the Illinois Supreme Court. This case established in Illinois that an insurer does not have to be prejudiced by late notice in order to cite late notice as a coverage defense. This is a minority position among the states and is one of the 50 most cited cases in insurance coverage law in the United States.
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude.1984
Oakland State University
B.S. Political Science 1981
Keith was very adventurous. He traveled all over the world visiting over 50 countries…what a journey. Through his travels, he made many life-long friends, particularly in Brazil (yes, he also spoke Portuguese). Through those friendships and travels, he supported and assisted many people.
Keith had a big heart and had a lot of kindness and love to offer. He truly believed in the golden rule: to treat others as you would like to be treated, and he embodied that spirit daily.
The incredible professional and personal impact Keith made will never be forgotten. Our firm will continue to exhibit the philosophy and values that Keith embodied every day.
Keith Carlson was preceded in death by his parents, Lois Carlson and Dean Dildine, and is survived by his sister, Sandra Dildine of Oceanside, CA, his uncle Donald Carlson of La Grange Park, IL, several cousins, and many friends.
Supreme Court Cases
- Country Mutual Ins. Co v. Livorsi Marine, Inc. – 222 III.2d 303 856 N.E.2d 338 – Supreme Court of Illinois Insurance – Liability. Insurer that received delayed notice of lawsuits did not need to prove that it was prejudiced by delay.
- Greszcak v. Illinois Farmers Ins. Co. – 168 II1.2d 216 659 N.E.2d 952 – Supreme Court of Illinois Automobile Insurance. Unambiguous antistacking clauses did not violate public policy and were to be enforced.
- Country Preferred Insurance Co. v. Whitehead – 2012IL 113365 979 N.E.2d 35 – Supreme Court of Illinois. Insurance Automobile. Two-vear contractually limitation on claim arbitration for uninsured – motorist claim did not violate public policy.
Appellate Court Cases
- Busch v. Country Financial Insurance Co. – 2018 IL App (5th) 140621 95 N.E.3d 40 – Appellate Court of Illinois, Fifth District Insurance Automobile. Antistacking clause limiting liability if insurer issued multiple policies precluded recovery of uninsured benefits under two polices.
- Maier v. CC Services, Inc – 2019 IL APP (3d) 170640 132 N.E.3d 795 Appellate Court of Illinois, Third District Insurance – Automobile. Automobile insurer was not stopped from raising defense based on two-year limitations period in action brought by insurer.
- Country Preferred Insurance Company v. Groen – 2017 IL App (4th) 160028 69 N.E.3d 911 – Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District Insurance – Automobile. Employer’s medical payments under workers Compensation law entitled carrier to setoff.
- These are representative of the 15+ I have argued at the appellate level
