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Suzanne Bruss

Suzanne R. Bruss

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Suzanne Bruss is a veteran defense attorney representing persons and entities sued for wrongful death, personal injury, or negligence.

overview

Suzanne R. Bruss contact information

Phone: 913-345-9205
Fax: 913-345-4832

Email: sbruss@hinklaw.com
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Suzanne Bruss is a veteran defense attorney representing persons and entities sued for wrongful death, personal injury, or negligence. Suzanne has tried cases to a defense verdict in three states and in federal court and has arbitrated cases in multiple arbitration forums. Suzanne has a special interest in trucking and transportation litigation. Her trial experience extends to construction litigation where she has defended local contractors and home builders in complex construction defect claims. She has also successfully defended local contractors after fire or casualty losses where the contractor’s work was alleged to be the cause of the loss. She has also defended licensed professionals against claims of professional negligence, including the defense of real estate agents, psychologists, architects, and other licensed professionals.

Suzanne has extensive experience in insurance coverage litigation involving various types of property and casualty policies in all courts in Kansas and Missouri.   

Named as a Super Lawyer in 2022 and 2023, Suzanne’s practice is client-focused, providing a detailed and careful analysis of each client’s case early in the litigation, then steady communication and advice as the matter moves toward mediation or trial. Originally from Iowa, Suzanne earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University with a double major in English and Speech Communication. She resides in Lenexa, Kansas, and enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and kayaking.

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Significant cases

  • Petworld v. Superior Electric, Douglas County, Kansas, Case No. 2017-CV-000133 [fire loss against contractor]
  • Duncan v. Finter, Jackson County, Missouri, Case No. 1616-CV24619 [motor vehicle negligence]
  • Frisch v. Senogles, Shawnee County, Kansas, District Court Case No. 2016-CV-000198 [wrongful death]
  • Gemini Insurance Company v. Protective Insurance Company, U.S. District Court For the Western District of Missouri, Case No. 16-CV-03100-DPR [excess vs. primary carrier bad faith]
  • Scottsdale Insurance Company v. Addison Insurance Company, appeal to the Supreme Court of Missouri [excess vs. primary carrier bad faith]
  • Jackson-Kennon v. Hernandez, et al, Jackson County, Missouri; Case No. 1116-CV33871 [motor vehicle negligence]
  • Coder v. American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, U.S. District Court, District of Kansas; Case No. 2:12-cv-02231-EFM[breach of contract and denial without just cause or excuse]
  • Roullins v. American Reliable Ins. Co., appeal to the Kansas Court of Appeals [homeowners’ insurance coverage]
  • Progressive Preferred ins. Co. v. Reece, appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District [underinsured motorist coverage]
  • Classico, LLC v. United Fire & Casualty Company, appeal to the Kansas Court of Appeals [first party bad faith]
  • Woods v. Consumers Ins. Co., Greene County, Missouri Case No. 1231-CV02554 [breach of contract & vexatious refusal]
  • Lock Warehouse v. Brower Electric, Inc., Carroll County, Missouri Case No. 10CR-CC00113 [fire loss subrogation]
  • Gillpatrick v. St. Joe Harley Davidson, Buchanan County, Missouri Case No. 11 BU-CV00416 [products liability, negligence
  • Vanum Construction v. Magnum Block, LLC, Johnson County, Kansas, District Court, Case No. 08 CV 01263 [construction defect]

Affiliations, Activities & Honors

  • American Bar Association
  • Best Lawyers
    – 2024 (Litigation – Insurance) 
  • Claims Litigation Management Alliance, Member
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Johnson County Bar Association
  • Kansas Association of Defense Counsel, Board Member
  • Kansas Bar Association
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Leadership Lenexa
    — 2023
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers
    — 2022 – 2023

Education 

  • Drake University Law School, J.D., 1997
    – Dean’s List
  • Iowa State University, B.A, English & Speech Communication, 1994

Bar Admissions 

  • Kansas Supreme Court
  • United States District Court, District of Kansas
  • Missouri Supreme Court
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • United States District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • United States Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
  • Arizona Supreme Court
  • United States District Court, District of Arizona