Michael J. Watson has extensive experience in assisting insurance carriers and third-party administrators in all aspects of handling disputed, questioned or fraudulent claims. Mr. Watson regularly conducts examinations under oath, advises insurance carriers on coverage issues, and litigates first-party matters in Texas and Federal Courts stemming from residential and commercial property claims, auto property claims, staged accidents, arson, and claims involving inflated or fraudulent medical expenses.
In addition to his insurance coverage practice, Mr. Watson has substantial experience defending agents in E&O matters and in defending third-party wrongful death, premises liability, construction defect and other negligence claims.
Mr. Watson received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1998 where he graduated Cum Laude. He was also a member of South Texas Law Review.
Practice areas
23 years
21 years
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1998 | 02/17/2022 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
| Order of Lytae | STCL | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Walker Sewell LLP | 2005 - Present |
| Associate | Sandbote & Waggoner | 2002 - 2005 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| International Association of Special Investigation Units | Member | 2010 - Present |
| North Texas Chapter - International Association of Special Investigation Units | Member | 2010 - Present |
| Dallas Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| American Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| State Bar of Texas | Member | N/A |
| Texas Association of Defense Counsel | Member | N/A |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Bar Association, Headnotes | “When is it Bad Faith to Settle for Policy Limits?” | 2010 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
| West Texas A&M University Canyon, Texas | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1995 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Continuing Education Seminars | Prompt Payment of Claims | 2010 |
| Continuing Education | Ethical Fraud Investigations | N/A |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lainie Whitmire v. National Cutting Horse Assn. | Successful jury trial on breach of oral contract and false imprisonment claims. |
| TIG Insurance Company v. Stebbins Five Companies, Ltd. | Successfully obtained dismissal of all claims |
| Clicks Billiards, Inc. v. Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs of Dallas, Inc., et al. | Successfully obtained favorable summary judgment rulings on various claims leading to highly favorable settlement for agent. |
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