Kent Plotner

Credentials

Education

J.D., Saint Louis University

B.S., Illinois State University, Environmental Health

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

State Courts of Missouri

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Trial Bar

United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Trial Bar

United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri

Professional Affiliations

Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Defense Research Institute

Illinois Defense Counsel

Illinois State Bar Association

Madison County Bar Association

St. Clair County Bar Association

The Missouri Bar Association

Community Involvement:  

Camp Ondessonk

Board of Directors (2019-2021)

Holy Trinity Catholic Parish

Participant: Multiple School & Church Activities

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation

Madison County Capital Campaign Board (2015)

Results

• Willis, et al. v. 84 Lumber Co., et al., Circuit Court, Sangamon County, Illinois, Case No. 07-L-0327 – Defense verdict for CertainTeed Corporation in a living mesothelioma claim.
• Berry v. American Standard, Inc., 382 Ill. App. 3d 895, 888 N.E.2d 740 (2008) – Denial of using the deceased plaintiff's discovery deposition as admissible evidence to defeat the defendant's summary judgment motion.
• Hobbs v. Hartford Ins. Co. of the Midwest, 214 Ill. 2d 11, 823 N.E.2d 561 (2005) – Client victory when Illinois Appellate Court (Second District) ruled that no ambiguity existed in auto policy that would allow for stacking of insurance coverage.

Presentations/Publications

Presentations

“Asbestos Injury Claims Against Employers in Missouri,” Harris Martin's Midwest Asbestos Litigation Conference (2010)

“Asbestos: Current Issues and Effective Litigation Tactics - Overcoming the Complexities of Asbestos Claim Disputes,” National Business Institute (2009)

“Outbreak Session: Roundtable Discussion: Hot Jurisdictions/Madison County, IL,” DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar (2002)

“Preexisting Injuries: When Are They Admissible?,” Heyl Royster 14th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (1999)

“Exploring the Claimant’s Mind-Has it Been Injured?,” Heyl Royster 9th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (1994)

Awards/Recognition

• Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠ – Toxic Torts Defense Law; Products Liability Defense Law; Personal Injury Defense Law: General, 2005-2023
• Best Lawyer in America^TM by The Best Lawyers in America^TM – Product Liability Litigation-Defendants, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants, 2018-2024
• Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers® – Class Action/Mass Torts: Defense, Personal Injury-General: Defense, Personal Injury-Products: Defense, 2010-2022
• Rated AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®

Public Profile

Our esteemed colleague, Kent Plotner, retired effective June 30, 2024. Kent was an invaluable member of the Heyl Royster team, and we thank him for his many years of hard work and dedication to our clients. We wish him all the best for his retirement.

If you have any questions concerning Kent's retirement, please reach out to Tobin Taylor at ttaylor@heylroyster.com. Tobin will be able to provide you with any information you may need.