Steven L. Theesfeld’s practice is devoted to appellate litigation and complex subrogation losses.
In his appellate practice, Steve has argued over 50 cases in various state and federal appellate courts. His work has:
- Clarified that de novo is the correct standard of review on a district court decision dismissing an equitable subrogation claim where the facts are undisputed. Melrose Gates, LLC v. Chor Moua, et al. (Minn. February 17, 2016)
- Established the right to equitable health insurance subrogation in Minnesota. Time Ins. Co. v. Opus Corp., 519 N.W.2d 470 (Minn. Ct. App. 1994).
- Found a way around contractual anti-subrogation exculpatory clauses by alleging non-intentional willful and wanton conduct. Gage v. HSM Elec. Prot. Servs., Inc., 655 F.3d 821, 825 (8th Cir. 2011).
- Further delineated the scope of Federal specific personal jurisdiction for subrogation claims against product manufacturers which purposefully avail themselves of the privilege of doing business in a State. Pope v. Elabo GmbH, 588 F. Supp. 2d 1008 (D. Minn. 2008).
- Established the proper jury instructions for General Contractor/ Subcontractor Negligence subrogation actions under North Dakota’s new Modified Comparative Fault Statute. Travelers Cas. Ins. Co. of Am. v. Williams Co. Const., 2014 ND 160, 851 N.W.2d 164, 169, 588 F. Supp. 2d 1008 (D. Minn. 2008).
In his civil litigation practice, Steve has tried and won several jury and court cases. In addition to handling subrogation cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Steve is licensed to practice in North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska, and also litigates cases across the United States. Steve offers Yost & Baill’s clients a frank and intelligent assessment of subrogation claims and appeals in the areas of: fire loss, product defects, insurance coverage, water loss, negligent construction and other complex loss.
Steve joined Yost & Baill as an appellate and litigation associate. Today, he continues his appellate and subrogation litigation practice as a partner managing Yost & Baill’s upper Midwest practice. Steve earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (cum laude) and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He previously worked for the accounting firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers and a large Minnesota insurance Defense law firm.
Steve has been a member of the National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) since its inception, presented seminars at local and national NASP conferences, written several articles for the organization, and has assisted in the re-writing of the Certified Subrogation Recovery Specialists (CSRP) guidebook. He currently serves on NASP’s Appellate Amicus Committee. Steve also served six years on the Minneapolis Attorney Ethics Board.
Steve, his wife, and children enjoy living in the Twin Cities.