Sanders Pianowski, LLP has a proven and highly successful appellate practice, and the Firm is widely regarded as one of the preeminent appellate law firms in Michiana. Attorneys with Sanders • Pianowski, LLP have successfully navigated appeals in dozens of cases in numerous state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the Indiana Supreme Court and the Indiana Court of Appeals. Our appellate attorneys represent clients in appeals arising from all areas of civil law, including personal injury, product liability, insurance coverage issues, contract and business disputes and a myriad of other complex issues.

In addition, our appellate attorneys are also knowledgeable and experienced trial attorneys who are intimately familiar with all stages of litigation. Sanders Pianowski, LLP provides appellate representation in cases in which our attorneys represented a party in the lower court, as well as in cases in which we have been retained specifically for our appellate proficiency.

Our attorneys have the resources, experience and expertise to successfully handle any civil appellate matter, and the significant decisions handed down by appellate courts in cases argued by our appellate attorneys stand as a testament to the quality of our appellate representation and advocacy skills.

For example, in the landmark case of Stroud v. Lints, 790 N.E.2d 440 (Ind. 2003), our firm was successful in persuading the Indiana Supreme Court to pronounce a new and redefined standard for the calculation of punitive damages in Indiana, and further argued successfully for reversal of a substantial punitive damages award. Similarly, in Shaum v. McClure, 902 N.E.2d 853 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009), trans. denied, our firm successfully argued that a claim of professional negligence was barred by a two-year statute of limitations in a case that clarified the statute of limitations applicable to such claims. In Starzenski v. City of Elkhart, 87 F.3d 872 (7th Cir. 1996), we successfully argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit that the entry of summary judgment was appropriate in a civil rights case arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Also, in the case of Aetna Life and Casualty Ins. Co. v. Patrick Industries, Inc., 645 N.E.2d 656 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995), we secured a decision of the Indiana Court of Appeals which profoundly affected the interpretation of product and work exclusions in commercial liability insurance policies.

A sample of other significant cases which are representative of those in which the firm has provided appellate representation include: Homestead Finance Corp. v. Southwood Manor L.P., 956 N.E.2d 183 (Ind. Ct. App. 2011) (landmark decision reversing trial court concerning lender’s liability under Park Owner’s Lien Statute); Hawkeye Charter Service, Inc. v. Damax, Inc., 886 N.E.2d 651 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008), trans. denied (affirming summary judgment on replevin, fraud and breach of contract claims); Franks v. Rush, 878 N.E.2d 543 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007) (affirming trial court’s use of contempt power in enforcing property settlement agreement); Coachmen Industries, Inc. v. Ker-Wood, Inc., 861 N.E.2d 24 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007) (affirming entry of judgment on breach of contract claim); American Employers Ins. Co. v. Coachmen Industries, Inc., 838 N.E.2d 1172 (Ind. Ct. App. 2005) (affirming entry of partial summary judgment on conflicts of law issue); Sizemore v. Templeton Oil Co., Inc., 724 N.E.2d 647 (Ind. Ct. App. 2000) (affirming in part and reversing in part entry of summary judgment in premises liability case); Slabaugh v. Willie’s Development, Inc., 654 N.E.2d 746 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995) (affirming entry of summary judgment in premises liability case); Bayless Specialties v. Affordable Housing, Inc., 637 N.E.2d 840 (Ind. Ct. App. 1994) (affirming on interlocutory appeal trial court’s transfer of venue); Midwest Commerce Banking Co. v. Livings, 608 N.E.2d 1010 (Ind. Ct. App. 1993) (reversing denial of summary judgment in premises liability case); Coachmen Industries, Inc. v. Crown Steel Co., 577 N.E.2d 602 (Ind. Ct. App. 1991) (affirming entry of judgment in negligence case); Elcona Homes Corp. v. McMillan Bloedell, Ltd., 475 N.E.2d 713 (Ind. Ct. App. 1985) (affirming dismissal of third party indemnity claim in products liability case).