James T. Brieske

PHONE: (404) 870-7387 FAX:

(404) 870-1087

EMAIL: jbrieske@grsmb.com

Testimonials

“Just a quick note of thanks for your assistance with this matter. The [National Insurance company adjuster] credits your preparedness as a major role in why we were able to…

- Assistant Vice President, Manager, Casualty Claims

“You never cease to amaze me…. You have been my hero this month!”

- Corporate Claims Representative

Videos & Photos

The Court of Appeals of Georgia

UM & Workman's Comp Issues

Press

Past Seminars & Publications

Classes / Seminars Taught

1999 – 2000 |
Adjusting the Automobile Injury Claim in GA, Co-Speaker
1999 – 2000; 2002 |
Uninsured Motorist Law in GA, Speaker
2009 |
Atlanta Claims Association – 2009 Ethics Seminar, Co-Chair
October 2014 |
Time Demands/Bad Faith – 33rd Annual Insurance Law Institute, Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
February 2015 |
Litigating Bad Faith Claims – Bad Faith Claims: Extra-contractual Liability in Georgia, The Seminar Group

Seminar Papers

October 16-18, 2014 |
Time Demands and Bad Faith for Failure to Settle in Georgia , Insurance Law Institute

Clients & Cases

Representative Clients

Metropolitan Property and Casualty – Georgia Coverage Counsel
Ohio Casualty Group
GMAC Insurance
Waste Transportation and Disposal Inc.
Peachtree Casualty Insurance Company
The Pantry, Inc. – Georgia Counsel
Selective HR Solutions
Utica National Insurance — workers compensation by Utica
Waco Fire and Casualty

Representative Cases

Cincinnati Insurance Company v. Tina Stone (2020)
Mr. Brieske received a strong opinion from the Northern District in a DJA where the insured failed to give prompt notice of claim and failed to promptly forward suit papers.
Tims v Hassleberger 298 Ga. App. 256 (2009)
Mr. Brieske successfully argued in Georgia Court of Appeals that insured homeowner parents did not owe a duty to prevent the death of a minor who consumed alcohol and methadone pills at a party held by their 17-year-old son while they were out of town. Wrongful death case vs. parents dismissed.
Mays v Bamps (2003)
Mr. Brieske obtained a defense verdict after four day jury trial in DeKalb County in serious injury automobile vs. pedestrian case where DUI was alleged. Plaintiff claimed $1.4 million in damages.
Mulligan v Selected 28 Ga. 753 (2011)
Mr. Brieske successfully obtained order from Supreme Court of Georgia affirming ruling that a technical violation of the State Board of Worker’s Compensation rule regarding preauthorization of medical care did not make employer or insurer responsible for employee’s second back surgery. At hearing level, Mr. Brieske won ruling that Insurer not responsible for tens of thousands of medical costs and continued payment of income benefits.
Bell v Crook (2011)
Mr. Brieske obtained defense verdict in defamation suit claiming over one million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages before a Fayette County jury.
Heretyk v. PMA Cemeteries, Inc., 611 S.E.2d 744 (Georgia Court of Appeals 2005)
Manning v. USF&G Ins. Co., 589 S.E.2d 687 (Georgia Court of Appeals 2003)
Peachtree Cas. Ins. Co. v. Bhalock, 556 S.E.2d 218 (Georgia Court of Appeals 2001)
Integon Indem. Corp. v. Henry Medical Center, Inc., 508 S.E.2d 476 (Georgia Court of Appeals 1998)
Rose v. Figgie Intern., Inc., 495 S.E.2d 77 (Georgia Court of Appeals 1997)
Matjoulis v. Integon General Ins. Corp., 486 S.E.2d 684 (Georgia Court of Appeals 1997)
Drake v. Kroger Co., 443 S.E.2d 698 (Georgia Court of Appeals 1994)

Practice Areas

Automobile Liability and Uninsured Motorist Defense

Automobile, Commercial and Homeowners Insurance Coverage Disputes

Commercial, Premises and Homeowners Liability Defense

Construction Defect Litigation

Appellate Practice in State and Federal Courts

Employers and Insurers Workers’ Compensation Defense

Insurance Coverage Advice and Litigation

Insurance Bad Faith Prevention and Litigation

Biography

James T. Brieske graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, Cum Laude in 1990. Since that time, he has maintained a defense oriented trial practice in the State of Georgia in both state and federal courts.

Mr. Brieske’s areas of practice are insurance defense litigation, insurance coverage advice and litigation, premises liability, commercial litigation, homeowner’s liability litigation, and employer and insurer workers’ compensation defense. Since 1992, Mr. Brieske has tried and mediated numerous cases in these areas and has obtained favorable results for his clients. Mr. Brieske has also provided coverage advice, drafted reservation of rights and coverage disclaimer letters for several insurance companies with respect to pending litigation. For example, Mr. Brieske and his partner, Michael Rust, served as southeastern coverage counsel and provided coverage advice and drafted reservation of rights and disclaimer letters to one of the firm’s insurance clients as to its potential liabilities arising out of insurance policies provided to funeral homes who had been sued as a result of the North Georgia TriState Crematory litigation. Mr. Brieske also has provided coverage advice to several of the firm’s insurance and business clients for their liability under both homeowners, business and law enforcement policies concerning their obligations arising out of litigation involving sexual abuse, harassment, molestation and other intentional torts. Last, Mr. Brieske currently serves as Georgia coverage and bad faith counsel for a national insurance client specializing in homeowners and automobile liability insurance coverage. Mr. Brieske heads our firm’s workers compensation defense team and litigates claims on behalf of employers and insurers through the State of Georgia. Mr. Brieske has also taught and chaired seminars on insurance coverage, defense of automobile liability claims, ethics, workers compensation and uninsured motorist coverage and litigation.

Mr. Brieske has lived in Atlanta, Georgia since the age of 5 and attended St. Pius X High School. Mr. Brieske and his wife, Cindy, currently live in the Northlake area of DeKalb County and have a son and daughter, Georgia and Nathan. Mr. Brieske is also active in the Atlanta Bar Association, sports leagues, and has been a member of Atlanta Bar Association’s championship teams in flag football and softball.

Education & Bar Admissions

University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, Georgia
1990 J.D.

Honors: Cum Laude

Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
1987 B.A.

Major: Political Science

Major: History

St. Pius X High School
Atlanta, Georgia
1982

Fraternities

Pi Sigma Alpha

Phi Alpha Delta

Bar Admissions

1990 | Georgia

1990 | Georgia, 1990

1990 | Georgia Court of Appeals

1994 | U.S. District Court

2003 | Supreme Court of Georgia

2005 | U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

Memberships & Associations

State Bar of Georgia, Member
Atlanta Bar Association, Member
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, Member
Atlanta Chairs Association, 2007 – 2008, Legislative Committee Chair
Atlanta Chairs Association, 2008 – 2009, Education Committee Chair

Awards

Atlanta Magazine’s Rising Stars among Super Lawyers, 2006
Atlanta Magazine’s Rising Stars among Super Lawyers, 2009

Testimonials

“Just a quick note of thanks for your assistance with this matter. The [National Insurance company adjuster] credits your preparedness as a major role in why we were able to resolve the case.

We appreciate your partnering with us. Thank you for your professionalism Jim!”

- Assistant Vice President, Manager, Casualty Claims

“You never cease to amaze me…. You have been my hero this month!”

- Corporate Claims Representative