Biography
Matt Planey started at Crabbe, Brown & James approximately 20 years ago and became a partner in 2016. Matt provides clients with more than two decades of experience in first-party and third-party insurance defense litigation. Matt also leads Crabbe, Brown and James’ insurance coverage practice area. Matt provides strategic advice and counsels clients all across the state, which has led him to conduct jury trials in both state and federal courts throughout Ohio.
Matt’s legal expertise includes matters of personal injury defense, product liability defense, medical negligence defense, and construction litigation. Additionally, he has extensive experience in insurance coverage disputes, which includes providing coverage opinions, defense of extra-contractual/bad faith punitive damage claims, and investigation of fraudulent arson and theft claims. He advises clients on handling insurance claims, analyzes policy language, and conducts investigations of coverage issues and suspected fraudulent claims.
Professional Experience
2016-Present
Crabbe, Brown & James – Partner
2003-2016
Crabbe, Brown & James – Associate
1996-2003
Pfau, Pfau & Marando – Associate
1994-1996
Wagoner & Steinberg – Law Clerk
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Seventh District Court of Appeals – Law Clerk
Associations & Memberships
2016-Present
American Law Firm Association International (ALFAI)
- Transportation Practice Area
2010-Present
National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators
2004-Present
The Defense Research Institute
2003-Present
Columbus Bar Association
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Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys
1996-Present
Ohio State Bar Association
Bar Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
State of Ohio
Notable Publications, Significant Cases & Seminars
Cases
Won summary judgment in the Southern District of Ohio for a discrimination claim against Central Ohio Transit Authority. (Dijon v. Central Ohio Transit Authority, Case No. 2:20-cv-05873) (appeal pending).
Summary judgment upheld on appeal in the Court of Appeals for the Fourth District regarding an uninsured motorist coverage claim. (Maher v. United Ohio Insurance Co., Case No. 20CA11) (appeal pending for Supreme Court of Ohio).
Secured a defense verdict in favor of Columbus Green Cabs, Inc. and its driver against a claim of negligence in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. (Emerson v. Columbus Green Cabs, Inc., Case No. 20CV003809).
Secured a defense verdict in favor of Central Ohio Transit Authority regarding the nature & extent of injuries and the amount of medical expenses incurred by Plaintiff from an automobile accident. (Ayala v. Central Ohio Transit Authority, Case No. 18CV-4988).
See More Notable Publications, Significant Cases & SeminarsSecured a defense verdict for claims under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act and Locomotive Inspection Act related to injuries sustained when a seat allegedly malfunctioned while riding in a locomotive. (Delaware & Hudson Railway Company, Inc. v. Knoedler Manufacturers, Inc., Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Case No. 13-3678).
Presentation and Speaking Engagements
2022 ALFA International Hospitality & Retail Regional Seminar – “That’s Private! Ethical Considerations for In-House Attorneys and Outside Counsel” (June 16, 2022 – Columbus, Ohio)
Community Involvement
Volunteer Judge for Ohio Center for Law-Related Education since 2013
Northmor Youth Baseball Association
Education
University of Toledo School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1996
Youngstown State University, B.S. History/Political Science, summa cum laude, 1993