Ernie Burden, Shareholder

Ernie Burden concentrates his practice in civil litigation.  His areas of practice also include contract disputes, construction, product liability, food contamination and fraud investigation.  Mr. Burden has successfully completed 28 jury trials and has participated in binding arbitrations on various matters.  He is also experienced in insurance law, including special investigations, coverage, and reinsurance.

Fraud Investigation

Mr. Burden has effectively represented insurance companies investigating first and third party fraudulent claims including property damage, automobile arson, and residential arson, among others.  He also has extensive experience in bodily injury claims involving fraudulent billing, staged accidents, and organized activity to commit fraud.  He has conducted hundreds of examinations under oath as well as depositions in the fraud investigation area.

Trial Experience

Mr. Burden's trial experience includes cases involving catastrophic injuries.   Recently, Mr. Burden successfully tried a case in the Circuit Court of Cook County where the plaintiff was a severely brained damaged young woman.  Liability was clear against Mr. Burden’s defendant, and plaintiff’s attorney requested an award for over $40 million.  Mr. Burden was able to limit the plaintiff’s recovery to less than 8% of the requested award. 

Prior to joining Querrey & Harrow, he was successful in obtaining a $1.2 million verdict for his client in a professional negligence matter.

Mr. Burden has also worked in conjunction with the United States’ California Office of Civil Rights Monitoring.  He has worked to ensure fair housing and equal lending opportunities for the citizens of Illinois and Iowa.  He has also worked to ensure fair public accommodations for the citizens of Illinois and Wisconsin.

Mr. Burden is a member of Querrey & Harrow's Diversity Committee.

Memberships

• John Marshall Law School Young Alumni Advisory Council
• Cook County Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators

News

• Summary Judgment Granted!
• Ernie Burden Receives Legacy of Opportunity Award