Tad Kardis has handled high-risk, high-stakes litigation for more than 25 years, primarily in Missouri and Kansas. He has experience in all phases of litigation, from pre-suit to appeal. Tad’s clients and peers rely on his substantial writing skills, which he brings to bear on the matters facing his clients. 

Tad’s natural curiosity and dedication to learning his clients’ industries have resulted in a broad range of litigation experience and versatility, as well as an appreciable enthusiasm for cross-examination of opposing experts. His practice includes a focus on professional liability, such as the defense of accountants and real estate professionals, as well as the trucking sector of the transportation industry. Propane fires and explosions, mold and construction litigation also are areas of interest. 

Tad credits endurance running with helping to maintain stamina and focus.

Areas of Focus

Professional Liability
Tad has defended a wide variety of professionals in liability matters, including accountants, engineers, insurance agents and brokers, lawyers, financial advisers and real estate professionals. Tad’s professional liability clients find him to be relatable, as well as thorough, efficient and respectful of their valuable time. 

Transportation
Tad has represented clients ranging from international package delivery companies to family-owned trucking firms. He assists clients with navigating accident investigations and evidence preservation, and defends any litigation that results. 

Product liability
Clients frequently consult Tad for advice in avoiding potential problems. Tad is skilled at risk management, such as product recalls. When it comes to litigation, Tad has partnered with his clients to mount a successful defense, whether they are component part or assembly manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers.

    Education

    • University of Missouri - Columbia School of Law (J.D., 1995)
    • University of Iowa (B.S. Psychology, 1992)
      • Honors

    Bar Admissions

    • Missouri
    • Kansas

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
    • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas

    Professional Affiliations

    • Johnson County Bar Association

Theodore A. Kardis

Tad Kardis has handled high-risk, high-stakes litigation for more than 25 years, primarily in Missouri and Kansas. He has experience in all phases of litigation, from pre-suit to appeal. Tad’s clients and peers rely on his substantial writing skills, which he brings to bear on the matters facing his clients. 

Tad’s natural curiosity and dedication to learning his clients’ industries have resulted in a broad range of litigation experience and versatility, as well as an appreciable enthusiasm for cross-examination of opposing experts. His practice includes a focus on professional liability, such as the defense of accountants and real estate professionals, as well as the trucking sector of the transportation industry. Propane fires and explosions, mold and construction litigation also are areas of interest. 

Tad credits endurance running with helping to maintain stamina and focus.

Theodore A. Kardis

Kardis & Curtis Secure Summary Judgment for Client Using Winter Storm Doctrine

Theodore “Tad” Kardis (Of Counsel-St. Louis, MO) and Robert Curtis (Associate-St. Louis, MO) secured summary judgment on all claims against apartment complex owners involving a tenant who slipped and fell during a snowstorm. The plaintiff alleged he fell while walking to his car after stepping off the curb onto the snow-packed parking lot. The plaintiff testified he observed six inches of snow on the sidewalk at 8:20 a.m. when he walked out, but claimed snow was not actively falling despite meteorological evidence nine inches of snow fell between 4:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Tad and Robert presented meteorological evidence the snow was falling, testimony from the apartment complex's employees, and the plaintiff's own pictures of falling snow taken contemporaneously with the fall. Tad and Robert argued the Winter Storm Doctrine, also known as the "Massachusetts Rule" barred the plaintiff's claim as a matter of law and the apartment complex had no duty to clear snow and ice during an active snowfall. The court held "if [the Winter Storm Doctrine] didn't apply in this case, then [the court] fail[s] to see cases where it would apply" and dismissed all claims.

Theodore A. Kardis and Robert Curtis

Kardis & Curtis Resolve Premises Liability Matter After Years of Litigation and Multiple Lawsuits

Theodore “Tad” Kardis (Of Counsel-St. Louis, MO) and Robert Curtis (Associate-St. Louis, MO) secured summary judgment on all claims against apartment complex owners arising out of a slip and fall involving a tenant in a common area of the complex. The plaintiff alleged he fell on snow and ice in an indoor stairwell where a door to the outside was cracked open, and snow and ice were allowed to accumulate inside the stairwell. The plaintiff also claimed he notified the property manager of the alleged situation. Tad and Robert hired a forensic meteorologist to discuss the weather conditions at the apartment complex on the day of the alleged slip and fall. The forensic meteorologist demonstrated there was no such accumulation that could have led to the conditions plaintiff described. Further, Tad and Robert presented recordings demonstrating the plaintiff did not notify the property manager of the alleged accumulation. They successfully leveraged the plaintiff's multiple inconsistent statements regarding being both inside and outside during the fall as well. Finally, Tad and Robert argued plaintiff's failure to designate medical experts on his injuries allegedly requiring surgery meant the plaintiff could not prove medical causation of his injuries from the fall because of preexisting conditions. The Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court held plaintiff could not establish his claims as a matter of law. As a result, the court granted summary judgment on all counts which brought a successful resolution to the matter after several years of litigation and multiple lawsuits.

Theodore A. Kardis and Robert Curtis

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