Gary Nickerson

Gary W. Nickerson has been assisting energy companies with their legal needs for more than 30 years. Most recently, Mr. Nickerson has expanded his practice in the area of mineral title law, assisting clients in their efforts to develop shale gas assets.

In addition, Gary has extensive experience in counseling energy industry and other employers in workers’ compensation and related employment matters. He also counsels clients on the interaction between workers’ compensation and other employee benefits, including health and disability insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, and other benefits.

EXPERIENCE:

• Defended manufacturer in workers’ compensation claim and deliberate intent claim of non-Hodgkin lymphoma allegedly caused by exposure to paint fumes
• Defended major coal company in a variety of claims of disease allegedly due to chemical exposure, including exposure to solcenic, perchloroethylene, and other chemical solvents
• Defended numerous industries and businesses in claims of occupational hearing loss
• Defended national manufacturers in aviation and other industries in claims of disease and cancer allegedly related to exposure to chemicals including arsenic, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, and benzene
• Defended a major newspaper company, a coal company, a casket manufacturer, and an oil and gas drilling company in claims involving acute myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death
• Defended nursing homes and hospitals in variety of orthopedic claims and claims related to medically related exposures, including staph infections, HPV, and shingles
• Defended manufacturers in claims involving asbestos-related illnesses and mesothelioma
• Assisted in drafting legislation for major workers’ compensation reform for the State of West Virginia
• Defended client in matter involving an asbestos-related illness, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis

Education:

• J.D. William & Mary
• B.A. University of Virginia

Memberships:

• Past President, West Virginia State Bar
• Fellow, West Virginia Bar Foundation 2008
• West Virginia Bar Association
• North Dakota Bar Association
• Board of Governors, West Virginia State Bar – 2001-2003, 2006-2013
• Past Member, Governor’s Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission
• Board of Directors, The Stover Foundation, Walnut Creek, California
• West Virginia/Harrison County Chambers of Commerce
• Chair, Bridgeport Fire Service Appeals Board
•  Board of Trustees, First Presbyterian Church of Clarksburg