Melissa L. Gould

Melissa focuses her defense practice on general liability with a particular emphasis on motor vehicle accidents including first- and third-party liability, personal injury and property damage claims. Throughout her legal career, she has represented a diverse array of clients including Fortune 500 companies, healthcare facilities, contractors, motor vehicle and trucking carriers and their insureds. This experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the unique risks, regulations and claims processes associated with motor vehicle and commercial transportation litigation.

Melissa has extensive experience handling all aspects of motor vehicle accident claims, from initial investigation and claims analysis to negotiation, deposition and trial. She is well-versed in assessing liability, evaluating damages and developing strategies to resolve cases efficiently while protecting her clients’ interests.

Prior to joining Litchfield Cavo LLP, Melissa served as staff counsel at the largest automotive insurance company in Arizona where she handled the full spectrum of litigation including depositions, arbitrations, mediations, and bench and jury trials. In this role, she gained firsthand experience managing high-volume claims, coordinating with experts and defending insureds in complex motor vehicle accident matters. For the Firm’s insurer clients, Melissa provides coverage advice under Arizona law, performs examinations under oath of their insureds and prosecutes interpleader actions.

Melissa began her legal career working for Maricopa County Superior Court Judge, The Honorable Dawn M. Bergin. Before attending law school, she also worked in Washington, D.C. for former California Congressman David T. Dreier, and gained valuable insight into legislative and regulatory processes.

Practices

• General Liability
• Insurance Coverage
• Trucking Liability