Practice areas: Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Products Liability; view more
Licensed in Indiana since: 1993
Education: Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2026 Call today:
888-229-1778
Hovde Dassow + Deets
10201 N. Illinois StreetSuite 500
Indianapolis, IN 46290 Visit website
Nicholas C. (“Nick”) Deets – Partner, Hovde Dassow & Deets
Nicholas C. Deets is a nationally recognized trial attorney and Partner at Hovde Dassow & Deets, focusing his distinguished legal career exclusively on representing plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and product liability litigation. With over 80 jury trials taken to verdict, Nick is regarded as one of Indiana’s most experienced and respected trial lawyers.
He has successfully litigated and argued numerous high-profile and precedent-setting cases before both state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Notably, Nick played a key role in landmark decisions such as Cosme v. Erie Insurance (2024), which modified Indiana’s standard on directed verdicts, and Kosarko v. Padula (2012), further shaping the state’s tort law.
Nick's bar and professional affiliations are extensive. He is a past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Indiana Chapter, and an active member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Indiana State Bar, and the Indiana Bar Foundation. His fellowships in prestigious organizations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, and Litigation Counsel of America reflect his exceptional standing in the legal profession.
Nick's excellence has been widely recognized:
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (2020 and 2026)
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2022)
- Super Lawyers, Plaintiff's Personal Injury 2006-present, Top 10 Lawyer in Indiana (2024-present), Top 50 Lawyer in Indiana (2020-present)
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs (2017)
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year (2010)
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010 in multiple categories including Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Mass Tort Litigation
In addition to his trial accomplishments, Nick maintains a strong commitment to legal education and scholarship. He has authored and delivered impactful lectures and publications, including:
- “Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Law: Practice Tips and Application”, National Business Institute
- “Effective Closing Arguments on behalf of the Plaintiff”, presented to both the Indianapolis and Allen County Bar Associations
- Scholarly articles in Verdict, covering state court venue under Indiana Trial Rule 75 and vicarious liability settlements
His commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom. Nick has engaged in meaningful pro bono service, including representation of the families of Netherlands special forces members tragically killed in Indianapolis. He also served as President of Crooked Stick Golf Club (2013–2016), reflecting his engagement in community leadership.
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management (B.S.I.M.) with honors from Purdue University (1989) and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1993.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Products: PlaintiffFocus areas
Birth Injury, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Medical Devices, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Pharmaceutical, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 50% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
- 40% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Personal Injury - Products: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1993, Indiana
Professional Webpage: https://www.hovdelaw.com/our-team/nicholas-c-deets/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Indiana Bar Foundation
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Indiana Chapter, Past President
- Indiana State Bar, 1993
- United States Supreme Court
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Turner v. Buske Lines Inc., 2006 WL 566108 (S.D. Ind. 2006)
- Cosme v. Erie Insurance, 232 N.E.2d 1141 (Ind. 2024) (modifying Indiana standard on directed verdicts)
- State Farm Ins. Co. v. C.W., 2010 WL 597930 (N.D. Ind. 2006)
- Allstate Ins. Co. v. Keltner, 842 N.E.2d 879 (Ind.Ct.App. 2006)
- Potts, M.D. v. Williams, 746 N.E.2d 1000 (Ind.Ct.App. 200 1)
- Burnett v. Columbus McKinnon Corp., 405 N.Y.S.2d 405 (4th Dept. 2009)
- Inman v. State Farm Mutual Ins. Co., 981 N.E.2d 1202 (Ind. 2012)
- Christian v. State of Indiana. 710 N.E.2d 582 (Ind.Ct.App. 1999)
- Brown-Day v. Allstate Insurance Co., 915 N.E.2d 548 (Ind.Ct.App. 2009)
- Kosarko v. Padula, 979 N.E.2d 144 (Ind. 2012)
- Inman v. State Farm Ins. Co., 938 N.E.2d 1276 (Ind.Ct.App. 2010)
- Knox v. American General Life Ins. Co., 2003 WL 22056301 (S.D. Ind. 2003)
- Shelton v. Kroger Ltd. Partnership I, 58 N.E.3d 229 (Ind.Ct.App. 2016), trans. denied.
- Allstate Ins. Co. v. Tozer, 298 F.Supp2d 765 (S.D.Ind. 2005)
Pro bono / Community Service
- Crooked Stick Golf Club, President, 2013-2016
- Represented the families of the Netherlands special forces members who were tragically gunned down in downtown Indianapolis on a pro bono basis.
Honors
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Indianapolis (2020 and 2026)
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010-2026 for work in: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010-2026 for work in: Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2010-2026 for work in: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
- Super Lawyers, Plaintiff's Personal Injury 2006-present, Top 10 Lawyer in Indiana (2024), Top 50 Lawyer in Indiana (2020-present)
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Indianapolis (2022)
- Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Indianapolis (2017)
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Lawyer of The Year 2010
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
- American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow and former member of State Committee
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Fellow (Past President, Indiana Chapter)
- Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
Educational Background
- Purdue University, B.S.I.M., with honors, 1989
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Law, Practice Tips and Application, National Business Institute (2007)
- Effective Closing Arguments on behalf of the Plaintiff, Indianapolis Bar Association (2011)
- State Court Venue under Indiana Trial Rule 75, Verdict Volume 37, No. 3 (2016)
- Partial Settlements in Cases Involving Vicarious Liability, Verdict Volume 32, No. 3 (2011)
- Effective Closing Arguments on behalf of the Plaintiff, The Allen County Bar Association (2011)
Office location for Nick Deets
10201 N. Illinois Street
Suite 500
Indianapolis, IN 46290
Phone: 888-229-1778
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2026
