Robert C. Ashley

Robert Ashley represents insurance companies, manufacturers and other corporations in the areas of insurance coverage, insurance bad faith, product liability, commercial litigation, aviation, property damage, and personal injury.  His product liability and personal injury experience extends to a wide variety of products and industries, including tires, semi-trailer trucks, heavy machinery, exercise equipment, golf cars, ice machines and children’s toys.

Robert has worked extensively with experts in accident reconstruction, biomechanics and kinematics, forensic product failure, manufacturing and quality assurance to address complex issues of accident and injury causation as well as standard of care.  His practice demands a high-level understanding of the scientific principles underlying these disciplines, and the ability to communicate those concepts so they will be accessible to a jury.

The personal injury claims Robert has defended include allegations of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and wrongful death.  He has worked with a variety of medical experts such as neurologists and orthopedic surgeons, as well as vocational experts, life care planners and economists to address significant claims of past and future medical treatment and loss of earning capacity.  Robert has also evaluated complex claims of business valuation and loss of business or professional opportunities with the aid of forensic economists.

In addition, Robert examines coverage issues for insurance companies and assists them in navigating coverage and bad faith issues that arise under Arizona law.  He evaluates and monitors litigation and trial for both primary and excess carriers, including evaluation of potential appellate issues.  In this regard, Robert has participated as coverage counsel in catastrophic injury mediation where coverage issues significantly affect the overall value of the claims.

Robert also has extensive experience bringing and defending appeals, special actions and petitions for review to the Arizona Supreme Court.  Through his appellate experience, Robert has developed insight into the key issues to focus on in litigation and the need to preserve those issues for appeal.

Since 2021, Robert has served as a judge pro tempore in the Maricopa County Superior Court to conduct Civil Department settlement conferences.  This experience has deepened Robert’s appreciation for the value of early case resolution, which translates into the legal counsel he provides to his clients.

Robert is a lifelong Arizonan who enjoys outdoor activities including hiking and kayaking, as well as cooking and spending time with his family.