Andrew J. Carafelli

Of Counsel

Location:	Englewood, Colorado
Phone:	720-875-9140
Fax:	720-875-9141
Email:	Email Me

Download vCard

An attorney since 1988, Andy is an “AV” rated attorney by Martindale Hubbell and is licensed to practice in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. He earned his J.D. from Nova-Southeastern University, Sheppard-Broad School of Law after receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland in 1985. He has tried dozens of cases to verdict in both state and federal courts.

Andy’s diverse practice throughout Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana focuses on insurance defense, general casualty, premises liability, transportation law, environmental law and the representation of public entities and their employees. His practice includes the defense of Railroads including, but not limited to, FELA and grade crossing accident litigation. He also represents major airports in Colorado, with respect to personal injury and environmental claims. His outdoor recreational practice includes the representation of a number of whitewater rafting, horseback riding stables and climbing guide services throughout the West.

Andy was recognized as one of Denver’s Top Rated Attorney’s in 2014 in Transportation Law by ALM and Martindale Hubbell.

A sought-after speaker, Andy has presented at National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel meetings on numerous topics including Federal Preemption, Daubert challenges and derailments. He has also provided presentations to various groups on police liability actions and the Governmental Immunity Act.

In addition to successfully litigating cases on behalf of his clients, Andy has also handled dozens of appeals. He has argued cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals, the 8th Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals, the 9th Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals and the 10th Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals.

Year Joined Firm:

2019

Areas of Practice:

Insurance Defense
General Casualty
Transportation Law
Environmental Law
Railroad / FELA
Outdoor Recreation
Premises Liability
Trucking

Certified Legal Specialties:

AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell

Bar Admissions:

Colorado
Nebraska
Montana
Wyoming
Maryland
United States Supreme Court
Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals 8^thCircuit
United States 9^thCircuit Court of Appeals
U.S. Court of Appeals 10^thCircuit
U.S. District Court of Colorado
U.S. District Court of Nebraska
U.S. District Court of Montana

Reported Appellate Decisions:

City and County of Denver v. Crandall, P.3d 627 (Colo. 2017)
Cook v. City and County of Denver, 68 P.3d 586 (2003)
Truck Ins. Exchange v. Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, 17 P.3d 844 (Colo. App. 2000)
In Re: Derailment Cases, 417 F.3d 840 (8th Cir. 2005)
Stump v. Gates, 417 F.3d 527 (10th Cir.)
Estate of McIntire v. City of Boulder, 61 Fed. Appx. 639 (10th Cir. 2003)
Shimomura v. Carlson, 811 F.3d 349 (10th Cir. 2015)
Dmitruk v. George and Sons’ Repair Shop, Inc., 217 F.3d 765 (10th Cir. 2007)
Crandall v. City and County of Denver, 594 F.3d 1231 (10th Cir. 2010)
Laverne Whipple v. BNSF, 09 CA 1872 (2010) (Colo. App.)
Fields v. Mersack, 83 Md.App. 649 (Md.App. 1990)
Muncy v. City and County of Denver, 2015 CA 2042 (2017) (Colo. App.)
Shepard v. Patricia Rangel, et al., 15-1424 (10th Cir. 2016)
Moaz v. City and County of Denver, 18-1011 (10th Cir. 2018)
Biegler v. G.M.I. N.A. Inc., 2022 WL 401492 (9th Cir. U.S. Court of Appeals 2022)

Education:

Nova-Southeastern, Law School – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- J.D.

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Representative Clients:

AIG Aerospace Group
Passenger Railroads and Class III Short Line Railroads
Major airports in Colorado
Public entities and their employees
Trucking Companies

Honors and Awards:

Top Rated Attorney in Transportation Law by ALM and Martindale Hubbell 2014

Classes / Seminars / Presenting Speaker:

Presented at National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel on topics including Federal Preemption, Daubert challenges and Derailments.
Presentations on police liability actions and the Governmental Immunity Act.

Professional Associations and Memberships:

National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Defense Lawyers Association