Thomas Blessing

Experienced Fishers Education Lawyer

Tom Blessing is a partner with Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP. He practices education law, representing parents and students with claims arising under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Article 7, Section 504, Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). His primary focus is on helping children with special needs and their parents in disputes with public school districts over their Individualized Education Programs (IEP) by prosecuting Due Process Hearing Requests. He also represents students who have been suspended or expelled from school, are victims of bullying or disability discrimination or who have been injured at school as the result of negligence or abuse.

In addition to his special education practice, Mr. Blessing represents victims of sexual abuse, personal injury and wrongful death. He also represents small business owners with their litigation matters. He has handled several appeals and argued before the 7^th Circuit Court of Appeals, Indiana Supreme Court, and Indiana Court of Appeals.

Representation for High-Profile Cases

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Blessing represented several major insurance companies and corporations, including Coca-Cola Bottling, McDonald’s franchisees, ADT Security Systems, Cintas Corporation and TransUnion. He has earned the prestigious AV Preeminent® Rating, the highest recognized by Martindale-Hubbell®, a national peer review system. In 2009, Mr. Blessing was certified as a Life Member in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an elite national organization of trial lawyers who have recovered $2 million or more for a client.

In 2011, Mr. Blessing was selected to join The National Trial Lawyers Association. Membership in this association is limited to the top 100 trial lawyers from each state. Selection is extended to civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys by special invitation. Candidates are considered for membership based on superior qualifications, leadership, reputation, influence, stature, and profile in the trial lawyer community.

Get aggressive representation that fits your needs. Call the Fishers estate planning lawyers at Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP by dialing (317) 434-1490 today or contact us online.

Committed to Community Wellbeing

Originally from Chicago, Mr. Blessing graduated with honors from DePauw University. He received his law degree from Indiana University where he was voted Best Advocate in moot court by a panel of sitting judges. His favorite causes are nonprofits which serve children with special needs and he is a proud supporter and Lifetime Partner of LittleStar ABA Therapy, which is dedicated to helping children with autism learn behavioral, communication and social skills. He has two children, Connor and Catherine, and enjoys running and listening to alternative music.

Education

• B.A., DePauw University, Cum Laude
• Honor Scholar
• Delta Chi Fraternity
• Debate Team
• College Republicans
• SCUBA Club
• J.D., Indiana University School of Law
• Dean’s Tutorial Society
• Moot Court (Best Advocate)

Professional

• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• The National Trial Lawyers
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Life Member)
• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
• Hamilton County Bar Association

Email

[email protected]

Media Mentions

• If it weren’t for the video, the school district would deny it happened
• MJC Education Attorney Tom Blessing to Speak at Disability Awareness Event
• https://www.theindychannel.com/news/call-6-investigators/franklin-teen-sues-school-district-for-failing-to-stop-severe-and-pervasive-bullying
• http://sdgln.com/news/2012/09/10/billy-lucas-suicide-family-files-wrongful-death-lawsuit
• http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/news/local_news/lucas-suit-seeks-compensation-damages/article_fdd1f537-1b09-53bf-81c3-032032587661.html

Published Decisions

• M.S.D. of Martinsville v. Jackson, 9 N.E.3d 230 (Ind.App. 2014) (school shooting)
• Save The Valley v. Ferguson, 896 N.E.2d 1205 (Ind.App. 2008) (environmental)
• Old Republic Ins. Co. v. RLI Ins. Co., 887 N.E.2d 1003 (Ind.App. 2008) (insurance coverage declaratory judgment)
• McDonald v. Household Int’l, Inc., 425 F.3d 424 (7^th Cir. 2005) (ERISA)
• Indiana Ass’n of Beverage Retailers v. Alcohol and Tobacco Comm’n, 836 N.E.2d 255 (Ind. 2005) (administrative review)
• Johnson v. Celebration Fireworks, 829 N.E.2d 979 (Ind. 2005) (unlawful assessment of license fees)
• Celebration Halloween v. Chosun Int’l, 234 F.Supp.2d 905 (S.D.Ind. 2002) (copyright infringement)
• Ward v. Duke Realty, 725 N.E.2d 134 (Ind.App. 2000) (premises liability)
• Street v. Shoe Carnival, 660 N.E.2d 1054 (Ind. App. 1996) (false arrest)
• China National Fireworks Co. Ltd. v. Lun Yuet Yee Edwina and Full Moon (H.K.) Ltd., 775 N.E.2d 1239 (Ind.App. 2002) (trade secrets and tortious interference)
• Coca-Cola Bottling v. Sherwood, 726 N.E.2d 906 (Ind.App. 2000) (products liability class action)