Bret C. Merkle

Bret C. Merkle is a personal injury attorney with Merkle Law Firm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has represented injured people since 1991 and focuses on bodily injury and insurance claims. His work includes motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, premises-related injuries, workers’ compensation, and insurance disputes. He represents clients through negotiated settlements, mediation, arbitration, court trials, and jury trials when claims cannot be resolved informally.

Bret graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Juris Doctorate (JD Law) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). His combined legal and business education supports analysis of injury claims that may involve medical losses, insurance coverage, financial damages, negotiation, and litigation strategy. He is admitted in South Dakota and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, reflecting a long-standing litigation practice.

Bret’s experience includes representing people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, construction, premises, and other accidents, along with wrongful-death and workers’ compensation claims. He has resolved cases through settlement and alternative dispute resolution and has also taken matters through court and jury trials. In addition to client representation, he has served as a staff instructor with the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, contributing to trial-skills training for other lawyers.

Bret C. Merkle brings more than three decades of plaintiff-side injury practice to clients facing accidents, insurance claims, and serious losses. His background spans negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial, giving him experience across the full course of disputed claims. He helps clients develop evidence, evaluate insurance issues, document damages, and pursue legal remedies when injuries or losses create substantial medical, financial, and personal consequences.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Merkle Law Firm
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Awards & Badges