RumbergerKirk Secures Another Appellate Victory for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal affirms defense judgment in...
David Shelton concentrates his practice in the areas of coverage and bad faith, appeals and class actions. He represents clients in class action litigation and insurance claims involving automobile (personal and commercial), homeowners, excess/umbrella, commercial general liability, marine, and life insurance.
As a focal part of his practice, David handles appeals in federal and state courts throughout Florida. His most notable appellate wins have involved the representation of major insurance companies pertaining to issues such as insurance coverage, insurance policy renewal and uninsured motorist coverage. He also handles appeals involving product liability and general tort/negligence issues including spoliation of evidence.
Outside of the courtroom, David has both authored and lectured on insurance issues. He has written several articles for Trial Advocate Quarterly and has spoken at seminars on insurance-related topics including bad faith. His published works include case studies involving insurance company litigation, litigation under Florida’s Civil Remedy Statute and bad faith claims.
Secured affirmance from Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal of a complete defense verdict for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in a premises liability action. Following a six-day jury trial, the plaintiff sought at least $2.8 million in damages, but the jury returned a defense verdict and awarded zero damages. The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s judgment on September 30, 2026, preserving the favorable result for the client.
🔗 Read the press release: LINK
🔗 Full appellate opinion: LINK
Ohio State University School of Law — J.D., with honors, 1987
The Ohio State University Law Journal
Earlham College — B.A., German and Political Science, with honors, 1984