Tyler Merkel focuses his practice at OnderLaw on representing survivors of sexual abuse and assault in civil claims against those responsible, including institutions and property owners whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur. He also represents people who have suffered catastrophic injuries, families who have lost loved ones because of another’s negligence, and clients in disputes with their own insurance companies.
Before representing survivors and injured individuals, Tyler defended corporations, insurers, property owners, and security companies. That experience gives him firsthand insight into how defendants and their insurers evaluate claims, build defenses, and seek to limit liability. He now uses that knowledge to help clients hold institutions accountable for failing to protect the people in their care.
Tyler’s background includes handling premises liability, inadequate security, and wrongful death cases from their earliest stages through trial. He has served as both lead and supporting counsel in jury trials resulting in verdicts, obtained favorable outcomes in bench trials, and resolved matters involving serious injuries and loss of life. His work has included representing individuals and Fortune 500 corporations in complex litigation across multiple states.
Through that work, Tyler has questioned expert witnesses about liability and security standards, written and argued motions seeking to resolve cases before trial, and evaluated potential liability arising from criminal acts committed by third parties. These experiences inform his approach to examining institutional failures and developing civil claims on behalf of survivors.
Tyler earned his Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University in 2009 and his Juris Doctor from the same university in 2012. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, Illinois, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
