Defense Attorney, BrickStreet Exec William T. Brotherton Dies at 62
Thursday, July 21, 2016 | 0
William T. Brotherton III, a leader in West Virginia's workers' compensation system, died on July 1 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 62.
In an editorial published Tuesday, the Charleston Gazette-Mail honored the legacy of the longtime workers' compensation lawyer and insurance company executive.
"As a workers’ compensation attorney at a time when the West Virginia’s workers’ comp system was underfunded and overly abused, Brotherton worked long and hard with legislators and other professionals to draft and push through legislation to reform the system," the paper's editorial staff wrote.
Brotherton joined the corporate defense firm Spilman, Thomas & Battle after earning his law degree from West Virginia University in 1978. He worked there for more than 25 years.
In 2006, he joined the newly formed BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Co. as vice president of legal services. He served "on the team that transformed the organization from what had been a mismanaged state agency into a highly successful private insurance company," the Gazette-Mail wrote. BrickStreet is now a regional player in the workers' compensation industry with a footprint in 12 states and the District of Columbia.
"Part of Brotherton’s growing legacy is a better environment for business in West Virginia," the editorial goes on to say. "With the reforms he championed and the new organization he helped to lead, disability insurance costs for businesses are now at competitive levels, and workers’ comp claims are now managed efficiently and professionally."
In his spare time, Brotherton was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds, Green Bay Packers and NASCAR fan who loved to swim, golf, run and bike.
"Will was also a man of surprises who took on life's challenges, becoming a pilot to overcome his fear of flying, and conquering his questionable singing voice by hiding in ensemble casts of local theater productions, which he loved immensely," his obituary reads.
Brotherton is survived by his wife of 39 years, high school sweetheart Melea Brotherton; and their son, Aaron; daughter-in-law, Hillary; and two grandchildren, Jane and William. He is also survived by his sisters Laura and Elizabeth.
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