About Seamus

Seamus Culhane is an attorney at Turbak Law Office, P.C. in Watertown, South Dakota, where he continues his family’s longstanding tradition of community service and client advocacy. A graduate of Watertown High School, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota School of Law, Seamus gained practical experience working with lawyers statewide before joining his mother, renowned trial lawyer Nancy Turbak Berry, in practice.
Seamus is particularly dedicated to fighting for clients mistreated by large insurance companies, with special focus on protecting elderly individuals facing challenges with long-term care insurance claims. Recognized for his hands-on approach, Seamus brings fairness, determination, and a willingness to tackle tough cases, making him a trusted advocate for those who might otherwise be overlooked or underserved in the legal system.

Often, injustice is done to people through relatively small-dollar claim denials, planned inconveniences, and repetitive methods of minimizing insurance claims costs, exposures, and severity. Elderly claimants are told that mild dementia is not severe cognitive impairment, and their claim is wrongfully denied after years of premiums are paid in. Property insurers hire engineers who opine that hail damage is not functional, and therefore, no payment is made when the policy lacks such a threshold. Biased nurses are hired to “help” claimants because insurers have to provide this covered care, but the nurses only ever work to reduce claims indemnification to the claimants who need the coverage. These sorts of things happen with such frequency that no lawyer could ever possibly undo every instance of injustice. But it is these sorts of things that motivate Seamus to go to work every day.

Seamus has been known to hold the total station markers along the interstate in the wind and snow for accident reconstructionists, go to nursing homes to visit elderly people who have been denied long-term care coverage, and climb on roofs to see hail damage for himself.

Before completing law school, Seamus took it upon himself to seek out and try as many civil jury trials as he could. He has traveled to many continuing legal education seminars across the country with various instructors and coaches, and maintains contacts in the legal profession across the U.S. to maximize the quality of legal representation he and other lawyers at Turbak Law Office, P.C. can offer.

Seamus’ hobbies range from boating to groups and things associated with raising cattle, bison, horses, and mules, to hunting, fishing, trapping, and diving. He tenaciously pursues wrongdoers, seeking the fairest outcome for his clients. He zealously guards and exercises his own constitutional rights, particularly his right to bear arms, to express himself, and to seek jury trials for his clients. Chances are, you know what he is thinking if you are in the same room as he is.

Educational Background

  • Juris Doctor — University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
  • Bachelor’s degree — South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
  • Watertown High School — Watertown, South Dakota

Professional Associations

Courts Admitted

  • South Dakota State Courts
  • United States District Court for the District of South Dakota

Practice Areas Focus

Case Victories

  • Pieper V. Watertown School District And Asbsd Workers’ Compensation Fund (2019) obtaining worker’s compensation benefits for an injured teacher;
  • York V. Codington County And Sdml Worker’s Compensation Fund (2020), obtaining worker’s compensation benefits for an injured rescue scuba diver;
  • Sentell V. Farm Mutual Insurance Company Of Lincoln County (2021), obtaining contract benefits and compensatory damages for people who sustained hail damage to their farm;
  • In Re Estate Of Jones (2022) obtaining SD Supreme Court reversal of a discovery order denying assistance to a deceased tow-truck driver;
  • Braun V. Wollman (2024) obtaining compensation for brain brain-injured motor vehicle driver;
  • State Auto Insurance Companies V. Meyer (2024) obtaining benefits for the injured claimant;
  • Fiechtner V. American West Insurance Company (2025) obtaining contract benefits, compensatory damages, and punitive damages against an insurer for wrongfully denying an underinsured motorist claim
Results
$11,000,000 Settlement Car Accident
$4,007,015.24 Settlement Semi Truck Collisions
$3,450,000 Settlement Motorcycle Accidents
$2,500,000 Settlement Wrongful Death
$2,500,000 Settlement Wrongful Death
Client Testimonials
a beacon of excellence in the legal field

3 years ago I found myself in the unfortunate position of being involved in a car accident. Amidst the chaos and stress, Turbak Law Office became my guiding light, and I am beyond grateful for their exceptional support and dedication throughout the entire process.

From the moment I reached out to Turbak Law Office, their team displayed a level of professionalism and empathy that immediately put me at ease. They listened attentively to my concerns, thoroughly explained the legal proceedings, and outlined a strategy that gave me confidence in the path forward.

What truly sets Turbak Law Office apart is their unwavering commitment to their clients. Throughout the entire duration of my case, they were proactive in keeping me informed, consistently updating me on any developments, and promptly addressing any questions or concerns I had along the way. Their communication was clear, concise, and always delivered with a genuine concern for my well-being.

I cannot recommend Turbak Law Office highly enough. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for their clients make them stand out as a beacon of excellence in the legal field. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, look no further than Turbak Law Office – they are truly the best in the business. Thank you, Dillon Martinez, Seamus Turbak, and the entire Turbak team, for all that you have done for me and my family.

Carlito E.
You guys are amazing!

There determination and hardwork helped us settle a claim that I thought was going to be impossible. I was told that Turbak is the best and everyone is right! So thankful for their expertise! You guys are amazing!

Jessie B.
Great people, great service!!

Great people, great service!! Always answered any questions right away! Dillon was also an amazing, helpful, kind person. He always had a smile on his face and took a lot of stress off my shoulders. Not once did I leave there feeling unsatisfied! 10/10 🙂

Quinn L.
exceedingly efficient and effective

I cannot thank Turbak Law enough for the time and effort they put in to bring closure to one of the most difficult times I have ever had to deal with. They were exceedingly efficient and effective in bringing a positive result and were able and willing to work around my schedule. Thank you to Seamus and Erika for all the work and support through all.

Tanya H.
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