Products Liability DefenseOverviewMichael Best’s Products Liability team defends clients across a broad spectrum of industries, from medical care providers to nationally known consumer products manufacturers. The insights of our lawyers and professional staff, many of whom have advanced degrees in engineering and the sciences as well as specific industry experience, add value when disputes hinge on technical or scientific issues.
While we are relentless advocates in the court room, we never lose sight of our client’s budget and business goals. We tailor our litigation strategy to our client’s expectations, whether that is early settlement, victory at trial, or something in between. Thus, our typical engagement starts with a detailed analysis of strengths and weaknesses that identifies potential liability exposure and the fair value of the case. As an alternative to trial, we have experience in all forms of alternative dispute resolution including mediation, mini-trials, and arbitration.
Our approach also focuses on risk management to identify and address issues before they become litigated disputes. We provide training and consultation during pending litigation and/or during regular business activities, away from the pressure of a trial. We aim to minimize exposure by, for example, assisting clients in the drafting of contract terms and conditions, warning labels, and instructions; reviewing document retention policies; and evaluating insurance policies for gaps in coverage.
We have a track record of success with products liability issues in the following areas, among others:
- Automotive
- Consumer products (including Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls)
- Dietary supplements
- Food and beverage products
- Garments
- Farm, construction, and industrial equipment
- Insurance policies
- Marine/personal watercraft
- Medical devices
- Over-the-counter preparations, including cosmetics
- Prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals
- Premises liability
- Toxic chemicals and substances
Related People Preview Attorney's BiographyFor more than 30 years, Paul has specialized in product liability defense, class action defense, multi-district litigation (MDL) defense, and other complex commercial litigation. He is particularly well known for his work in the class action and food and beverage sectors, where he is a nationally and locally recognized speaker and thought leader on product liability issues and regulatory trends.  Preview Attorney's BiographyDebbie brings more than 25 years of experience to her role and capabilities as a litigation paralegal. She has extensive experience managing complex commercial litigation, class action defense, collective action and multi-district litigation, toxic tort litigation, product liability defense, personal injury litigation, insurance litigation, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), intellectual property litigation, white collar criminal defense and government investigations. Debra D. Krajacic* *Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.  Preview Attorney's BiographyJustin leverages his broad litigation experience to counsel and advocate for companies and individuals in business disputes, licensure matters, and other issues. He is experienced in managing complex litigation in both bench and jury trials. Justin focuses his practice in several areas, as detailed below.  Preview Attorney's BiographyMelinda represents companies in commercial matters with a focus on defending asbestos product liability claims. She draws on her experience across business sectors and issues that include insurance coverage, risk management, railroad, leasing, and entertainment. Melinda also has experience assisting individuals as they pursue and defend personal injury and civil sex offense cases.  Preview Attorney's BiographyJoe is a trial attorney practicing primarily in the areas of products liability, class action defense, wage and hour litigation, employee benefits litigation, regulatory compliance, and complex commercial litigation. In this capacity, he routinely helps clients deal with class actions suits across all subject matters and handles all aspects of complex employment litigation including wage and hour suits arising under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable state laws, plus benefits litigation.  Preview Attorney's BiographyLee has substantial experience in insurance recovery, complex commercial litigation, product liability, and construction matters. He is well versed in all aspects of pre-trial litigation and has tried cases before state and federal courts. His appellate work is also noteworthy, including arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.  Preview Attorney's BiographyKim represents clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, products liability, and complex insurance coverage disputes. She has experience in all stages of litigation in state and federal court, and experience in class action and multi-district litigation (MDL).  Preview Attorney's BiographyGregory is an experienced first-chair litigator who has successfully represented corporations and individuals in all types of civil litigation matters, and he is well versed in products liability matters and risk management. Clients turn to him for counsel on a variety of legal issues, including products liability, complex breach of contract matters, insurance disputes, wrongful discharge allegations, wage and hour violations, defamation, false imprisonment, and various other disputes.
Gregory ...  Preview Attorney's BiographyJoyce focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She represents individuals, small business, and corporate clients in a range of disputes encompassing product liability, toxic torts, and contract disputes. Joyce regularly defends product manufacturers as well as businesses in the construction, real estate, and insurance industries.
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