Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C. has developed an extensive practice in the products liability area. We have represented numerous manufacturers of a wide variety of products in complex product liability claims.

As a brief example of the breadth of the Firm’s experience in this practice area, the Firm has defended or is currently defending personal injury and property damage claims involving products such as the following:

• Medical devices, including heart valves, prosthetic knees and hips, and latex gloves;

• Pneumatic and fastening tools and devices;

• Power and hand tools;

• Heavy industrial equipment, such as pulverizers, material conveyors;

• Automatic door systems;

• Computers and electronic equipment (including fire and property damage);

• Tree stand and recreational products;

• Ladders, scaffolding, mobile work platforms and cranes;

• Automobiles and parts, including wheels and tires;

• Fabrics and linens (fire cases);

• Elevators, escalators and related equipment;

• Health and exercise equipment;

• Fire prevention and sprinkler systems;

• Amusement rides and equipment, including roller coasters and aerial gondolas

In the course of this representation, the Firm has represented clients on both a national and regional basis. We also have extensive experience in both class action and multi-district litigation (“MDL”) procedures that may arise in complex product liability actions. For example, the Firm acted as regional counsel for one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical products in nationwide multi-district litigation involving latex gloves. The Firm serves as regional counsel for a large multi-national tool manufacturer. In addition, this Firm was involved in every case to date in the United States involving radiolucent breast implants. Similarly, this Firm has obtained dismissals for a multi-national tire manufacturer in nationwide MDL litigation.

In a related vein, we rely upon our extensive experience in this area to proactively advise clients in an effort to avoid product liability litigation altogether. For example, we have on many occasions reviewed product literature to assess the sufficiency of product warnings. We have represented manufacturers in matters involving the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Similarly, our experience in this area can be helpful in conjunction with our intellectual property practice for clients seeking to patent and/or market new devices.

The Firm also has extensive experience in complex litigation in a number of related areas. For example, the firm represents national, regional and local clients in a variety of environmental matters. 

While the Firm is involved in litigation on a nationwide basis, we are particularly situated to handle litigation in Missouri, Kansas, and Southern Illinois. Our attorneys regularly appear in the various state and federal courts within these jurisdictions.