Clients, ranging from some of the world's largest manufacturers and insurance companies to startup companies and individual inventors, turn to Duane Morris for counsel and representation in claims involving products liability and toxic torts. For years, Duane Morris has worked with clients to develop cost-containment and strategic litigation plans designed to minimize the risk, business disruption and potentially staggering cost of products liability and toxic tort litigation. Our goal is to provide value by acting as proactive counselors and advisors, rather than simply responding to particular problems in isolation.

Duane Morris counsels clients on regulatory, labeling, packaging and marketing issues to help manage risk and avoid litigation. We advise clients on product safety compliance, reporting, recalls and penalty proceedings before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their state counterparts and other regulatory agencies.

When litigation is unavoidable, we are fully prepared to defend clients in multidistrict litigation (MDL) and class actions. Our lawyers have extensive trial experience in class actions, mass tort defense and service on clients’ national trial teams in federal, state and MDL.

The core of our practice consists of our considerable national coordinating counsel (NCC) capabilities, MDL experience and deep bench of asbestos and toxic tort practitioners. We serve or have served as national coordinating counsel for high profile clients in a wide range of industries, including medical devices, automotive, transportation, pharmaceuticals, beauty and cosmetics, and others. As NCC, we manage the actions, resources and communications of all parties involved, including in-house counsel, local counsel, trial counsel, experts and, when necessary, insurers to ensure adherence to and seamless execution of the defense strategy. Duane Morris attorneys are thought leaders on NCC best practices and frequently speak and write articles on the topic and are often quoted in the media.

As one of the 100 largest law firms in the world, Duane Morris can support products liability and toxic torts litigation with our in-house, industry-leading technology and skilled IT professionals. When subject matter expertise is needed, Duane Morris draws on our network of well qualified, independent and trial-tested consultants and expert witnesses. We also have significant experience in developing experts and handling Daubert and Frye hearings in multiple jurisdictions. Our trial lawyers work arm-in-arm with our Appellate Practice Group to provide sophisticated approaches to appellate issues faced by our clients in products liability matters.

With attorneys working cooperatively and seamlessly in offices across the United States and internationally, Duane Morris offers clients comprehensive, experienced and multidisciplinary representation in the complex products liability and toxic torts challenges they face.

Range of Experience

Duane Morris attorneys have experience in a wide range of areas and industries, including:

Food, Drugs and Medical Devices

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Vitamins
  • Dietary supplements, vitamins and diet drugs
  • Diet drugs
  • Medical devices
  • Surgical implants and tools
  • Orthopedic devices
  • Hospital equipment and medical supplies
  • Clinical and genetic laboratory testing
  • Dental devices and equipment
  • Food and food processing

Consumer Products

  • Sporting goods
  • Recreational equipment
  • Toys
  • Weapons and body armor
  • Hair care and cosmetics
  • Cleansers
  • Clothing

Toxic Torts

  • Asbestos
  • Silica
  • Amorphous silica
  • Benzene
  • Pesticides
  • Mold
  • Chemicals, paints and coatings
  • Cleaners and degreasers
  • Ground water contamination

Vehicles and Equipment

  • Automobiles, trucks and their components
  • Landscaping and grounds maintenance equipment
  • Energy generation equipment
  • Construction and farm equipment
  • Printing equipment
  • Heating equipment
  • Industrial equipment

For Additional Information

For more information, please contact  Sharon L. Caffrey, Dana J. Ash, Michael L. Fox, Sean K. Burke, Robert Kum or any of the group members referenced in the Attorney Listing.