Source: http://wtotrial.com/toxic-torts-3
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 10:31:07+00:00

Document:
Wheeler Trigg O'Donnell lawyers represent numerous companies that use and dispose of chemicals and other regulated substances in the production and distribution of their products. We routinely try lawsuits involving toxic torts related to asbestos, personal injury claims related to pharmaceuticals, wrongful death, property damage claims, hazardous waste claims, contamination liabilities, and related insurance issues. We also have extensive experience defending a variety of torts in class action and multidistrict litigation.
As national trial counsel to General Electric, Pfizer, and other manufacturers, WTO lawyers are very familiar with the medical and causation issues associated with claims of current and historical toxic exposure. In defending pharmaceutical and medical device product liability matters, environmental litigation, and medical malpractice claims, we have developed a broad base of scientific and medical knowledge, a network of medical experts, and the ability to coordinate nationwide discovery, investigations, and evidence preservation related to mass claims.
WTO's clients often require legal assistance at the onset of a crisis in anticipation of tort claims. We are prepared to respond immediately to client emergencies to help avoid or mitigate legal liability. Our skills go beyond the defense of individual lawsuits to include pre-suit emergency response and crisis management; evidence preservation; early resolution of claims; coordination with related litigation (such as product liability and insurance actions); coordination with regulatory and legislative investigations; coordination of nationwide discovery and electronic discovery operations; media relations; supervision of local counsel; retention of expert witnesses; factual investigation; settlement negotiations; class actions; and trials and appeals.
WTO lawyers know the complex federal and state statutes and regulations at the heart of toxic tort cases as well as the science associated with regulated substances. We understand the technical aspects of regulatory law and have broad experience translating scientific and technical concepts to lay jurors, judges, and arbitrators.
Several WTO attorneys have formal education in the sciences, and many have in-depth knowledge acquired through years of practice in technical cases. We effectively communicate with scientists, engineers, and medical and other experts, and our lawyers have the knowledge and training to develop persuasive briefs and evidentiary presentations in the areas that matter most to companies handling claims involving regulated substances.
Taylor, et al. v. Michelin North America, Inc., et al. (N.D. Okla. 2017) - Representing Michelin and Goodrich Corp. against claims brought by more than 100 plaintiffs alleging groundwater contamination by benzene and other chemicals from a long-closed tire manufacturing plant in Oklahoma. Claims include nuisance, trespass, unjust enrichment, and RCRA violations.
Sawyer v. Foster Wheeler (4th Cir. 2017) - Won for Foster Wheeler in an asbestos failure to warn case involving the government contractor defense. The Fourth Circuit reversed and remanded to the district court following WTO's arguments that evidence set forth by Foster Wheeler was sufficient to demonstrate a colorable defense establishing federal jurisdiction.
Ripley v. Foster Wheeler (4th Cir. 2016) - Won for Foster Wheeler in an asbestos failure to warn case involving the government contractor defense. The Fourth Circuit reversed and remanded to the district court following WTO's arguments in this matter of first impression.
Brown v. Whirlpool (N.D. Ohio 2014) - Obtained dismissal of class action allegations and 15 of 17 claims against Whirlpool in an environmental toxic tort case. Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their remaining claims after the court's ruling.
Bancroft v. Dana (Penn. Philadelphia C.P. 2013) - Brought in just three weeks before jury selection, WTO won a complete defense verdict on behalf of Dana Corporation in an asbestos wrongful-death trial in Philadelphia.
Mulcahy v. Rapid American (Ill. Cook Cnty. Cir.Ct.) - Won a jury verdict in Cook County, Illinois, for General Electric in an asbestos duty to warn case involving power plant land turbines.
Pelletier v. Alfa Laval (Cal. Sup.Ct.) - Won a defense jury verdict for Leslie Controls, the sole remaining defendant at trial after other defendants settled. A jury deliberated for just 20 minutes before deciding our client was not liable for the plaintiff's mesothelioma.
Won defense verdicts in simultaneous trials for Foster Wheeler in Los Angeles, CA, and Iowa City, IA.
Won a defense verdict after five weeks of trial in Massachusetts in a living mesothelioma case, the first asbestos case tried to verdict in Boston in 10 years.
Retained as lead trial counsel to defend General Electric against claims brought by more than 100 NATO soldiers for cancer-causing exposure to ionizing radiation from missile systems used during the Cold War. All 40 related cases were settled for what would have amounted to approximately two months' worth of defense costs.
Defended Conoco against toxic tort litigation brought by an oil refinery and relating to the joint remediation of the two companies' adjacent refineries.
Represented Conoco in the favorable settlement of toxic tort litigation brought by the City and County of Denver regarding the contamination and cleanup of Denver's former airport.
Won a jury defense verdict for Conoco following a six-week trial involving claims by the town of Castle Rock, Colorado that a leaking Conoco underground storage tank had contaminated the town's municipal drinking water.
Represented Coors in the settlement of CERCLA litigation brought by the City and County of Denver regarding the Lowry Landfill.
"Taking Action: Rejecting the Passive Disposal Theory of Prior Owner Liability Under CERCLA," 17 Va. Envtl. L.J. 385 (January 1998).

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