Product Liability and Torts

Hanson Bridgett delivers the breadth and depth of experience needed to defend businesses faced with complex product liability litigation and mass tort claims. We have successfully navigated our clients through and beyond a wide assortment of product liability, toxic and mass tort, premises liability, negligence, and fraud claims involving catastrophic injuries, property damage, trespass, transportation incidents, and industrial accidents. We maintain a proven track record of successful results with uniquely California claims, such as those based on California’s Proposition 65, California’s unfair competition law, and Business & Professions Code section 17200. We have resolved lawsuits pertaining to warranties, product labeling, and advertising including claims brought under the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act and false advertising-related class actions.

Our team is known for big picture strategies, outstanding judgement, and honed crisis management skills. Whether our clients require an effective communication strategy or a formidable defense, we are dedicated to positioning them to minimize exposure, leverage opportunity, protect their bottom line, and safeguard their image. No matter what a client needs, we understand that a lawsuit involves critical business decisions. From the onset of a claim, we work with our clients to develop a macro strategy that not only resolves their dispute, but also is grounded in business-oriented and practical solutions that conserve financial resources.

Hanson Bridgett brings big law talent and experience at more competitive market costs. Many lawyers beyond state lines select us for their California-based product liability and tort matters because of our reputation for excellence and trustworthiness. We have broad experience in serving as both regional and national coordinating counsel, and are skilled in assembling teams of attorneys, experts, and investigators to respond to emergencies anywhere they arise. In addition, we have the resources to manage and analyze large amounts of data and we are accustomed to using technology to develop and work up cases. We have developed a product liability and tort litigation model that streamlines the litigation process and keeps our clients informed about the strategy, status, and direction of their cases.

The name Hanson Bridget means quality in California and beyond. When the future of a business is on the line, having a law firm that the courts consider reliable is a major advantage. We know the California bench. And because our firm has maintained its independence and has been practicing on the local level for almost sixty years, they know us in return. Our statewide and local know-how with regional benches allows us to assist lawyers and businesses outside of the state with their California matters. We monitor emerging trends involving legal, medical, and scientific issues and apply these developments in creative ways to help our clients achieve their objectives.

Hanson Bridgett uses its versatility to protect its clients and their brands. While we start with the premise that every case may result in a trial, we are always on the lookout for alternative methods to resolution. Our lawyers are highly adept in handling arbitrations, mediations, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, and we utilize these tools when necessary and appropriate. Depending on our clients’ needs and input, we adapt our time-tested litigation models to fit the situation at hand. In addition to defending cases, we work with our clients to develop strategies for risk management and prevention, litigation management, insurance recovery, third-party indemnification and debt collection, government and media relations, and technology and intellectual property issues.

Our team is also involved in proactive legal strategy designed to avert a potential liability suit altogether. We have acted as high level strategic advisers to manufacturers and insurers, providing a resource for complex risk analysis, project management, due diligence, and strategic initiatives to promote procedural change and tactical direction. In addition, we understand what it takes to execute a successful recall and to resolve a contentious licensing problem. We consistently strive to protect our clients from potential lawsuits resulting from new technologies and/or evolving government regulations, as well as work diligently to analyze possible liability throughout the development and launch of new products.

Areas of Expertise

We deliver specialized industry expertise and product-specific intelligence, and have resolved cases involving:

• Adhesives
• Agricultural and industrial chemicals
• Aircraft
• Asbestos
• Automobiles and other motor vehicles
• Bicycles
• Boats
• Buses
• Children’s products and toys
• Cleaning products
• Computer equipment and technology
• Construction machinery and equipment
• Consumer products
• Firearms
• Food, beverage, and cosmetics
• Household and consumer goods
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Medical devices
• Personal watercraft
• Pesticides
• Pharmaceuticals
• Power tools
• Sports equipment
• Swimming pool equipment
• Transportation devices and equipment

Key Contacts

Merton Howard

Partner

San Francisco, CA

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