Products Liability

Products Liability

L & A attorneys have long defended manufacturers and their insurers in a wide range of products cases including drug and medical device, food products, automotive, cosmetics, child safety devices and mechanical equipment. We represent large and small companies, and we have the resources to manage litigation ranging from individual claims to class actions and multi-district litigation. Our litigators have served as lead counsel and defense steering committee members in state and federal courts throughout the Gulf South region including representation of clients in nationally publicized cases such as the FEMA trailer Formaldehyde multi-district litigation, tobacco litigation, airbag class action, fuel fed fire cases, maritime claims arising out of the collision between the M/V Bright Field and the New Orleans Riverwalk, the Mother’s Day bus crash in New Orleans, Chinese drywall and the air bag litigation.

Our attorneys are also frequent speakers on products liability and insurance defense issues.

Drug and Medical Devices

L & A’s products liability team has substantial experience litigating the technical aspects of drug and medical devices in ordinary, class action and multi-district proceedings at the state and federal level. Our experience includes the defense of manufacturers, distributors, vendors, and insurance carriers. Representative cases include defense claims involving spinal, hip, knee, breast and penile implants, mesh implants, neonatal critical care devices, stents and catheters, ablation devices, angiography devices, infusion devices, respiratory care products, all types of durable medical goods, and pharmaceuticals of all types including brand, generic and over-the counter.

Automotive

For over 40 years L & A attorneys have represented the interests of automobile and off-road vehicle manufacturers. Our firm offers comprehensive pre-trial and trial representation in numerous automobile products liability matters, including the following:

  • Airbags and Restraint Systems
  • Crashworthiness
  • Brake Systems
  • Ignition Switches
  • Fuel Systems, including post-collision fuel-fed fires
  • Child Restraint Systems and Seats
  • Tires

Environmental

L & A represents manufacturers, processors, transporters, distributors, sellers and others against claims based on the discharge, handling, transportation, disposal, storage and use of chemicals, materials and substances claimed to be toxic or hazardous to human health or the environment. We represent primary and excess insurers in defending against first party, third party and government agency claims for insurance coverage, property damage and personal injury arising out of environmental claims and damages, including indoor air quality litigation such as mold and mildew claims. We also represent clients in administrative and other proceedings brought by governmental agencies for alleged violations of federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Food Products Litigation

The firm’s attorneys defend food manufacturers, distributors and retailers in claims and litigation involving contaminated and defective food and beverage products as well as labeling and product recalls. We are well versed in regulations impacting the food, beverage and consumer products industry as well as local, state and federal laws governing such claims and litigation. Our attorneys also participate in class action litigation within the industry and stay abreast of important rulings and decisions that will affect current and future lawsuits.