Tort

Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s tort expertise encompasses all aspects of litigation in state and federal courts across the country. With the ability to transfer legal strategy, skills and resources to matters in any venue, SHB attorneys possess a collective wealth of experience that extends from pretrial discovery through motion practice, trial and – when necessary – appeal. Their portfolio of representative cases includes product liability claims; environmental toxic torts; workplace toxic exposure; hazardous chemical transport issues; automotive industry matters; commercial carrier matters; airline crash claims; defense of professional malpractice claims; defense of wrongful death claims; RICO, fraud and intentional torts; and premises liability. In today’s complex legal environment, SHB tort lawyers draw on the depth and breadth of their knowledge to create innovate solutions for the full range of business needs.

The SHB Tort Practice has successfully managed, directed and tried high-stakes litigation cases for more than 50 years. During that time, the firm has played a lead defense and trial counsel role in some of the largest and most substantial national and international mass tort lawsuits. Acting as national and regional coordinating counsel for multiple companies, SHB attorneys have successfully argued key procedural, liability and evidentiary issues in more than 60 jurisdictions. These issues have included, among others, federal preemption of state common law claims; removal of state court suits to federal court; class action standing and related issues; forum non conveniens issues; Daubert and Frye motions to exclude expert testimony; comment protections in strict liability actions; interpretation of the “consumer expectation” doctrine; FIFRA preemption; application of foreign law; conflict of law issues; state-of-the-art defenses; “duty to test” claims; and mental anguish claims for damages in the absence of physical injury. In addition, SHB tort lawyers frequently advise companies on liability issues before suit is filed to limit the risk of future exposure. These attorneys work closely with in-house counsel to anticipate legal sea-changes and ensure compliance with evolving state, national and international regulations.

The SHB Tort Practice also handles the day-to-day case management essential to developing strong defense strategies and themes. To this end, SHB has developed data, computer and information systems that make the firm ideally suited to defend both individual claims and mass torts such as class actions and multidistrict litigation. SHB trial teams excel at harnessing these diverse skill sets to provide clients with advanced and cost-effective legal services.

Practice Area Contact

Robert T. Adams 816-559-2230

Related Practice Areas

Business Litigation
Class Actions & Complex Litigation
Environmental Law
Global Product Liability
International Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation
Toxic Tort