At Coddington, Hicks & Danforth, we have a long history of representing clients in products liability cases in California and throughout the U.S. We defend product manufacturers, designers, and distributors in cases in which it is claimed that injury or damage was caused by a product with a defect in manufacture or design, or failure of adequate warnings. We also represent victims who have been injured by dangerous or defective products in claims against manufacturers.
Products Liability
In our technologically oriented world, even those devices, machines and products that seem simple are often anything but that. Whether the product is a jet airplane or its fuel system, or a bicycle and its mechanical gears, odds are the machine and its design are as sophisticated as they are complex. This means that whether defending the product design on behalf of the manufacturer, or challenging it as an advocate for an injured victim, the choice in legal representation is critically important. In this arena, it is especially important to have a lawyer who can understand the often challenging technical and design issues, who knows the right experts with whom to consult, and who can, if necessary, explain the interrelated technical and legal issues in a simple, straightforward way.
Having represented corporate and individual clients in products liability cases which have involved all manner of machines, devices and materials, our attorneys have the experience and expertise to present your case to a decision-maker, whether a judge, an arbitrator or a jury, so that your arguments can be clearly grasped and your position can be well understood. The firm has handled and handles products liability cases involving the following products, among many others:
- Aircraft and component parts
- Power chairs and scooters
- Pressurized gas cylinders
- Propellers
- Automobiles and trucks
- Bicycles
- Helicopters
- Hot air balloons
- Jet Engines
- Boats and nautical equipment
- Commercial and consumer refrigeration equipment
- Construction equipment
- Consumer products, including space heaters and stoves
- Paints
- Detention security devices
- Fire suppressant systems and products
- Heavy industrial equipment
The world in which we live is not only technologically complex, it is also increasingly global in scope. Often the product in question will have been designed and manufactured in a foreign country or, if the product originated in the United States, it will have been exported elsewhere. As a result, the technical challenges presented in a particular dispute may be matched or even overshadowed by the complex legal issues – issues of substantive law and procedure. Here, too, our lawyers have the experience and expertise to help you work through these matters.
Our attorneys have tried many products liability cases to successful verdicts. Among the high profile products liability cases we have handled are lawsuits arising from the fatal helicopter accident that killed the then-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Walt Disney Company, and the fatal accident involving the aircraft used by a candidate during his Texas gubernatorial campaign.
Fire Litigation
In addition to general products liability cases, our firm has significant experience in products liability litigation involving fires. We regularly defend manufacturers of indoor and outdoor fire suppressant equipment, fire hoses, and emergency response equipment against claims of negligence or strict liability based upon dangerous or defective products. We also represent manufacturers of consumer and industrial products when those devices are implicated in fires. These consumer products can range from household products to sophisticated jet aircraft to powerplants to construction products. In addition, we also represent service providers whose laborers are alleged to have caused or contributed to fires.
Product Safety
Our firm is dedicated to promoting our clients’ interests as aggressive advocates in the courtroom and as long-term legal advisors. We work closely with our clients to help them identify not only the issues in their case, but also potential areas of future concern both legally and technically in the manufacture, design, and distribution of their products. Our goal in is not only to protect our clients’ immediate interests, but to increase product safety and integrity, enhance our clients’ reputation, and decrease the likelihood of future litigation.
If you are seeking comprehensive assistance with your products liability or fire litigation case, contact Coddington, Hicks & Danforth today.