Product Liability Litigation
Stites & Harbison represents a broad cross-section of product manufacturers in regional and national litigation. We are trial and appellate lawyers who focus on defending complex or high-profile lawsuits.
Stites & Harbison has significant experience with most consumer, commercial, and industrial products, including:
- Asbestos
- Agricultural vehicles & implements
- Automobiles & component parts
- Building materials
- Beverages
- Chemicals & dyes
- Construction equipment
- Electrical equipment & electronics
- Food production
- Industrial tools & presses
- Ladders & scaffolding
- Medical devices
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics & composites
- Recreational vehicles & products
- Steel & iron components
- Trucks & transportation fleets
- Toxic substances
Stites & Harbison also makes a special effort to counsel clients on prevention and risk-management aimed at reducing the incidence of product-related accidents and minimizing or preventing product liability lawsuits.
When lawsuits do occur, our firm's lawyers actively involve product manufacturers in developing the most effective defenses. Among other activities, we:
- Coordinate the defense of product liability litigation on a regional and national basis
- Select local counsel
- Formulate sophisticated strategies
- Manage relevant and discoverable documents
- Identify and protect privileged documents
- Provide uniform discovery responses
- Prepare company employees for depositions
- Develop expert witness testimony.
In addition, our lawyers are experienced in litigation budgeting, alternative fee arrangements, and cost-effective case management.
More than 20 attorneys with the firm are trained in the engineering disciplines and natural sciences. Members of the group participate in all national organizations with an interest in the effective defense of product liability lawsuits, serve on editorial boards of industry publications, write and publish useful articles, and appear on national product liability panels and programs.
Kentucky Legislature Enacts Covid-19 Liability Protection for Businesses
As the country slowly recovers from the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentucky’s lawmakers have stepped in to provide protections to the businesses and workers that will help get the Commonwealth back on its feet. On the last day of the most recent legislative session, Senate Bill 5 became law when the Governor declined to sign or veto it. This legislation, similar to laws in 30 other states, offers immunity from COVID-19-related negligence actions to business owners and essential service providers working to prevent the spread of the virus.
Stites & Harbison Welcomes Litigator Robin Miller
COVINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 9, 2021)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Robin D. Miller to its Covington, Ky., office.
Will COVID-19 Toll the Statute of Limitations in Product Liability Actions?
As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into 2021 with no clear end in sight, a good question for product liability defendants is whether the pandemic will have a tolling effect on the applicable statute of limitations. In product liability cases, state law provides a statute of limitations to bar untimely-filed claims against the product manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. The point is to provide a predictable time period for a plaintiff to investigate the claim, identify the proper parties, and file suit.
Stites & Harbison Welcomes Three Attorneys to Kentucky Offices
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC announces the addition of three attorneys to the firm. Megan Barker joins the Lexington, Ky., office while Caitlyn Barnes and Ameena Khan join the Louisville, Ky., office. All are admitted to practice in Kentucky.
Whitney Frazier Watt Appointed to Governor’s Scholars Board of Directors
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Whitney Frazier Watt to the Board of Directors of the Governor’s Scholars Program.
4th Circ. Says 'Unfair' Va. Law Forces It To Nix Black Lung Suit
Law360 (November 9, 2020, 6:04 PM EST) -- Holding that the court was bound to interpret Virginia's statute of limitations "as it is, not as we would like it to be," the Fourth Circuit has affirmed a lower court's decision to toss a lung disease-stricken coal miner's claims against respirator companies accused of selling poor-quality breathing equipment.
Marjorie Farris to Be First Woman to Lead Stites & Harbison Law Firm
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC, announced today that Kentucky native Marjorie A. Farris will become the firm’s new Chair effective January 2021. She will be the first woman to lead the firm since its founding in 1832.
Carolyn Purcell Michener Appointed to Fund for the Arts NeXtGen Board
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Fund for the Arts recently appointed Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Carolyn Purcell Michener to its NeXtGen Board. She will serve a three-year term.
Stites & Harbison Welcomes Former Federal Prosecutor Brian Butler to the Firm
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Brian Butler to the firm’s Louisville, Ky., office.
Aaron Klein Selected for Membership in Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court
The Louis D. Brandeis American Inn of Court recently selected Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Aaron Klein as an Associate member.