Overview
Since the health risks associated with asbestos first garnered public attention and triggered a tidal wave of litigation and regulation in the 1970s, Wilson Elser has been on the front lines of toxic tort and mass tort litigation.
Drawing on more than four decades of experience defending such claims, an integrated team of our accomplished attorneys and supporting professionals works nationwide, commanding great respect from clients, courts and opposing counsel.
Our practice attorneys have resolved tens of thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits by trial, settlement, dismissal or summary judgment. Cases range from individual lawsuits to “bet-the-company” cases.
In both premises liability and product liability matters, Wilson Elser coordinates the representation of many defendants in personal injury, wrongful death and asbestos in buildings lawsuits. In litigating these matters, we develop a joint defense system for achieving effective, cost-efficient results.
We represent pharmaceuticals and product manufacturers and distributors as well as premises owners, and we litigate matters relating to asbestos and talc exposure in various contexts, including personal product use, chemical plants, commercial plants and buildings, powerhouses, refineries, residences, schools, shipyards and steel mills, among others. We are familiar with the types of exposure sustained by individuals in these fields, including pipe coverers, boilermakers, carpenters, tapers, sheet metal workers, plumbers, steamfitters, shipyard workers and U.S. Navy personnel.
We also defend companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of a broad range of alleged talc- and asbestos-containing products such as powders, cosmetics, gaskets, packing and sealing products, boilers, pumps, compressors, evaporators, joint compounds, household appliances, tiles and friction products.
While we recognize the wisdom of resolving most talc and asbestos cases prior to the expense and vagaries associated with a jury trial, our attorneys have significant trial experience in defending personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits relating to talc and asbestos exposure in state and federal courts and have obtained numerous defense verdicts. We are experienced in litigating state-of-the-art issues relating to knowledge in the medical and scientific communities, and we are well versed in the relevant medical and scientific literature and studies. As needed, we are assisted by some of the most respected defense experts in various fields, including epidemiology, pathology, industrial hygiene and pulmonary medicine.
Our trial experience and historical perspective give us insight into legacy issues and the foresight to advise on current and emerging toxic tort issues. Our numerous defense verdicts and appellate wins in asbestos exposure lawsuits over the past decade, including cases involving plaintiffs that allegedly suffer from mesothelioma, attest to the effectiveness of Wilson Elser’s litigators.