Products Liability and Workplace Intentional Tort

Overview

Weston Hurd’s Products Liability Practice Group has been in the forefront of the defense of claims on behalf of manufacturers and suppliers pertaining to a variety of products. The firm defended landmark cases in Ohio during the evolution of strict liability in the 1960s and 1970s and continue to handle moderate to catastrophic injury cases today. The attorneys represent manufacturers and sellers of a wide variety of products, as well as their insurers. Regardless of the nature of the particular product involved, the group’s objective has consistently remained the same – to provide a vigorous defense to unfounded claims and to work towards a cost-effective resolution when appropriate. As a result of the decades of experience in handling product liability litigation and claims, this group has developed a wealth of resources ranging from close affiliation with experienced professionals in areas spanning a broad range of manufacturing to the details of effectively presenting a case for trial through the utilization of appropriate court room techniques. Experience enables this group of attorneys to counsel clients in the development of product programs. This development consultation is in the nature of risk management.

Representative Products

Heavy construction/agricultural equipment

• conveyors and automated delivery equipment
• cranes
• electrical equipment
• excavators
• material handling equipment
• mowers
• pneumatic control systems
• post-pounder equipment
• saws
• tractors

Household products

• above ground pools
• baby walkers
• coffee makers
• diet program dietary supplements
• dishwashers
• fiberglass ladders
• kerosene heaters
• pasta machines
• pool lights
• vacuum cleaners
• sprinkler systems
• water heaters
• wood/gas stoves inserts

Industrial products

• roofing systems
• dock levelers
• hexane
• ethane
• industrial gases
• industrial lifting tongs
• industrial presses and lathes
• paint emulsifier
• smoke removal chemicals
• valves and fittings
• durable medical equipment
• ramps

Workplace intentional tort claims usually involve violent injuries and extensive damages.   The firm represents Ohio employers who are sued by their employees for workplace intentional torts in matters such as crushing and amputations from equipment, electrocutions, deaths and injuries from falls from and through roofs.

It is as important to understand the product or process that gave rise to the injury as it is to understand the law which will control the case.  Weston Hurd’s attorneys practice on the leading edge of this complex area and have argued the scope of employer liability before the Ohio Supreme Court.  The firm maintains a vast amount of legal research on the varying legal issues associated with workplace intentional torts and has briefed issues of liability in multiple jurisdictions and appellate courts across the state.

Attorneys handle workplace intentional torts for a variety of industries and involving a wide array of products, including:

• electronic load calculators for cranes
• hexane
• hoists
• hydraulic compactors
• industrial compactors
• industrial racking systems
• plastic blow molder
• punch presses
• spray application robots