Torts Class Actions

Members of our group have nearly thirty years of experience in toxic tort litigation and trials. We have defended cases involving alleged exposures to trichloroethylene and other chlorinated solvents, vinyl chloride, PCBs, dioxins, formaldehyde, benzene, MTBE, creosote, beryllium, diesel exhaust, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. These cases have raised such claims as cancer, endocrine disruption, immune dysfunction, obesity-related diseases, "chronic systemic chemical poisoning," and medical monitoring.

Effective representation in tort class actions requires a sophisticated understanding of the larger playing field, as these issues inevitably arise within a web of regulatory, litigation, and public-relations challenges. Crowell & Moring brings a multidisciplinary approach to these complex matters, integrating the firm's resources in regulatory counseling, product liability, toxic tort litigation, environmental law, science, and public policy.

To reduce the likelihood of litigation, we regularly conduct product liability and toxic tort audits, tort liability due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and hazard communication compliance counseling, advice on indemnification and warranties, options for product recall and related remedies, litigation risk analysis and readiness planning, and crisis management. We also help companies avoid advertising and marketing mistakes and meet requirements for testing, certification, and product labeling.

When litigation cannot be avoided, Crowell & Moring is trial ready, with experienced class action lawyers on both coasts. For example, our lawyers have defeated class certifications and obtained dismissals and favorable settlements for automotive manufacturers and components suppliers in class actions alleging fraud, contract, and warranty claims in connection with engines, transmissions, ignition switches, paint, accessory belts, seat belts, lift gates, and theft deterrent devices. We have also successfully defended clients in matters involving alleged exposures to railroad chemicals and welding fumes, and faulty plumbing products, among others.