Product Liability
Contacts:
- Joseph G. Skryd
- 630.384.3115
MRV’s product liability practice is comprised of attorneys involved in the defense of product manufacturers of a varied nature. Our attorneys have successfully defended clients in state and federal courts in Illinois and throughout the country for more than 30 years, establishing an aggressive reputation. The product liability group has handled cases ranging from the defense of common household products to scientific, medical and robotic devices and large machinery. Among the cases defended by the product liability group are suits involving agricultural and construction equipment, medical devices, manufacturing control equipment, automotive products, consumer electronics, sports and recreational products, food processing equipment, man lifts, cables, elevators, construction materials, and construction machinery. MRV’s attorneys also counsel clients in risk-reduction and loss-management programs and counsel clients in areas related to warnings and documentation included with their products. In addition, we have served as national coordinating counsel for several large product manufacturers.
Representative Cases
Defended manufacturer of man lift alleged to have malfunctioned, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the worker of the equipment. After aggressive defense of the claim, MRV ultimately obtained summary judgment in favor of the client despite the severity of the injuries and life-long medical care and treatment required.
Obtained a directed verdict in connection with a claim against a manufacturer of protective hearing devices and an owner of gun range wherein plaintiff claimed to have lost hearing as a result of a defect in product protection, warnings, distribution and representation.
Successfully defended manufacturer of agricultural spraying product, after spraying arms came into contact during the course of operation with overhead power lines that resulted in the electrocution of the equipment operator.
Defended manufacturer of concrete pressure pipe that was alleged to have failed, causing leaks and claims in excess of $180 million for replacement, repairs and related damages. Through aggressive and innovative techniques, and reconstruction of the manufacturing process of the pipe at issue, MRV was able to prove that the product manufactured by the insured could not have been the cause of the failures and a dispositive motion was granted.
Obtained a summary judgment in favor of a client that manufactured gym equipment after plaintiff alleged a machine’s cable broke, which resulted in hyper-extensive type injuries.
Defended manufacturer of man lift, which was alleged to have raised worker into a power source bridge during construction activities, resulting in death. Court granted summary judgment after reconstruction of accident and provision of evidence showed that no defect in machine could have caused action of machine.
Obtained defense verdict in favor of manufacturer of truck cab protector that was alleged to have failed during shifting of load. The truck driver was killed by positional asphyxiation when load moved forward. An aggressive defense, and retention of nationally recognized experts, provided evidence upon which the defense award was based.
Obtained dismissal of distributor accused of tampering with air gauge sold to mechanic that resulted in over-inflation of tire. Tire exploded, causing death of two individuals, and residual injury to several other workers. Evidence obtained during discovery demonstrated that distributor did not alter product, and experts proved that warnings were original to manufacture of air gauge.