When it comes to defending asbestos and toxic tort litigation—on a national, regional, or local level—Dykema is the first choice of leading manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and premises defendants. Dykema has been protecting clients’ interests in asbestos litigation since its inception, and we have tried personal injury and building cost–recovery cases, including class action lawsuits. Additionally, Dykema attorneys have defended national petroleum and chemical companies in mass “toxic cloud” type litigation involving alleged releases of toxic substances in plant air emissions.

As a leading asbestos and toxic tort defense firm, Dykema attorneys know the industries, the issues, the law, the science, the experts, the courts, and how to successfully put it all together to defend our clients in their toughest cases. Dykema attorneys defend clients in high exposure asbestos and toxic tort cases across the country, with experience ranging from trials to the negotiation of settlements with leading plaintiffs’ firms. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding the diseases typically alleged in toxic tort cases, including mesothelioma, cancer, asbestosis, pleural disease, sterility and congenital abnormalities. We work closely with the country’s premier toxic tort experts, including toxicologists and epidemiologists, to develop defense strategies for our clients. This experience has led to our success in limiting exposure and liability for our clients in asbestos and mass tort litigation.

There is a tremendous advantage to selecting the right team members with the right knowledge and experience. Dykema values the diversity of intellectual perspectives that team members collectively bring. As attorneys plan their case strategy, this diversity of viewpoints enables us to recognize opportunities, identify weak arguments, and strengthen strong ones. We consider all factors, including the nature of the claims, the case’s venue, and the demographics of likely juries, in selecting the right team to deliver the desired result. Our diversity is our core strength.

Our experience in countering plaintiff's tabloid-type conspiracy claims of alleged corporate wrongdoing, putting profits ahead of safety, corner-cutting, and concealing harmful information allows us to coordinate winning defense themes, trial strategies, and to identify and prepare corporate and expert witnesses. We have substantial experience in identifying, handling and coordinating expert testimony, and serve as national coordinating science and expert development counsel for clients. In addition, Dykema utilizes highly-efficient administrative processes for expert witnesses, ensuring consistent medical and expert opinions and reducing the overall cost of expert discovery.

Bringing together their scientific knowledge, expert development experience and litigation judgment, the Dykema Asbestos and Toxic Tort Team members: (i) quickly develop a thorough knowledge of the client’s product and the alleged injuries and exposures; (ii) identify key areas where expert testimony may be needed, and with client approval, begin retaining the most qualified experts in those areas; and (iii) work closely with the client's medical, science, production, and in-house legal teams, ensuring that a consistent -- and accurate -- message is delivered at all times.

For more information on our Asbestos and Toxic Tort team, please contact:
Todd Gattoni, 313-568-5318