Recent Developments in Product Liability Litigation

The law of product liability is ever-evolving throughout the country with the expanse of mass tort multi-district litigation. Furthermore, the increasing sophistication of medicine along with the rise in litigation over pharmaceutical products and medical products often comes with more complex defenses in terms of suitability, foreseeability, and risk-utility analysis. While product liability law varies from state to state, many of the mass torts have created new laws that may be applicable in most jurisdictions. This seminar will address new trends in product liability litigation, including what it means for a product to be unsuitable or unsafe for the product's intended use; general products vs. medical products (including pharmaceuticals); causation requirements; burdens of proof; and current significant cases.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the full scope of product liability from both plaintiff and defense perspectives
2. Explore many aspects of the law of product liability, from burdens of proof to applicable defenses
3. Identify the legal challenges faced in many of the leading mass torts involving product liability claims