Practice Areas > Products Liability

Product liability is a particular specialty of the firm. Among other matters, co-chair Kelly H. Macfarlane has been national product counsel for a large manufacturer for 24 years. The firm has defended product liability claims in more than 30 states, and has obtained numerous summary judgments and voluntary dismissals based upon warnings drafted by the firm. Co-chair Heidi Goebel is statewide product counsel for several national manufacturers, and regularly speaks to national audiences on product liability-related topics.

In addition to defending manufacturers in liability claims, Christensen & Jensen has aided companies in recalls and Consumer Product Safety Commission proceedings. The firm focuses on preventive law for manufacturers, including how to properly test using focus groups, ASTM and other standards, and the maintenance of records to refute claims of product defect. Christensen & Jensen attorneys are proficient in FEMA (Failure Effects Mode Analysis) used by engineers departments to identify and remedy product defects in an orderly and evidentiary fashion.

Utilizing its wide experience in defending such claims, the firm also represents on occasion select individuals injured by defective products.

Recent product liability matters handled by the firm include claims involving:

• Pharmaceuticals and supplements/vitamins
• Medical devices
• Recreational and sporting goods, including snowmobiles, ski boots, trampolines, basketball poles, playground equipment, and paint guns
• Automobiles, motorcycles, semi-trucks, and trailers
• Tires
• Furniture, including tables and chairs
• Lasers
• Bicycles
• Tools
• Guns
• Agricultural products
• Sheds and tents
• Pressurized toilet tanks
• Electrical equipment
• Boats and water craft
• Generator exhaust system
• Mechanically stabilized earth systems
• Artificial turf
• Vinyl siding
• Asbestos-containing products