Toxic and Mass Torts
For many years, Texas has been fertile ground for toxic and mass tort litigation. In the mass toxic tort dockets, product manufacturers have historically been the targets of such claims, but with each passing year, and the increasing number of bankruptcies, the scope of such suits have broadened to include premises owners and peripheral subcontractors. The enactment of SB 15 by the Texas Legislature in early 2005 has dramatically slowed the tide of new lawsuits, and reduce the number of active cases. However, asbestos and silica cases continue. And new areas of mass torts continue to be developed, such as the talc lawsuits. Defendants, whether self-insured or through their insurance carriers, can develop strategies to deal with such suits and associated defense costs. We have assisted clients in developing and implementing strategies to deal with such suits in a cost effective manner, and yet still mount an effective and target specific defense. Our experience in these areas also allows us to work efficiently and proactively to resolve meritorious cases in a cost-effective manner consistent with the client's goals.
We also have a long history of representing clients in litigation involving hazardous substances, and incident specific toxic contamination and release matters. We have represented Defendants in many cases involving hydrocarbon and chemical exposures, such as benzene, xylene, and mercaptan. We have represented clients in mass litigation matters in Multi-District Litigation.
We have the knowledge, experience, and facilities to effectively represent parties in mass toxic tort matters, as well as specific matters that may occasionally arise from a release of a hazardous or toxic substance