Tag: Product liability litigation

Tennessee Court of Appeals Reverses $31m Verdict Against Navistar

An appellate court in Jackson, Tennessee reversed a 2017 jury verdict against Navistar Inc. that held the commercial truck and engine manufacturer liable for $31 million in actual and punitive damages. The underlying trial involved a commercial dispute regarding the reliability of trucks purchased by the plaintiff, Milan Supply Chain Solutions and manufactured by Navistar. Milan argued at trial that Navistar had committed fraud and violated Tennessee’s consumer protection laws when selling 234 Class 8 trucks, claiming that the manufacturer knew the engines on the trucks were defective when they were sold. In the appellate decision filed August 14th, the Tennessee Court of Appeals in Jackson ruled that the trial court erred at least twice, in that the economic loss doctrine barred fraud claims, and the consumer protection act does not cover commercial vehicles. Further, the panel affirmed the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees in favor of co-defendant and dealer Volunteer International, Inc., whom Milan sued without grounds.

Lead trial lawyer, Jeff Patterson, said, “We are relieved and grateful that the Court of Appeals corrected this irrational verdict. In at least seven venues around the country, trial courts and a jury have ruled for Navistar just as this appellate panel did. It’s a shame to have wasted so much in public and private resources on this case.”

In addition to the Hartline Barger team of Jeff Patterson, Clayton Callen and Tyler Stuart, Navistar was represented by Roman Martinez and Kevin Jakopchek of Latham & Watkins LLP, and Eugene N. Bulso Jr. and Paul J. Krog of Leader Bulso & Nolan PLC.

Law 360’s coverage of the decision can be found here (paywall)

Jeff Patterson to Present at 2019 ABA Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Conference

Jeffrey_S_Patterson

Hartline Barger LLP partner Jeff Patterson will present at the 2019 ABA/TIPS Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Conference in San Diego, CA on April 4th. Considered the premiere national CLE on motor vehicle litigation, this American Bar Association-hosted program features leading figures from the industry, in-house counsel, and trial lawyers covering the issues that are on the cutting edge of what is happening in both the industry and the courtroom. Jeff, who has once again been selected to speak at this annual event, will present this year on the topic of jury research.

With over 60 mock trials under his belt, Jeff has considerable experience with all aspects of jury research & consulting. His presentation, “Lessons Learned in Jury Research,” will offer insight into the evolution of selecting and talking to juries. This talk will also consider the challenges faced by “post-truth” jurors, a trial lawyer’s view on using jury consultants and shadow juries, and missteps to avoid in mock trials. He is set to speak on the main stage on April 4th at 2:30 PM.

Hartline Barger LLP Receives Tier 1 Ranking on 2019 Edition of U.S. News—Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” List

Hartline Barger LLP is pleased to announce it has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2019 edition of “Best Law Firms” published by U.S. News—Best Lawyers®. This makes the 9th consecutive year that Hartline Barger has been awarded a Tier 1 ranking – every year since the inception of the publication. Firms selected for this list are recognized for their professional excellence, based on ratings from clients and other lawyers. In addition to our Tier 1 ranking in Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation in both Dallas and Corpus Christi, the firm has also been recognized for several other top-tier practices across all offices. See below for the full rankings.

  • Metropolitan Tier 1
    • Corpus Christi
      • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
      • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
    • Dallas/Fort Worth
      • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
      • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
  • Metropolitan Tier 2
    • Corpus Christi
      • Litigation – Trusts & Estates
    • Houston
      • Commercial Litigation
  • Metropolitan Tier 3
    • Corpus Christi
      • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs