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TOXIC TORT

Co-Chairs:
Mark S. Tratten
916.483.5181
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Albert M. T. (Terry) Finch III
415.362.7126
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The Toxic Tort practice group defends claims related to actual or alleged exposure to hazardous chemicals that may be present in air, water or soil. Some of these chemicals are found only in trace amounts, but may be present in many commonly used products. We defend manufacturers and distributors of these substances.

Many of these defense cases fall into one of the following categories:

Asbestosis: claims for bodily injuries and death resulting from alleged exposure to asbestos.
Benzene: claims for illnesses resulting from alleged exposure to benzene.
Silicosis: claims for bodily injuries and death resulting from alleged exposure to silica dust.
Toluene: claims for illnesses resulting from alleged exposure to toluene.
Environmental: CERCLA (Superfund) and related property damage claims relating to alleged contamination of the soil, air and water by dry cleaning fluids, fuels and other contaminants.

Seminars

Expedited Jury Trials: The Why, When and How of the New California Law

Effective January 1, 2011, California has enacted statutes for Expedited Jury Trials (EJT). Sharon Hightower, assistant managing partner of Ericksen Arbuthnot’s San Jose office, has prepared a seminar to explain this new statute to attorneys, clients and insurance carriers. She will explain what types of cases are best suited for EJT and how cases are selected for this alternative trial option. Her presentation includes the following topics:
  • Background of the new law
  • Pre-trial procedures
  • Rules
  • Selection process for cases
  • Trial procedures:
    • Admissibility of evidence
    • Voir dire
    • Challenges
    • Required deadlines

For more information about EJT, see "California Offers a New Trial Option."

 

 

 

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