Harvey Kruse is recognized as one of the leading product liability defense firms in the United States. We represent manufacturers in a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, marine and construction equipment, recreational products, power tools, food products and pharmaceuticals. We specialize in the defense of automotive safety appliances including seat belts, airbags, sensing systems, antilock brakes and vehicle stability systems. We also counsel trade associations and individual manufacturers about their potential product liability exposures and develop proactive programs to reduce the occurrence of and successfully defend such claims. Our experience equips us to work with in-house attorneys, product designers, engineers and scientists to develop defenses that take maximum advantage of any company’s research, development and product knowledge. All of which explains why our attorneys are sought-after speakers before bar associations and trade associates, and serve as members of the Product Liability Advisory Council.

As product liability lawsuits continue to make headlines, many companies are rethinking their approach to defending these suits.  Is an all-out "defend at any cost" approach the best in a particular situation or early settlement in the best interests of the client?

Should the defense of lawsuits be directed by the company or should that be left to the insurer?  Should lawyers be hired on a "lowest bidder" basis or is their expertise with a particular product more important?  What about familiarity with the judge on a particular case or with opposing counsel? What can companies do to prevent lawsuits and when they do get sued resolve them quickly?  All of these questions require thoughtful answers from a firm with all the expertise and experience required for the client to make prudent and informed decisions.

Harvey Kruse has a whole team of lawyers with extensive industry experience and many years of work with businesses and outside experts in product design and manufacturing.  Our lawyers participate in industry risk management groups and defense organizations devoted to enhancing not only the legal expertise required, but the technical knowledge necessary to successfully defend complex products and systems. We have built an extensive in-house library of resources to allow us to research, understand, and address the technical and legal issues involving countless different product liability claims.