Global Product Liability

Overview

DLA Piper's Canadian lawyers have extensive experience successfully defending products liability claims brought either as class actions or individuals claims, encompassing a full range of sectors, industries and issues. As a result, we are highly skilled at investigating the facts underlying products liability claims; working closely with in-house counsel and company employees to understand the nature of the potential mechanical, electronic or other issues that can arise in such cases; retaining and instructing leading experts; and all other aspects of the litigation process. We are also always mindful of identifying and considering ways to successfully resolve product liability cases in ways that make business sense. When, as can frequently occur, a product liability matter is or becomes multi-national in scope, our unique position within the DLA Piper platform, allows us to develop and implement seamless and fully integrated international defence strategies for our clients.

In addition to representing clients in litigation, our Canadian product liability lawyers offer full-service business legal support, advising product manufacturers, distributors and retailers on regulatory compliance, and identifying preventative measures to avoid claims. We also regularly assist clients in navigating e-commerce, advertising and product labelling, and product recall issues.

Our Canadian product liability lawyers have in-depth experience representing clients in five core areas:

Pharmaceuticals
and medical devices

DLA Piper lawyers have extensive experience representing leading pharmaceutical manufacturers of prescription and OTC drugs and medical products, and manufacturers of medical devices in the defense of individual and class action product liability claims. We also have experience reviewing and auditing clients' compliance with federal and regulatory requirements governing promotional activities.

Aviation

We have significant experience representing manufacturers in the aviation industry in the defense of product liability claims. Our product liability lawyers also work closely with our internationally recognized aviation law professionals to provide optimal solutions to our clients in navigating the labyrinth of Canadian aviation laws, regulations and governmental policies.

Manufacturing

Our lawyers regularly act for manufacturers in the defense of product liability claims relating to a wide variety of construction products, including wall systems, roofing systems, window systems, composite decking and industrial piping. 

Automotive
and heavy equipment

We have extensive experience representing automotive and heavy equipment manufacturers in the defense of individual and class action product liability claims. We also have deep knowledge of the automotive parts manufacturing sector, representing parts manufacturers in the defense of a wide range of individual and class action proceedings.

Consumer
products

DLA Piper's Global Consumer Products Sector includes more than 300 colleagues representing more than 1,500 consumer products companies in more than 30 countries around the world. We have decades of practical multidisciplinary experience representing consumer product manufacturers. Our familiarity with recurring and industrywide matters fosters best practices and economies of scale. In Canada, we have particular expertise representing manufacturers, distributors and retailers of food products, beverages, fuel, packaging and other consumables in the defense of product liability claims.

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