Gordon & Rees partners Thomas J. Tobin and Matthew P. Nugent of San Diego co-wrote an article that appeared in the December 2013 issue of Litigation Watch: Benzene, a nationwide publication of HarrisMartin Publishing.
In the feature article, titled “Up the Creek With a Paddle? Recent California Decisions May Signal Narrowing of Stream of Commerce for Bulk Suppliers and Component Parts Manufacturers,” Tobin and Nugent discussed California appellate court rulings over the past two years that narrow the scope of circumstances in which product manufacturers may be liable for injuries allegedly related to the use of their products.
“These rulings . . . signal a possible future expansion of opportunities for dismissals for companies that provide materials to end formulators in toxic tort matters, especially trace benzene litigation,” the authors wrote. “It will be worth tracking cases that fit this scenario over the next 12 months, as we expect motion practice to increase, and further appellate activity on behalf of bulk suppliers named as defendants, in trace benzene matters in California.”
Tobin focuses his practice on chemical exposure litigation, products liability, environmental litigation, and business litigation. He represents clients against claims of personal injury as well as property and business damage from alleged exposure to chemicals, toxic waste, and other substances. He also defends clients in litigation involving federal and state environmental statutes.
Nugent defends and prosecutes claims involving products liability, unfair business competition, class actions, and a variety of business tort and contractual claims. He has had particular success helping clients resolve complex disputes prior to trial through alternative dispute resolution procedures and dispositive motion practice.
To read the article, click
here.