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Complex Litigation and Products Liability Defense

Burgess, Mills & Ring represents clients in all aspects of products liability defense, including strict liability, negligence, fraud, warranty and complex litigation. Our attorneys have technical expertise in litigation involving raw material and part suppliers, manufacturers of construction products (such as piping), manufacturers of medical devices and toxic tort litigation involving mold.  We have been instrumental in resolving multimillion dollar class actions in the State of California and nationally, and are regularly consulted on out-of-state cases involving our clients.  We are skilled in the coordination of complex cases and in the mediation, trial and appeals of high-stakes products claims.

Recent trial victories include:

• Santa Maria v. Shell Oil Company (defense jury verdict)

• Dunham v. Shell Oil Company (defense jury verdict)

• Zamora v. W. Wolf Industries, Inc. (judgment of zero)

• Canyon Rim v. The Douglas Allred Co. (defense jury verdict)

Appellate victories include:

• Santa Maria v. Shell Oil Company (affirming defense verdict and substantial cost award)

• Gawara v. U.S. Brass (1998) 63 Cal.App.4th 1341 (reversal of judgment against manufacturer)

• Zamora v. Shell Oil Company (1997) 55 Cal.App.4th 204 (establishing limits on manufacturers' liability)

• City of Redding v. Mobil Oil Company (1996) (defense of order granting summary judgment)

• Bay Summit Community Association v. Shell Oil Company (1996) 51 Cal.App.4th 762 (reversal of judgment against manufacturer)