Chapter 1

§ 1-1. Traditional Liability for Product Defects

§ 1-1(a). Introduction to Product Negligence

§ 1-1(b). The Elements of Proof

§ 1-1(c). Showing Duty and Breach

§ 1-1(c)(1). Manufacturers

§ 1-1(c)(2). Sellers, Bailors, and Lessors

§ 1-1(d). Those Owed a Duty of Care

§ 1-1(e). Causation

§ 1-1(e)(1). Res Ipsa Loquitur

§ 1-1(e)(2). Intervening Acts

§ 1-1(f). Foreseeability

§ 1-1(g). Proving Breach of Duty

§ 1-1(h). Statutory Violations by Defendants

§ 1-1(i). Negligence Defenses

§ 1-1(i)(1). Comparative Fault and Assumption of Risk

§ 1-1(i)(2). Modification of Product

§ 1-1(i)(3). Intervening Act

§ 1-1(i)(4). Open and Obvious Danger

§ 1-1(i)(5). Unavoidable Accident or Ordinary Wear

§ 1-1(i)(6). Disclaimer

§ 1-2. Liability Based on Warranty

§ 1-2(a). Introduction to Warranty Liability

§ 1-2(b). Negligence-Based and Warranty-Based Causes of Action Compared

§ 1-2(c). Privity

§ 1-2(d). Reliance

§ 1-2(e). Notice

§ 1-2(f). Express Warranties

§ 1-2(g). Implied Warranties

§ 1-2(g)(1). Implied Warranty of Merchantability

§ 1-2(g)(2). Implied Warranty of Fitness for Particular Purpose

§ 1-2(h). Warranty Defenses

§ 1-2(h)(1). Requirement of Sale

§ 1-2(h)(2). Disclaimers

§ 1-2(h)(3). Third-Party Intervention

§ 1-3. Contemporary Product Law

§ 1-3(a). Introduction to Strict Liability

§ 1-3(b). The Elements of Strict Liability

§ 1-3(c). Effects of Strict Liability on Litigation

§ 1-3(d). Applicability of Strict Liability to Various Products

§ 1-3(d)(1). Extensionof Strict Product Liability toComponents Installed During Construction Process

§ 1-3(e). Showing That a Product Is Defective for Purposes of Strict Liability

§ 1-3(f). The Barker Design Defect Tests

§ 1-3(f)(1). The Consumer Expectation Test

§ 1-3(f)(2). Risk-Benefit Analysis

§ 1-3(f)(3). Advantages and Disadvantages

§ 1-3(g). Alternative Designs

§ 1-3(h). Victims Who May Recover

§ 1-3(h)(1). Employees

§ 1-3(h)(2). Commercial Parties

§ 1-3(i). [Reserved]

§ 1-3(j). Potential Defendants

§ 1-3(k). Market-Share Liability

§ 1-3(l). Misrepresentation of Products

§ 1-3(m). Proximate or Legal Causation

§ 1-3(n). Crashworthiness

§ 1-3(o). Strict Liability Defenses

§ 1-3(o)(1). Statutes of Limitation

§ 1-3(o)(2). Comparative Fault and Contributory Negligence

§ 1-3(o)(3). Assumption of Risk

§ 1-3(o)(4). Awareness

§ 1-3(o)(5). Reasonable Implied Assumption of Risk

§ 1-3(o)(6). Unforeseeable Use and Misuse

§ 1-3(o)(7). Intervening Act

§ 1-3(o)(8). Alteration or Modification of the Product

§ 1-3(o)(9). Open and Obvious Danger

§ 1-3(o)(10). Statutory Violation

§ 1-3(o)(11). State-of-the-Art Defense

§ 1-3(o)(12). Government-Contractor Defense and Compliance with Government Regulations

§ 1-3(o)(13). Compliance with Client Contract Specifications

§ 1-3(o)(14). Federal Preemption

§ 1-3(o)(14)(i). Express Preemption

§ 1-3(o)(14)(ii). Implied Preemption

§ 1-4. Failure to Warn and Inadequate Warnings

§ 1-4(a). Introduction to Warnings

§ 1-4(b). Limitations on Failure-to-Warn Actions

§ 1-4(c). Negligence-Based and Strict-Liability-Based Inadequate Warning Actions Compared

§ 1-4(d). Establishing the Duty to Warn

§ 1-4(e). The Actual or Constructive Knowledge Requirement

§ 1-4(e)(1). Showing Requisite Knowledge of the Manufacturer

§ 1-4(e)(2). Showing Requisite Knowledge of the Seller

§ 1-4(e)(3). The Admissibility of State-of-the-Art Evidence to Show the Defendant's Knowledge

§ 1-4(f). Foreseeability

§ 1-4(f)(1). The Foreseeable Plaintiff

§ 1-4(f)(2). Foreseeable Use

§ 1-4(f)(3). Foreseeable Injury

§ 1-4(f)(4). Defenses Based on Lack of Foreseeability

§ 1-4(g). Legal or Proximate Cause

§ 1-4(g)(1). Defenses Based on Lack of Proximate Cause: Assumption of Risk, Open and Obvious Danger

§ 1-4(g)(2). Sophisticated Buyer Exception

§ 1-4(h). Existence of Adequate Danger

§ 1-4(i). [Reserved]

§ 1-4(j). Unavoidably Unsafe Products

§ 1-4(k).Duty at the Time of the Plaintiff's Injury

§ 1-4(l). Continuing Duty to Warn

§ 1-4(m). Adequacy of Warning

§ 1-5. Punitive Damages

§ l-5(a). Aftermath of BMW v. Gore: Establishing Standards of Review

§ 1-6. The Restatement (Third) of Torts: The Potential Impact on Product Liability

§ l-6(a). New Changes in the Restatement of Torts

§ l-6(b). Design Defect Cases-The Requirement for a Reasonable Alternative Design and Abolition of 402(a)

§ l-6(c). Abolition of the Consumer Expectation Test as a Standard of Defectiveness

§ l-6(d). Section C-Abolition of Negligence and Implied Warranty as a Separate Basis for Recovery

§ l-6(e). Negligence Test for Product Warning Cases

§ 1-6(0- Other Provisions

§ l-6(g). Section 2 of Restatement (Third)-Its Impact on the Law in Your Jurisdiction

§ 1-7. Class Actions

Appendix 1.1 Warning Label Standards

Chapter 2

§ 2-1. Introduction

§ 2-1(a). Case Selection

§ 2-1(b). Case Evaluation

§ 2-2. Client Meeting

§ 2-2(a). Evaluating the Client

§ 2-2(b). Filtering Through Case Facts and Law

§ 2-2(b.1). Securing Evidence to Avoid Spoliation

§ 2-2(c). Evaluating the Product Defect and Causation

§ 2-2(c.1). Evaluating Potential Defenses and Limits on Recovery

§ 2-2(d). Rejecting the Case, If Necessary

§ 2-2(e). Accepting the Case

§ 2-2(f). Appointing Guardians

§ 2-3. Case Evaluation: Investigation

§ 2-3(a). Introduction

§ 2-3(b). Who Should Conduct the Investigation?

§ 2-3(c). The Benefits of Early Investigation

§ 2-4. Witnesses

§ 2-4(a). Introduction

§ 2-4(b). Types of Witnesses

§ 2-4(c). Selecting Witnesses for Interview

§ 2-4(d). Choosing Witnesses for Trial

§ 2-4(d)(1). Importance of Testimony

§ 2-4(d)(2). Credibility

§ 2-4(e). Other Reasons to Interview Witnesses

§ 2-4(f). Locating Witnesses

§ 2-4(g). Witness Interviews

§ 2-4(g)(1). Arrangements

§ 2-4(g)(1)(i). The Order

§ 2-4(g)(1)(ii). Who Should Interview

§ 2-4(g)(1)(iii). Encouraging Reluctant Witnesses to Meet You

§ 2-4(g)(1)(iv). Surprise Interviews

§ 2-4(g)(1)(v). Other Techniques

§ 2-4(g)(2). Starting the Interview

§ 2-4(g)(2)(i). Encouraging Talk

§ 2-4(g)(2)(ii). Structure of the Interview

§ 2-4(g)(3). Interview Techniques

§ 2-4(g)(3)(i). Introduction

§ 2-4(g)(3)(ii). Differentiate Hearsay

§ 2-4(g)(3)(iii). Draw out a Narrative

§ 2-4(g)(3)(iv). Probe Details

§ 2-4(g)(3)(v). Seek Missing Information

§ 2-4(g)(3)(vi). Verify Your Information

§ 2-4(g)(3)(vii). Cover Contacts with Others

§ 2-4(g)(3)(viii). Uncover New Sources of Information

§ 2-4(g)(3)(ix). Closing

§ 2-4(g)(4). Hostile Witnesses

§ 2-4(g)(5). Recording the Interview

§ 2-4(g)(5)(i). Signed Statements or Affidavits

§ 2-4(g)(5)(ii). File Memorandum

§ 2-4(g)(5)(iii). Recordings

§ 2-4(g)(6). Payments

§ 2-4.1. Competitive Intelligence: The Next Step in Investigation

§ 2-4.1(a). How Competitive Intelligence Can Affect Your Practice

§ 2-4.1(b). Competitive Intelligence Tools

§ 2-4.1(c). Guarding Against Competitive Intelligence Efforts

§ 2-4.1(d). Using Competitive Intelligence to Your Own Advantage

§ 2-5. Evaluating the Experts: Search and Selection

§ 2-5(a). The Search

§ 2-5(b). The Selection

§ 2-6. Identification of Defendants

§ 2-6(a). Rules for Selection of Defendants

§ 2-6(a)(1). Real Party in Interest

§ 2-6(a)(2). Party Capacity

§ 2-6(a)(3). Joinder

§ 2-6(a)(3)(i). Compulsory Joinder

§ 2-6(a)(3)(ii). Permissive Joinder

§ 2-6(b). Where to Look for Defendants

§ 2-6(c). Initial Contact with Potential Defendants

§ 2-6(d). Piercing the Corporate Veil or Alter Ego

§ 2-7. Investment and Cost Control

§ 2-8. Settlement and Mediation

§ 2-8(a). Calculating Settlement Offers

§ 2-8(b). Mediation

§ 2-9. Damages

§ 2-10. Managing a Class Action

Appendix 2.1. Case Intake Form

Appendix 2.2. Case Evaluation Form

Appendix 2.3. Sample Retainer Agreement and Fee Contract

Appendix 2.4 Sample Damage Questions to Anticipate from the Defense

Appendix 2.5 Sample Life Care Plan

Appendix 2.4 Sample Damage Questions to Anticipate from the Defense

Appendix 2.5 Sample Life Care Plan

Chapter 3

§ 3-1. Strategy Overview

§ 3-1(a). Introduction

§ 3-1(b). Pleading Model

§ 3-1(c). Strategy Elements

§ 3-2. The Complaint

§ 3-2(a). Introduction

§ 3-2(b). What a Pleading Should Include

§ 3-2(c). Elements of the Complaint

§ 3-2(d). Potential Claims

§ 3-2(e). Sample Counts

§ 3-2(e)(1). Strict Liability

§ 3-2(e)(2). Negligence

§ 3-2(e)(3). Breach of Implied Warranties of Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular Purpose

§ 3-2(e)(4). Breach of Express Warranty

§ 3-2(e)(5). Misrepresentation

§ 3-2(e)(6). Violation of Rules Issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

§ 3-3. Choice of Forum

§ 3-3(a). Introduction to Choice of Law

§ 3-3(b). Potential Conflicts of Law

§ 3-3(b)(1). Traditional Rule

§ 3-3(b)(2). Most Significant Relationship

§ 3-3(b)(3). Other Choice-of-Law Tests

§ 3-3(b)(4). Forum Checklist

§ 3-3(c). Forum Considerations

§ 3-3(c)(1). The Courts

§ 3-3(c)(2). Verdicts

§ 3-3(d). Forum Non Conveniens

§ 3-3(d)(1). Motion to Transfer for Forum Non Conveniens

§ 3-3(d)(2). Motion to Dismiss for Forum Non Conveniens

§ 3-3(e). Removal

§ 3-4. Anticipating Defenses

§ 3-4(a). Introduction

§ 3-4(b). Common Defenses

§ 3-4(b)(1). Reasonable Care

§ 3-4(b)(2). Industry Custom

§ 3-4(b)(3). State of the Art

§ 3-4(b)(4). Government Regulations

§ 3-4(b)(5). Adequate Warnings - Assumption of the Risk

§ 3-4(b)(6). Safety Device Was Available as an Option

§ 3-4(b)(7). Product Was Changed, Altered, or Modified

§ 3-4(b)(8). Alternative Design Would Not Have Prevented the Injury

§ 3-4(b)(9). Unforeseeable Product Misuse

§ 3-4(b)(10). Learned Intermediary

§ 3-4(b)(11). The Defect Did Not Cause the Injury

§ 3-4(b)(12). The Risk Was Not Foreseeable

§ 3-4(b)(13). The Risk Was Not Unreasonable

§ 3-4(b)(14). Comparative Negligence and Comparative Fault

§ 3-4(b)(15). Preemption

§ 3-4(b)(16). Open and Obvious Danger

§ 3-4(b)(17). Intervening, Superseding Act

§ 3-4(b)(18). Compliance with Client Specifications: Government-Contractor Defense

§ 3-4(c). Statutes of Limitation

§ 3-5. Law and Motion

§ 3-5(a). Introduction

§ 3-5(b). Pretrial Motions to Dismiss

§ 3-5(b)(1). Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Over the Person - Federal Rule 12(b)(2)

§ 3-5(b)(2). Motion to Dismiss - Federal Rule 12(b)(6)

§ 3-5(b)(3). Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings - Federal Rule 12(c)

§ 3-5(b)(4). Motion for More Definite Statement - Federal Rule 12(e)

§ 3-5(b)(5). Motion to Strike - Federal Rule 12(f)

§ 3-5(b)(6). The Motion In Limine

§ 3-5(c). Motion for Summary Judgment

§ 3-6. Service of Process

§ 3-6(a). Timing

§ 3-6(b). Out-of-State Service

§ 3-6(c). Foreign Countries - Service of Process Abroad

§ 3-6(c)(1). Introduction

§ 3-6(c)(2). Successful Methods for Service of Process

§ 3-6(c)(3). Service by International Treaty (The Hague Process Convention)

§ 3-6(c)(4). Service by Letters Rogatory

§ 3-6(c)(5). Service on a Foreign Government

§ 3-6(c)(6). Informal Service - Service by a Private Process Server

§ 3-6(c)(7). Revisions to the Federal Rules

§ 3-6(c)(8). Consequences of Failure to Serve Correctly Abroad

§ 3-6(c)(9). The Inter-American Convention

Appendix 3.1. Sample Pleadings

Appendix 3.1(a). Personal Injury from Drug Product

Appendix 3.1(b). Wrongful Death from Automotive Product

Appendix 3.1(c). Wrongful Death from Consumer Product

Appendix 3.1(d). Personal Injury from Modified Product of Foreign Manufacturer

Appendix 3.2. Sample Motion re Forum Non Conveniens

Appendix 3.3. Sample Motion to Dismiss

Appendix 3.4. Sample Affidavit of Expert in Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment

Appendix 3.5. Sample Questions to Motions In Limine that Defendants May File

Appendix 3.6. Sample Motions In Limine that Plaintiff Should Consider Filing

Chapter 4

§ 4-1. Introduction

§ 4-2. Scope of Discovery

§ 4-2(a). Sources of Information

§ 4-2(a)(1). Manufacturers

§ 4-2(a)(2). Public Records and Consumer Groups

§ 4-2(a)(3). Computerized Discovery

§ 4-2(a)(3)(i). Unreleased Information

§ 4-2(a)(3)(ii). Supplied Data Check

§ 4-2(a)(4). Computer Litigation Support Systems

§ 4-2(a)(4)(i). Computer Discovery Case Law

§ 4-2(b). Procedures for Obtaining Evidence Abroad

§ 4-2(b)(1). Introduction

§ 4-2(b)(2). Treaty Procedures Now Required by New Federal Rules

§ 4-2(b)(3). Letters Rogatory

§ 4-2(c). Discovery Tips

§ 4-2(c)(1). Always Be Professional and Courteous

§ 4-2(c)(2). But Be Persistent

§ 4-3. Interrogatories

§ 4-3(a). When to Use Interrogatories

§ 4-3(b). What to Include with Interrogatories

§ 4-3(c). What to Ask in the First Set of Interrogatories

§ 4-3(c)(1). Who, What, and Where

§ 4-3(c)(2). Chain of Distribution

§ 4-3(d). Specific Information to Obtain

§ 4-3(d)(1). Defendant's Involvement

§ 4-3(d)(2). Other Potentially Liable Parties

§ 4-3(d)(3). Use Interrogatories to Determine What Law Applies to the Case

§ 4-3(d)(4). Identify Key Employees and Possible Deponents

§ 4-3(d)(5). Find the Money

§ 4-3(e). Using Interrogatories to Elicit Possible Defenses

§ 4-3(f). What If the Defendant Doesn't Answer?

§ 4-4. Requests for Production

§ 4-4(a). When to Use a Request for Production

§ 4-4(b). Why Use a Request for Production?

§ 4-4(c). What to Remember About Requests for Production

§ 4-4(d). Correlate Requests for Production with Interrogatories

§ 4-4(e). What to Include with Your Requests for Production

§ 4-4(f). What to Ask for in a Request for Production

§ 4-4(g). Follow-up Interrogatories and Requests for Production

§ 4-4(h). Requesting Documents from Nonparties - Subpoena Duces Tecum

§ 4-5. Requests for Admissions

§ 4-5(a). How to Use Requests for Admissions

§ 4-5(b). What to Include with Your Requests for Admissions

§ 4-5(c). Why Use Requests for Admissions?

§ 4-5(d). What and When to Request

§ 4-6. Protective Orders

§ 4-6(a). Purpose of Protective Orders

§ 4-6(b). Strategic Use and Misuse of Protective, Orders by Defendants

§ 4-6(b)(1). Let's Make a Deal

§ 4-6(b)(2). Just Say No

§ 4-6(b)(2)(i), No Talking, Please

§ 4-6(b)(2)(ii). The Public's Right to Know

§ 4-6(c). Effects of a Properly Grafted Protective Order

§ 4-6(d). Legal Standards for Protective Order

§ 4-6(d)(1). Defendant's (Movant's) Burden

§ 4-6(d)(2). Proof of Harm

§ 4-7. Physical and Mental Examinations; Blood Tests

§ 4-8. Defendant's Response to Discovery

§ 4-8(a). Responsive Documents and the "Reading Room"

§ 4-8(a)(1). Grounds for Objection

§ 4-8(a)(2). Defense Argument in Support of Reading-Room Production

§ 4-8(a)(3). Make Them Index It All

§ 4-8(a)(4). Make Them Move Their Mess

§ 4-8(a)(5). Further Grounds for Opposing Reading-Room Production

§ 4-8(b). Document Destruction (or Retention) Policies

§ 4-8(b)(1). Details and Where to Find Them

§ 4-8(b)(2). The Scope of Discovery After Destruction of Evidence

§ 4-8(b)(3). What Creates the Inference

§ 4-8(b)(4). Timing of Policy

§ 4-8(c). Compelling Discovery

§ 4-8(c)(1). In General

§ 4-8(c)(2). Motion to Compel

§ 4-8(c)(3). Prevention of Discovery Abuse

§ 4-8(c)(3)(i). Strategy to Prevent Discovery Abuse

§ 4-8(c)(3)(ii). Types of Discovery Abuse - Evasive, Misleading, and False Responses

§ 4-8(c)(3)(iii). Destruction, Loss, or Suppression of Evidence

§ 4-8(c)(3)(iv). Delay

§ 4-8(c)(3)(v). Boilerplate Objections

§ 4-8(c)(3)(vi). Semantics

§ 4-8(c)(3)(vii). Dump-Truck or Reading-Room Tactics

§ 4-8(c)(3)(viii). Obstruction of Deposition

§ 4-8(c)(3)(ix). Attorney-Client Privilege

§ 4-8(d). Document Management in a Products Case

§ 4-8(d)(1). Uses for Computerized Information

§ 4-8(d)(2). What Should the System Do?

§ 4-8(d)(3). Organization

§ 4-8(d)(4). Housekeeping

§ 4-9. Expert Witness Discovery

§ 4-9(a). Work Product

§ 4-9(b). Demonstrative Evidence

§ 4-9(c). Preparing the Expert Witness

§ 4-10. Spoliation of Evidence

§ 4-10(a). What Is Spoliation?

§ 4-10(b). How Spoliation Affects a Product Liability Case

§ 4-10(c). What Remedies Exist?

§ 4-10(c)(1). Before Suit

§ 4-10(c)(2). During Suit

§ 4-10(e)(3). Expert Spoliation

§ 4-10(c)(4). Inferences, Presumptions, and Prejudice

§ 4-10(c)(5). Spoliation as an Independent Tort

§ 4-10(c)(5)(i). Spoliation-Cause of Action

§ 4-10(c)(5)(ii). Spoliation-Damages

§ 4-11. 1993 Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Affecting Discovery

§ 4-11(a). Introduction

§ 4-11(b). Rule 16 - Pretrial Conferences, Scheduling, and Management

§ 4-11(c). General Observations on Revised Rule 26 - Duty of Disclosure

§ 4-11(d). Voluntary Disclosure

§ 4-11(d)(1). Rule 26(a)(1) - Voluntary Disclosure: Initial

§ 4-11(d)(2). Rule 26(a)(2) - Voluntary Disclosure: Expert Testimony

§ 4-11(d)(3). Rule 26(a)(3) -Voluntary Disclosure: Pretrial

§ 4-11(d)(4). Rule 26(a)(4) - Form of Disclosure: Filing

§ 4-11(d)(5). Rule 26(a)(5) - Methods for Discovering Additional Material

§ 4-11(d)(6). Rule 26(b) - Discovery: Scope and Limits

§ 4-11(d)(7). Rule 26(c) -Protective Orders

§ 4-11(d)(8). Rule 26(d) - Timing and Sequence

§ 4-11(d)(9). Rule 26(e) - Duty to Supplement

§ 4-11(d)(10). Rule 26(£) - Mandatory Meeting Between Litigants

§ 4-11(e). Rule 28 - Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken

§ 4-11(f). Rule 29 - Stipulations Concerning Discovery

§ 4-11(g). Rule 30 - Depositions

§ 4-11(g)(1). Rule 30(a) - When Depositions May Be Taken

§ 4-11(g)(2). Rule 30(b) - General Requirements

§ 4-11(g)(3). Rule 30(d) - Schedule and Duration; Motion to Terminate

§ 4-11(h), Rule 31 - Depositions by Written Interrogatories

§ 4-11(i). Rule 32 - Use of Depositions

§ 4-11(j). Rule 33 - Interrogatories

§ 4-11(k). Rule 34 - Requests for Production of Documents

§ 4-11(l). Rule 36 - Requests for Admission

§ 4-11(m). Rule 37 - Sanctions

§ 4-12. Privileged Material

§ 4-13. The Use of Litigation Technology in the Office and on the Road

§ 4-14. Product Liability Research on the Internet

§ 4-14(a). Introduction

§ 4-14(b). Search Engines

§ 4-14(c). Legal Directories

§ 4-14(d). Websites for Product Liability Research

§ 4-14(e). Conclusion: The Benefits of Internet

§ 4-15. Using the Media as a Tool in Product Liability Litigation

§ 4-16. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)Investigations: Highway, Railway and Aviation Collisions

§ 4-16(a). Introduction

§ 4-16(b)(1). The Role of the NTSB

§ 4-16(b)(1)(i). Aviation Crashes

§ 4-16(b)(1)(ii). Railroad Collisions

§ 4-16(b)(1)(iii). Highway Collisions

§ 4-16(b)(2). How to Research NTSB Aviation Accident of Investigations

§ 4-16(b)(2)(i). Researching NTSB Aviation Accident Reports by Date

§ 4-16(b)(2)(ii). Researching NTSB Aviation Reports by Interactive Query

§ 4-16(b)(3). Accessing NTSB Formal Reports

§ 4-16(b)(3)(i). Aviation Accidents

§ 4-16(b)(3)(ii). Highway and Railway Investigations

§ 4-16(b)(4). Simultaneous Use of FOIA Requests

§ 4-16(b)(4)(i). Submitting a FOIA Request

§ 4-16(b)(4)(ii). Statutory Exemptions to NTSB FOIA Requests

§ 4-16(b)(5). Limitations on NTSB Depositions

§ 4-17. Military-Related Crashes: Identifying Issues and Witnesses

§ 4-17(a). Locating Witnesses When Arranging Military Depositions

§ 4-17(b). Investigating Military-Related Crashes: Confidential or "State Secret" Information

§ 4-17(c). Scheduling and Coordinating Depositions with Military Personnel

§ 4-17(d). Preserving Physical Evidence for Trial

Appendix 4.1. Overview of Discovery Topics

Appendix 4.2. Sample Interrogatories in Product Cases

Appendix 4.3. Sample Requests for Production

Appendix 4.4. Requests and Court Orders Related to Computerized Databases

Appendix 4.5. Sample Protective Orders and Related Documents

Appendix 4.6. Spoliation

Appendix 4.7. 1993 Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Appendix 4.8. Corporate Actions Related to Safety

Chapter 5

§ 5-1. Introduction

§ 5-2. Depositions: A Key Litigation Tool

§ 5-2(a). Timing Matters

§ 5-2(b). Notice Requirements

§ 5-2(c). Who May Be Deposed

§ 5-2(d). Place of Deposition

§ 5-2(e). Who May Attend

§ 5-2(f). Deposition Officer and Interpreters

§ 5-2(g). Recording the Testimony

§ 5-2(h). Deposition Procedures

§ 5-2(i). Depositions by Phone and Satellite Transmission

§ 5-3. Preparing for Deposition

§ 5-3(a). Arm Yourself with Information

§ 5-3(b). Organize by Outline

§ 5-4. Questioning Strategy

§ 5-5. Timing Strategy

§ 5-6. Depositions of Percipient or Fact Witnesses

§ 5-6(a). Tactical Questioning

§ 5-6(a)(1). Gathering Information

§ 5-6(a)(2). Preserving Testimony for Trial

§ 5-6(a)(3). Impeachment

§ 5-6(b). Discovery of Materials at Deposition

§ 5-6(c). Nonparty Fact Witnesses

§ 5-6(c)(1). Subpoena - Compelling Testimony

§ 5-6(c)(2). Subpoena Duces Tecum

§ 5-6(d). Out-of-Town Depositions

§ 5-6(e). Out-of-Country Depositions

§ 5-6(e)(1). Party Witnesses

§ 5-6(e)(2). Nonparties

§ 5-7. Depositions of the Opposing Party

§ 5-7(a). Timing Strategy

§ 5-7(b). Questioning Tactics

§ 5-7(b)(1). Pinning Down Your Opponent

§ 5-7(b)(2). Revealing Impeaching Facts

§ 5-7(b)(3). Handling Objections

§ 5-7(b)(3)(i). Dealing with Abusive Tactics at Depositions

§ 5-7(b)(3)(ii). Examples of Abusive Practices at Deposition

§ 5-7(c). Requesting Documents

§ 5-7(d). Deposing the Foreign Company Representative

§ 5-7(e). Problems Associated with Deposing Corporate Witnesses: Rule 30(b)(6) and "Persons Most Knowledgeable."

§ 5-8. Expert Depositions

§ 5-8(a). Deposing Adverse Expers

§ 5-8(b). Defending Your Experts

§ 5-9. Using the Deposition at Trial

§ 5-10. Defending Your Client's Deposition

§ 5-10(a). Preparing Your Client for Deposition

§ 5-10(b). Defending Your Client During Deposition

§ 5-10(c). Objections

§ 5-10(d). Behavior

§ 5-10(e). Rehabilitation

§ 5-11. Sample Deposition Outlines

§ 5-11(a). Sample Outline for Percipient Witness Deposition

§ 5-11(a)(1). Admonition

§ 5-11(a)(2). Background

§ 5-11(a)(3). Communications

§ 5-11(a)(4). Injury Event

§ 5-11(a)(5). Closing Questions

§ 5-11(b). Sample Outline for Expert Deposition

§ 5-11(b)(1). Admonition

§ 5-11(b)(2). Assignment

§ 5-11(b)(3). File Review

§ 5-11(b)(4). Background

§ 5-11(b)(5). Previous Testimonies

§ 5-11(b)(6). Communications

§ 5-11(b)(7). Opinions and Contentions

§ 5-11(b)(8). Bases of Opinions and Contentions

§ 5-11(b)(9). Causation

§ 5-11(b)(10). Hazards and Risk-Versus-Benefit Analyses

§ 5-11(b)(11). Specific Disagreements and Criticisms of Plaintiff's Experts

§ 5-11(b)(12). Wrap-up Questions

Appendix 5.1. Sample Corporate Deposition Notices

Appendix 5.2. Sample Court Form Civil Subpoena Duces Tecum

Appendix 5.3. Sample Deposition Outline - Assets Identification of Corporate Defendant

Appendix 5.4. Sample Deposition Outline - Product Salesperson

Appendix 5.5. Sample Deposition Outline - Manufacturer's Representative

Appendix 5.6. Sample Deposition Guide for Clients

Appendix 5.7. Deposition Checklist

Chapter 6

§ 6-1. Investigation

§ 6-1(a). What Should the Investigation Include?

§ 6-1(b). Product Preservation

§ 6-1(b)(i). Photographs of the Product

§ 6-1(b)(2). Secure the Product

§ 6-1(c). Record the Injury Scene

§ 6-1(c)(1), Document Physical Properties

§ 6-1(c)(2). Coverage of the Injury Event

§ 6-1(d). Acquiring Other Helpful Data

§ 6-1(d)(1). Product Information

§ 6-1(d)(1)(i). Specific History of the Product

§ 6-1(d)(1)(ii). Evolution of the Product

§ 6-1(d)(2). Police Reports

§ 6-1(d)(3). Other Computerized Resources

§ 6-1(d)(4). Use of Experts

§ 6-1(d)(5). Exemplar Products

§ 6-1(d)(6). Patents

§ 6-2. False Advertising and Misrepresentation

§ 6-2(a). Product Advertisements

§ 6-2(b). Demonstrations, Instructions, and Sales Pitches

§ 6-2(c). Optional Safety Equipment

§ 6-2(d). Warnings or Instructions

§ 6-3. Warranty Evidence

§ 6-3(a). Express Warranty Under the Uniform Commerieal Code

§ 6-3(b). Warranty of Merchantability and Fitness for a Particular Purpose

§ 6-4. Jury Simulations and Evidence Evaluation

§ 6-4(a). Shadow Juries

§ 6-4(b). Jury Simulation

§ 6-4(c). Focus Groups

§ 6-5. Anticipating Evidentiary Battles

§ 6-5(a). Problems with Evidence

§ 6-5(a)(1). Subsequent Remedial Measures

§ 6-5(a)(1)(i). Feasibility of Modification

§ 6-5(a)(1)(ii). Impeachment

§ 6-5(a)(1)(iii). Remedial Measures That Are Not Subsequent

§ 6-5(a)(2). The Recall Letter

§ 6-5(a)(3). Substantially Similar Accidents

§ 6-5(a)(3)(i). Defective Design

§ 6-5(a)(3)(ii). Notice of Defect

§ 6-5(a)(4). Circumstantial Evidence as Proof of Defect

§ 6-5(a)(5). Records and Reports of Third Parties

§ 6-5(b). Common Defenses in Product Cases

§ 6-5(b)(1). Nobody Else Does It, Why Would I?

§ 6-5(b)(2). But I Met the Standards

§ 6-5(b)(3). "Hell of a Wreck"

§ 6-5(b)(4). Misuse

§ 6-5(b)(5). Unique Accident, Not Defect

§ 6-5(b)(6). An Alternative Design Would Not Have Prevented Injury

§ 6-5(b)(7). Any Alternative Design Was Disadvantageous

§ 6-5(b)(8). Optional Safety Was Available

§ 6-5(b)(9). Plaintiff Was of an Odd Size

§ 6-5(b)(10). No One Would Have Used It Anyway

§ 6-5(b)(11). Plaintiff's Reconstruction of the Accident Is Wrong

§ 6-5(b)(12). No Alternative Design Exists

§ 6-5(b)(13). Unavoidably Unsafe Products

§ 6-5(c). Sample Evidentiary Battles

§ 6-5(c)(1). The Case of Jane Able and the Estate of John Able, Her Deceased Husband v. Luxury Automobile Manufacturer Motors Corporation

§ 6-5(c)(2). The Case of Cynthia Baker v. Toyonda Motor Company

§ 6-6. Marshaling Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(a). Introduction

§ 6-6(b). The Law of Admissibility of Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(c). Uses of Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(c)(1). With Opening Statement

§ 6-6(c)(2). During Final Argument

§ 6-6(e)(3). In Conjunction with Expert Testimony

§ 6-6(c)(4). With Factual Witnesses

§ 6-6(d). How to Use Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(e). Types of Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(f). Problems with Demonstrative Evidence

§ 6-6(g). Helpful Practice Tips for Use of Demonstrative Evidence

Appendix 6.1. Accident Scene Inspection Form

Appendix 6.2. Product Investigation Checklist

Appendix 6.3. Product Research Sources

Appendix 6.4. Vehicle Inspection Form

Appendix 6.5. Understanding Focus Groups

Chapter 7

§ 7-1. Getting and Staying Organized

§ 7-1(a). Introduction

§ 7-1(b). The Trial Notebook or Trial Folders

§ 7-1(b)(1). Case Management Section

§ 7-1(b)(1)(i). An Index for the File

§ 7-1(b)(1)(ii). The List of Things to Do

§ 7-1(b)(1)(iii). TheTimeline

§ 7-1(b)(1)(iv). Your Financial Tracking System

§ 7-1(b)(2). The Information File

§ 7-1(b)(2)(i). The Statement of Facts and Disputes

§ 7-1(b)(2)(ii). Determinative Facts and Sources of Proof

§ 7-1(b)(2)(iii). General Damages and the Proof

§ 7-1(b)(2)(iv). Special Damages and Related Expenses

§ 7-1(b)(2)(v). Essential Research

§ 7-1(b)(2)(vi). Discovery Section

§ 7-1(b)(2)(vii). Witnesses and Your Witness Schedule

§ 7-1(b)(2)(viii). Exhibit List

§ 7-1(b)(3). Trial Documents

§ 7-1(b)(3)(i). Pleadings

§ 7-1(b)(3)(ii). Motions

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iii). Jury Selection

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iii.1). Jury Questionaires

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iii.2). Selecting Jurors

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iii.3). Generation-X Jurors

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iii.4). Jury Selection and "Just-World Beliefs."

§ 7-1(b)(3)(iv). Trial Brief

§ 7-1(b)(3)(v). Opening Statement

§ 7-1(b)(3)(vi). Plaintiff Testimony

§ 7-1(b)(3)(vii). Defense Testimony

§ 7-1(b)(3)(viii). Closing Argument

§ 7-2. Use of Demonstrative Evidence: Modern Techniques

§ 7-2(a). Introduction

§ 7-2(b). How to Use Demonstrative Evidence

§ 7-2(c). Cautions

§ 7-2(d). Allowing Enough Time

§ 7-2(e). Cost

§ 7-2(f). Using Demonstrative Evidence

§ 7-2(f)(1). Relevance

§ 7-2(f)(2). Foundational Requirements

§ 7-3. Specific Types of Demonstrative Evidence

§ 7-3(a). Drawings, Diagrams, Computer Graphics, Charts, Graphs, Maps, Models, and Computer Simulations

§ 7-3(a)(1). Models and Computer Simulations

§ 7-3(a)(2). Computer Graphics, Diagrams, Drawings, Charts, and Graphs

§ 7-3(a)(3). Maps

§ 7-3(b). Photographs, X-Rays, Videotapes, and CD ROMs

§ 7-3(b)(1). Getting the Photographic Evidence

§ 7-3(b)(2). Using Photographic Evidence

§ 7-3(b)(3). X-Rays

§ 7-3(b)(4). Videotapes and CD ROMs

§ 7-3(c). Demonstrations, Tests, and Experiments

§ 7-3(c)(1). Tests and Experiments in the Courtroom

§ 7-3(c)(2). Testing Outside the Courtroom

§ 7-3(d). Writings

§ 7-3(e) Use of 21st Century Technology at Trial

§ 7-4. General Issues with Demonstrative Evidence

§ 7-4(a). Timing

§ 7-4(b). Use of Color

§ 7-4(c). Size

§ 7-4(d). Professional Preparation

Appendix 7.1. Sample Voir Dire Questions - Jury Selection

Appendix 7.2. Sample Jury Questionnaire

Chapter 8

§ 8-1. Opening Statement

§ 8-1(a). Introduction

§ 8-1(b). Content

§ 8-1(c). Organization and Strategies

§ 8-1(d). Initial Remarks

§ 8-1(e). Introductions During Opening

§ 8-1(f). The Injury and How It Happened

§ 8-1(g). Defendant's Liability and Plaintiff's Damages

§ 8-1(h). Rebutting Defenses

§ 8-1(i). Conclusion

§ 8-1(j). Delivery

§ 8-1(k). Preparing for Opening Statement

§ 8-1(l). Objections During Opening

§ 8-2. Trial: Direct Examination of Percipient and Other Fact Witnesses

§ 8-2(a). Introduction

§ 8-2(b). Rules of Direct Examination

§ 8-2(b)(1). Admissibility

§ 8-2(b)(2). Foundation

§ 8-2(c). Planning Direct

§ 8-2(c)(1). Reviewing Prima Facie Elements and Significant Issues

§ 8-2(c)(2). Identity and Order of Fact Witnesses

§ 8-2(c)(3). Outlining the Testimony

§ 8-2(d). Focus and Anatomy of Direct Testimony

§ 8-2(d)(1). Beginning Direct

§ 8-2(d)(2). Substance of the Testimony

§ 8-2(d)(3), Unfavorable Evidence

§ 8-2(d)(4). Closing the Examination

§ 8-2(e). Style

§ 8-2(f). Tactical Strategy on Direct

§ 8-2(g). Preparing the Witness

§ 8-2(h). Witness Problems on the Stand

§ 8-3. Trial: Cross-Examination of Percipient Witnesses

§ 8-3(a). Introduction

§ 8-3(b). Preparing Your Witness for Cross-Examination

§ 8-3(c). Planning Cross-Examination of Defense Witnesses

§ 8-3(d). Rules Governing Cross-Examination

§ 8-3(e). Pretrial Preparation

§ 8-3(f). Deciding to Cross

§ 8-3(g). Structuring Cross-Examination

§ 8-3(g)(1). Eliciting Helpful Information on Cross

§ 8-3(g)(2). The Transition Phase

§ 8-3(g)(3). The Attack

§ 8-3(g)(3)(i). Discrediting Testimony

§ 8-3(g)(3)(ii). Discrediting a Witness

§ 8-3(g)(3)(iii). Witness Incompetency

§ 8-4. Conducting Cross-Examination

§ 8-4(a). Control

§ 8-4(b). Style: Friendly Versus Aggressive

§ 8-4(c). Other Tactics

§ 8-5. Expert Testimony: Direct and Cross-Examination

§ 8-5(a). Introduction

§ 8-5(b). Adinissibility

§ 8-5(b.1). Qualifying Expert Testimony Under Daubert

§ 8-5(b.2). Various Interpretations of Daubert

§ 8-5(b.3). Gatekeeping Under Daubert

§ 8-5(b.4). Post-Daubert Decisions and the Response of Lower Courts

§ 8-5(c). Preparation of Your Expert

§ 8-5(d). Preparing Yourself

§ 8-5(e). Direct Examination of Experts

§ 8-5(e)(1). Establishing Qualifications

§ 8-5(e)(2). Questioning to Elicit Opinions and Conclusions

§ 8-5(e)(3). Sample Outline

§ 8-5(f). Cross-Examination of Experts

§ 8-5(f)(1). Supportive Cross-Examination

§ 8-5(f)(2). Cross-Examination That Discredits

§ 8-5(f)(2)(i). Attacking Qualifications, Integrity, and Credibility

§ 8-5(f)(2)(ii). Confronting Actual Opinions

§ 8-5(f)(2)(iii). Questioning Strategy

§ 8-6. Dealing with Comparative Fault

§ 8-6(a). Introduction

§ 8-6(b), Explaining Comparative Fault to the Jury

§ 8-6(b)(1). Nature of Each Party's Conduct

§ 8-6(b)(2). The Time Element

§ 8-6(b)(3). Professional Responsibility

§ 8-6(c). Preparing for Defendant's Attack

§ 8-7. Showing Defect

§ 8-7(a). Introduction

§ 8-7(b). Proving the Defect

§ 8-7(b)(1). Definition of "Defect"

§ 8-7(b)(2). Types of Evidence That Show Defect

§ 8-7(b)(2)(i). Direct Evidence

§ 8-7(b)(2)(ii). Government Reports and Investigations

§ 8-7(b)(2)(iii). Quasi-Governmental and Consumer Groups

§ 8-7(b)(2)(iv). Other Lawsuits and Claims

§ 8-7(b)(2)(v). Postinjury Warnings

§ 8-7(b)(2)(vi). Subsequent Remedial Measures

§ 8-7(c). Circumstantial Evidence

§ 8-7(d). Expert Testimony

§ 8-7(e). Possession and Preservation of the Product

§ 8-7(f). Countering Defendant's Evidence

§ 8-8. Showing Legal or Proximate Causation

§ 8-8(a). Introduction

§ 8-8(b). Cause in Fact

§ 8-8(c). Legal or Proximate Causation

§ 8-8(d). Proof at Trial

§ 8-8(e). Probability

§ 8-8(f). Speculation and Conjecture

§ 8-8(g). Negating or Minimizing the Importance of Other Alleged Causes

§ 8-8(h), Circumstantial Evidence

§ 8-8(i). Intervening and Superseding Causes

§ 8-8(j). Lay Testimony About Causation

§ 8-8(k). Expert Testimony Showing Causation

§ 8-8(l). Scientific and Experimental Evidence of Causation

§ 8-8.1. Objections: When and How to Make Them

§ 8-9. Closing Argument

§ 8-9(a). Introduction

§ 8-9(b). Rules Governing Closing Argument

§ 8-9(c). Preparation

§ 8-9(c)(1). Inform the Jury How Compensation Will Help Your Client

§ 8-9(d). Structure and Technique

§ 8-9(d)(1). Make It Seem Simple

§ 8-9(d)(2). Stick to the Big Picture

§ 8-9(d)(3). Keep the Argument Plausible

§ 8-9(d)(4). Identify and Explain the Relevant Law

§ 8-9(d)(5). Makeinferences Clearly

§ 8-9(d)(6). Apply Law to the Facts

§ 8-9(d)(7). Appeal to Jury Values

§ 8-9(d)(8). Appeal to Logic and Emotion

§ 8-9(d)(9). Refer Back to Opening Statements

§ 8-9(d)(10). Never Read Closing Remarks

§ 8-9(d)(11). Avoid Humor

§ 8-9(d)(12). Discussing Damages

§ 8-9(d)(13). Objections During Closing Arguments

§ 8-9(e). Rebuttal Argument

§ 8-10. The Verdict and Beyond

§ 8-10(a). Taking the Verdict

§ 8-10(b). Meeting the Jurors

§ 8-10(c). Posttrial Motions

§ 8-10(c)(1). Order Staying Enforcement of the Judgment

§ 8-10(c)(2). Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

§ 8-10(c)(3). Motion for New Trial

§ 8-10(c)(4). Motion for Relief from Judgment

§ 8-10(c)(5). Motion for Costs or to Correct Clerical Errors

§ 8-10(c)(6). Motions to Alter the Damage Verdict

§ 8-10(d). Entry of Judgment

§ 8-10(e). Satisfaction of Judgment

§ 8-10(f). Appeals

§ 8-10(f)(1). Defendants Appeal

§ 8-10(f)(2). Plaintiff's Appeal

§ 8-10(f)(3). Filing for Appellate Review

§ 8-10(f)(4). Handling the Appeal

Appendix 8.1. Sample Opening Statement - Liability Phase of Automotive Products Trial

Appendix 8.2. Sample Opening Statement - Damages Phase of Bifurcated Trial

Appendix 8.3. Sample Closing Argument - Liability Phase of Bifurcated Trial

Appendix 8.4. Sample Closing Argument - Damages Phase of Bifurcated Trial

Appendix 8.5. Example of a Final Item for Rebuttal in Closing Damages Phase of Bifurcated Trial

Table of Cases

Table of Statutes

Index

(2003 Suppliment Included)