Rod defends manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses in complex product liability and toxic tort cases involving claims of product defects, serious injuries, and exposure to harmful substances.
His practice includes representing manufacturers and distributors in product liability litigation involving alleged injuries from silica dust exposure during the cutting, fabrication, polishing, or installation of stone products.
Rod also handles scooter-related litigation, including personal injury and product liability claims arising from scooter accidents and claims against municipalities involving alleged roadway defects, defending municipalities pursuant to the scooter company’s contractual obligations. Rod has represented gig-economy, rideshare, and other transportation companies in personal injury and other claims.
During his nearly 40 years in the profession, he has also handled product liability matters involving automotive products, household appliances, heating equipment, and other consumer products, as well as food-related disputes involving serious injuries and fatalities. Rod has represented manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials in cases involving asbestos and other toxic substances, as well as trucking companies in transportation and cargo matters. He has served as regional counsel for a major automotive manufacturer, handling product liability litigation. His trial experience includes automotive, trucking, component-parts, and toxic tort matters.
Rod has taken the lead in more than 1,000 depositions. Drawing on this extensive deposition experience, he has presented to colleagues on effective deposition preparation and questioning, common deposition mistakes, and issues involving expert depositions and Kennemur.
Clients value Rod’s honest, straightforward approach and the perspective he brings to complex litigation, trials, and depositions. Taking a strategic, forward-thinking approach, he anticipates issues, identifies innovative ways to uncover key facts, and considers both the immediate objectives of a case and its broader implications for the client’s business and future litigation. Detail-oriented and collaborative, he tailors his approach to each client’s needs and works to achieve the best possible result.