Many carriers and self-insureds call upon Conn Kavanaugh to handle general, commercial, and personal liability claims. Our size permits us to litigate any suit, no matter the magnitude or complexity, with appropriate staffing. We defend large businesses in premises and product liability suits, and individual homeowners for both personal and premises liability claims. While certain cases involve straightforward personal injury claims, others include wrongful death and serious and complicated economic loss. We are familiar with, and regularly utilize, outside expert consultants in various medical and scientific fields to optimize results for our clients. Additionally, we are seasoned at pursuing or defending the range of business tort actions that can arise, such as interference with a contractual relationship, nuisance, and lost profit claims.

Representative Matters

•  At the conclusion of a two-week jury trial, obtained a defense verdict for the distributor/ manufacturer of a power miter saw in a product liability action brought by a carpenter who partially severed his hand and several fingers while using the saw.
  
  
• Obtained a declaratory judgment in favor of an insurance carrier in a claim arising out of premises liability allegations. The judgment turned in part on the contention that the insured had not been forthcoming at the time of the application with respect to the scope of his business endeavors.
  
  
• At the conclusion of a two-week jury trial, obtained a defense verdict in a claim by a warehouse worker at Logan Airport who had lost his leg as the result of a crushing injury. The firm represented the manufacturer of the controls to the overhead doors at the warehouse, and defeated the contention that a defect in the controls had caused the plaintiff's injury.
  
  
• Currently representing a custom millwork company that fabricated a retail display for a national chain of computer stores, in an action alleging $4 million in damages arising out of a fire that allegedly started within the display.
  
  
• Represented a national distributor of latex gloves in Massachusetts litigation involving alleged latex allergy.
  
  
• Represented a variety of manufacturers of metal forming equipment in product liability actions from personal injuries.
  
  
• Successfully defended a general contractor during a three week jury trial, where the plaintiff alleged damages arising from second and third degree burns over 40% of his body as a result of a high pressure steam line rupture.
  
  
• Obtained a summary judgment on behalf of a general contractor on a contractual indemnity claim against a painting subcontractor. The case involved alleged toxic exposure to epoxy paint fumes by a worker at a new water treatment plant. The matter settled with the painting subcontractor paying the entire settlement to the plaintiff, and reimbursing all of the general contractor's litigation fees and expenses.
  
  
• Obtained summary judgment in a closed head injury claim arising out of a fall from gymnasium bleachers, arguing that the statute of repose barred any claim against the bleacher manufacturer.
  
  
• Assist as local counsel in ongoing representation of a Fortune 500 company involved in mass tort litigation.
  
  
• Successfully defended an electronics manufacturer against a trucker's claim of personal injury (loss of limb) arising from a defect in the configuration of a loading dock. The case was tried to a jury verdict.
  
  
• Obtained summary judgment in a wrongful death action against the property owner in a premises liability claim arising out of a loading dock accident in which a dock worker was killed.
  
  
• In a suit by one insurer against another, obtained a summary judgment establishing that the other insurer's coverage for the subject incident was primary, while the client's coverage was excess. This resulted in the defendant insurer paying 100% of the indemnity and defense costs associated with the underlying tort action.
  
  
• In a jury trial, successfully defended a claim by an operator that permanent disability had resulted from his use of heavy equipment that was defectively designed.
  
  
• Counsel of record in leading Massachusetts interference with contractual relations case.
  
  
• Successfully defended class action against real estate developer accused of negligence and fraud by a former partner.