Bullivant Houser Bailey PC has represented a wide variety of clients in asbestos claims over the past 30 years. Our experience gives us a unique perspective on this evolving field of litigation and has helped to hone our approach in the defense of our clients, who include masonry supply companies; building supply retailers; safety supply companies; auto parts distributors and retailers; raw material suppliers and manufacturers; fireproof and acoustic materials applicators and subcontractors; ship builders and owners; heavy equipment manufacturers; pump, valve and gasket manufacturers; dryer felt manufacturers; dental product manufacturers; chemical manufacturers; joint and drywall manufacturers; and vinyl and tile flooring manufacturers.

Our attorneys are highly skilled at developing meaningful discovery with our clients' end objective in mind, whether that is to defend through trial or secure early dismissals through alternative dispute resolution or motion practice. We have resolved over 90 percent of our cases with no payment of settlement funds by our clients, either by obtaining voluntary dismissals following initial discovery or prevailing on summary judgment motions. When trial is the appropriate method for resolving a case, however, we bring extensive experience and superior advocacy to the courtroom. Indeed, Bullivant has a reputation for trying more cases in the Pacific Northwest than any other firm.

The following factors contribute to the cost-effective results we provide our clients:

• Years of experience in asbestos litigation. We have streamlined our defense of these claims, eliminating routine discovery unless there is a specific objective to be obtained.
• Resources. We have compiled extensive resources crucial for all our asbestos cases, including brief banks, technical data, and a network of experts known nationally in the asbestos arena.
• Varied client base. Because we represent more clients than our competitors, often we can consolidate our efforts on behalf of multiple clients, with individual clients paying only a fraction of the typical defense costs. We are accustomed to representing local defendants, developing relationships with their principals and gaining thorough knowledge of their company histories, as well as working with national coordinating counsel to represent clients with national and international profiles.
  

Finally, unique to asbestos litigation is the relatively small number of plaintiffs' firms bringing claims in a given jurisdiction. Through our years of experience resolving numerous cases to the benefit of our clients — often working with the same plaintiffs' attorneys — Bullivant has built a reputation for vigorous advocacy, thorough preparation, and congenial dealings, to ensure continued excellent results for our clients.

Before consulting with an attorney on asbestos matters, here are some of the issues you may need to consider:

• Do you have any history that your company may have sold, distributed, used or applied asbestos-containing materials?
• Have you explored the breadth of asbestos-containing materials: building materials from floor to ceiling, automotive supplies, industrial machines, etc.?
• Do you have a document-retention policy?
• Have you kept all of your insurance policies and certificates?