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Asbestos Litigation

Four decades successfully defending clients in an evolving landscape

Bullivant Houser has built a reputation for vigorous advocacy defending companies facing asbestos-related claims since the 1980s. When cases can’t be resolved through a reasonable resolution, or when the proof or liability theory is problematic, we stand ready to go to trial. Asbestos litigation has morphed and rejuvenated into a different type of case and risk as compared to even a few years ago. With a continuous wave of changing liability pictures, new companies are being brought into this litigation every day. We’re attuned to the novel theories and adapt by bringing creative solutions to help our clients make sound decisions. We’re often working on the other side of the same plaintiffs’ attorneys who already know us for our reputation, careful preparation, and congenial dealings.

We’re proactive in looking for ways to resolve these cases quickly. We develop a thorough understanding of a client’s business and history to determine the best defense strategies for protecting their organization. For our national and international clients, we work closely with coordinating counsel to prepare our cases for trial, including complying with local rules, performing investigations, and trying the cases in a lead or supporting role. We’ve been involved as national trial attorneys for several clients who ask us to try cases in other jurisdictions because of our exceptional record of success at trial.

Deep team ready to respond at a moment’s notice 

Bullivant’s nationally-recognized team has tried numerous asbestos cases. We’ve seen what these cases look like from start to finish and bring that complete perspective to assess cases early on to determine whether a resolution can be reached short of trial. 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’re ready to react very quickly to changing circumstances and issues as they arise and do the urgent work needed to preserve our client’s rights. Our team is prepared, even on short notice, to take a case through verdict if needed. 

Results from trying more cases in the Pacific Northwest than any other firm

We have resolved the vast majority of our asbestos 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 necessary, however, we bring our extensive courtroom experience and superior advocacy for which our team is known. Our results are based on:

  • Streamlining defense and eliminating routine discovery through years of experience in asbestos litigation 
  • Compiling extensive resources including brief banks, technical data, and a network of experts known nationally in the asbestos arena 
  • Consolidating efforts on behalf of multiple clients and saving the defendant’s overall costs 

Creative and thoughtful approach to a sensitive situation

Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, our team offers a creative and fresh look at each case. When our clients’ businesses are at stake, we provide peace of mind under stressful circumstances and take the burden off of our clients. With many moms on our team, we bring order to chaos, and calm and compassion to an emotional situation, and figure out the non-monetary issues driving the case. We’re emotionally in tune with what the stressors could be and have a good sense of how things may unfold.

Types of clients

  • insulation contractors and distributors
  • boiler contractors
  • general contractors
  • fireproof and acoustic materials applicators and contractors
  • masonry supply companies
  • refractory and boiler suppliers and manufacturers
  • building supply retailers
  • safety supply companies
  • auto parts distributors and retailers
  • raw material suppliers and manufacturers
  • fireproof and acoustic materials applicators and subcontractors
  • shipbuilders and owners
  • truck manufacturers
  • commercial friction product manufactures
  • heavy equipment manufacturers
  • pump, valve, and gasket manufacturers
  • packing and gasket manufacturers
  • dryer felt manufacturers
  • dental product manufacturers
  • chemical manufacturers
  • joint and drywall manufacturers
  • vinyl and tile flooring manufacturers
  • auto body filler manufacturers 
Practice Contacts
Jeanne F. Loftis

Shareholder-in-Charge

503.499.4601
vCard | email

Lorianne Conklin Hanson

Shareholder

206.521.6469
vCard | email

Meet All Our
Asbestos Litigation
Attorneys

$10.5 million asbestos litigation claim dismissed against a building materials distributor

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$3.6 million verdict set aside in Oregon wrongful death case, new trial ordered

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Prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in $3.5 million premises liability asbestos case

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Received a rare defense verdict in asbestos litigation case under Longshore and Harborworkers’ Compensation Act

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Unanimous defense verdict in Minnesota asbestos exposure trial

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Won rare summary judgment in Nevada asbestos exposure case

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