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Richard T. Coyne, Partner
rtcoyne@wegmanlaw.com
Wegman, Hessler & Vanderburg
Suite 200
6055 Rockside Woods Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44131

Telephone: (216) 642-3342
Facsimile: (216) 520-0145
 

Product Liability DefenseLitigation

Practice Area Activities

  • National coordinating counsel for one of the largest manufacturers of outdoor power equipment.

  • Defending product manufacturers at trial in numerous federal and state courts on business and product liability claims.

  • Directing and advising clients through recalls in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

  • Experienced in Insurance Coverage, tender of defense, indemnification and subrogation claims.

  • Environmental and regulatory compliance on state and national levels.

Representative Matters

  • Negotiated settlement with EPA and Department of Justice on behalf of importer for the importation of alleged non-compliant products.
  • Defense verdict obtained in product liability and wrongful death matter alleging defectively made product with secondary claim of failure to warn.  Decedent was found under an overturned zero turn riding lawn mower. 
  • After two week trial, unanimous defense verdict awarded in wrongful death action premised upon inadequate warnings.  Decedent was killed when a riding mower “free-wheeled” down a steep incline.
  • In suit seeking $15 million in personal injury damages arising from allegedly defective lawnmower, unanimous jury defense verdict returned on all counts.
  • Has handled and coordinated dozens of product recalls on nationwide basis in working with CPSC.
  • Successful pursuit and development of case law regarding Federal Preemption Doctrine.
  • Negotiated settlement with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regarding the sale of alleged non-compliant equipment and engines.

Bar Admissions

  • State of Ohio, 1989
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 1989

Education

  • J.D., Case Western University School of Law, 1989
  • B.A., Economics, University of Dayton, 1986

Memberships / Honors / Awards

  • Defense Research Institute
  • Trial Attorneys of America
  • Ohio State Bar Association