John primarily handles product liability and tort cases involving a wide variety of products for companies of all sizes throughout the United States. In particular, he has litigated matters involving electrical products (transformers, switch gears, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, relays), medical products (electrocardiogram (EKG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and e-cam machines), automotive components, firearms and ammunition, lead, chemicals and other industrial products.
John defends product liability claims that involve significant property damage and severe personal injury, ranging from electrical burns to amputation to death. He directs all aspects of litigation, from pre-suit demand through trial and appeal, including fact and expert witness depositions and dispositive motion practice.
With significant experience in real estate litigation, John resolves disputes between property owners, and he litigates matters involving commercial leases, foreclosures, homeowner association issues, assessments, and claims of construction defects and code violations. He also has managed many general commercial litigation cases involving claims of breach of contract, consumer fraud and tortious interference, including class-action lawsuits.
Awards & Recognitions
· Saint Louis University Black Law Students Association, Theodore McMillian Award, April 2003
Professional Associations & Memberships
· The Missouri Bar
Civic Involvement
· Catholic Youth Council, sports coach and official
· Christ the King Catholic Church, Parish Council Officer, 2009-present; school board member, 2011-present
Experience
· Represented an international manufacturer of transducers in a roof collapse case in Cook County, Ill., in which a worker perished
· Advised an international manufacturer of electrical products and components in litigation arising out of an industrial accident in Cook County, Ill., in which a worker suffered amputation of his arms
· Represented an international manufacturer of electrical products and components in litigation in Eagle County, Colo., in a fire that caused more than $16 million in property damage
· Assisted in the defense of a mining company that faced claims of personal injury and property damage from workers and area homeowners arising out of the operation of lead mines and smelters
· Defended a manufacturer of firearms and ammunition in numerous personal injury claims based on alleged product defects
· Defended a manufacturer of chemicals in several personal injury claims arising out of both inhalation and contact exposures
News & Publications
Publications
1.1.96, Forty-Five Years Since United States Ex Rel. Touhy v. Ragen: The Time is Ripe for a Change to a More Functional Approach, 40:1 Saint Louis University Law Journal 173
Events
5.3.12, A Crisis Team and Plan of Action
St. Louis, MO
Seminar