Practice Group | Bassford Remele

Medical Device/Pharmaceutical

With more than 30 years of experience on the team, we represent companies of all sizes in medical device and pharmaceutical product liability cases, from locally based individual claims to multi-district and national class-action litigation. Having tried cases throughout the country, Bassford Remele has the know-how to navigate multiple jurisdictions, and we have an extensive network of experts who can provide critical support on these technically complex cases.

Over the years, we have defended a wide range of claims and products, including an array of life-saving devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators and a variety of medications. Along the way, we have gained a deep understanding of important FDA rules and regulatory processes — invaluable knowledge within the medical device and pharmaceutical product liability arena, which we regularly put to good use for our clients.

Representative Cases

Represented a global medical-device company in district court and on appeal, winning summary judgment dismissing claims on the grounds of federal preemption and clarifying Minnesota’s shorter statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Lamere v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 827 N.W.2d 782 (Minn. Ct. App. 2013).

Represented a global pharmaceutical company in a certified question determining choice-of-law issues and the applicability of Minnesota’s longer six-year statute of limitations to thousands of out-of-state products liability claimants. Fleeger v. Wyeth, 771 N.W.2d 524 (Minn. 2009).

Represented a global pharmaceutical company in district court and on appeal, winning summary judgment in a hormone-replacement therapy products liability suit.

Represented a global medical-device company in district court, obtaining dismissal of a products liability claim on federal preemption grounds. Rollins v. St. Jude Med., 583 F. Supp. 2d 790 (W.D. La. 2008).

Represented a global medical-device company in district court and on appeal, in a complex products liability/personal injury action involving extensive discovery and motion practice. Gomez v. St. Jude Med., Inc., 442 F.3d 919 (5th Cir. 2006).

Defended a global medical-device company at trial, obtaining a directed verdict in a combined medical malpractice/medical device products liability wrongful death action.

Appointed Special Master by the U.S. District Court, which was assigned by the Multi-District Panel to the Honorable Michael J. Davis. In re: Baycol Products Liab. Litig., MDL No. 1431 (D. Minn. 2003).