Practice Group | Bassford Remele

Products Liability

At Bassford Remele, we have represented clients in an extensive array of products liability claims, both locally and nationally, including food safety claims, multimillion-dollar fire cases, pharmaceutical class actions, complex agribusiness disputes, and more. Across our team, we have decades of experience. In fact, we have acquired a deep working knowledge of products liability law across multiple jurisdictions, including a strong reputation and an extensive network of co-counsel and experts nationwide, which can make all the difference in these kinds of cases.

Products liability cases of any kind can be expensive and time-consuming. We have the know-how to handle every aspect of these claims. A few of our successes include defense of a global client facing multi-state litigation for allegedly exporting moldy cream cheese to China, a regional agribusiness organization facing three wrongful death suits from a propane explosion, and a leading medical device manufacturer contesting a combination of malpractice and liability charges for a major product.

Representative Cases

Represented a food product exporter against a dairy manufacturer and defended related customer claims, obtaining a favorable resolution in a multi-state product liability case involving moldy cream cheese exported to China.

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 food manufacturer, obtaining summary judgment in two cases involving alleged Salmonella contamination of peanut butter.

Defended an oil and propane company at trial in Wisconsin, obtaining a defense jury verdict in a case involving frozen pipes.

Defended an agricultural supply cooperative at trial In Iowa, obtaining a defense jury verdict in a wrongful death propane explosion case.

Represented a national restaurant chain, obtaining a favorable result for our client in a case involving an allegation of a foreign object in food.

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 propane marketer in district court and on appeal in Minnesota, winning summary judgment in a propane explosion case that caused significant burn injuries and damage to multiple properties.

Comments by clients and the legal community:

Mr. Dahlmeier is considered one of the best attorneys *** retains to handle our product liability cases. He has an exceptional knowledge of the law. He exhibits passion for the job and compassion for clients. He has excellent communication skills and knows how to persevere through challenging cases. He provides excellent results for our company.

Dave Dahlmeier with Bassford Remele is one of the best when it comes to providing expertise, understanding a defense of our claims related to gas. He has thorough knowledge of the NFPA Code Book and will give his recommendations based on code and law. We value this firm as a partner with us.

Dave Dahlmeier at Bassford Remele is top notch with his expertise in gas related fire claims.

Bassford Remele provides excellent representation. They provide prompt reporting and vigorously defend our claims with outstanding results.

Bassford Remele has defense attorneys with many different backgrounds and centers of expertise. When we have needed expertise in product liability, the firm has responded with additional personnel to address unique issues. When we have been presented with unique legal challenges due to pro se plaintiffs, and suspicious claims, the firm involves those with unique expertise.

When a case needs to be evaluated for settlement value and range, partners involve others with similar background and understanding to pinpoint proper dollar evaluations. Bassford Remele provides excellent representation on all of our claims. Their dedication is outstanding.

Bassford Remele provides excellent representation on all of our claims. Their dedication is outstanding.

Bassford Remele has always provided great service and the attorneys that I have worked with are well versed in law.

These comments were collected as part of the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" research process.

Meet the Team

Mr. Dahlmeier is a products liability trial lawyer with extensive experience defending agribusinesses, product manufacturers, and product suppliers across the United...

David M. Dahlmeier

Shareholder

Janine Loetscher is a litigator with substantial large-scale loss experience, whose practice focuses in construction, insurance coverage, products liability, and...

Janine M. Loetscher

Shareholder

Ms. Chudasama is a skilled litigator who has represented individuals and entities at all stages of litigation, including on appeal. Ms. Chudasama focuses her practice in...

Anu Chudasama

Shareholder

Mr. Gilchrist is a litigation attorney, focusing his practice in the areas of products liability, construction, and trust and estate litigation. He is experienced in...