Thomas J. Henehan concentrates his practice in litigation on behalf of product manufacturers, ranging from commercial litigation to the defense of class actions, and product liability matters.
He has represented manufacturing companies in connection with a wide range of consumer, commercial and industrial goods, including coffee machines, beverage dispensing equipment, motors, pumps, architectural ceiling tile, metal roofing products, infant car seats, natural gas, propane heaters and cylinders, tools, dies, trailers and insulation products.
Mr. Henehan has appeared in state and federal courts throughout the country as well as in matters involving the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). He serves as national counsel with responsibility for the development, coordination, and management of product liability litigation. He counsels clients on product labeling, warnings, and warranties. He also has significant experience defending claims of fraud, consumer fraud, civil conspiracy, and breach of contract.
His experience includes:
- Jury trials. A defense verdict was the result for a former manufacturer of insulation products, after a two-week jury trial in which Mr. Henehan cross-examined the plaintiff and all fact witnesses. On appeal, Mr. Henehan successfully defended the jury's verdict in favor of the manufacturer, on both the negligence and strict liability claims.
- Mock jury exercises. Where the stakes were high and the likely jury instructions unsettled, Mr. Henehan has conducted mock jury exercises with several jury panels to confirm the reasonable range of possible verdicts and pave the way for successful mediation.
- Product recalls. Mr. Henehan counsels manufacturing clients on the requirements of the federal Consumer Product Safety Act and represents clients before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). He has advised clients on the coordination of product recalls.
- Class certification hearings. In Illinois and Texas state courts, Mr. Henehan has participated in evidentiary hearings resulting in the denial of class certification.
- Appeals. In one appeal defending summary judgment in favor of a manufacturing company, Mr. Henehan convinced the appellate court to award the manufacturer its costs for having to defend a frivolous appeal.