Joseph Kilpatrick

Career

Joe is known for his vigorous defense of clients in toxic tort and product liability cases that involve allegations of exposure to asbestos, solvents and chemicals. He practices from Springfield, Illinois as a member of our virtual office, The Link.

He coordinates the defense of asbestos and toxic tort claims in some of the most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions in the United States, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. His practice emphasizes the defense of claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural plaques and thickening, and asbestosis against manufacturers (particularly manufacturers of chemicals, paints, and coating products), premises owners, and contractors. In this role, as well as in his practice defending toxic tort and product liability cases, Joe has assisted in coordinating discovery efforts for clients nationwide, developing and implementing overall defense strategies, deposing fact witnesses and experts, developing expert witnesses, and preparing cases for trial.

As a litigator for several chemical manufacturers, Joe has experience in cases involving alleged respiratory injuries such as occupational asthma, chemically induced pneumonia and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). He has also served as the national discovery coordinator for a chemical manufacturer’s docket of trace benzene litigation involving claims for leukemia, lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes and other blood diseases. Joe has significant experience deposing plaintiffs, fact witnesses and expert witnesses in cases involving alleged exposures to asbestos, benzene, vinyl chloride monomer, chlorine, hydrochloric acid, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and pool treatment chemicals.

Additionally, Joe has experience defending product liability cases for a major automobile parts manufacturer. He has handled appellate matters and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. Joe has also handled commercial litigation matters, insurance coverage litigation, debt collection actions and real estate foreclosures in Missouri and Illinois.

Professional Memberships

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

The Missouri Bar

International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)