Linda Svitak is a menber of the firm's drug and device litigation practice area and is a member of the firm's management board. Linda's practice focuses on mass tort and product liability defense, with a particular emphasis on litigation involving medical devices and pharmaceuticals. She has served as trial, national, regional or local counsel in litigation involving silicone gel breast implants, orthopedic implants, spinal fixation devices, cardiovascular devices, latex gloves, tampons, intraocular lenses, extended wear contact lenses, vaccines, Anti-Hemophilia Factor concentrate, a variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and a variety of chemicals.
Linda has served as National Science Counsel for litigation involving Zelnorm, hormone therapy, Ritalin and vaccines. She has also been responsible for expert witness retention and preparation nationally in the silicone gel breast implant, orthopedic bone screw, latex gloves and fen/phen litigations. Linda has developed professional relationships with some of the world's leading experts in a variety of medical, scientific and bio medical specialties, as well as in the area of FDA regulatory issues.
In addition to the medical device and pharmaceutical area, Linda has represented manufacturers of a wide variety of products, including tools and industrial equipment. Linda has defended cases involving garage door operators, automatic door systems, chain saws, and hand and power tools. She has tried multiple cases involving catastrophic injuries.
Representative work includes:
- Coordinates Zelnorm and hormone therapy litigation nationally for Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Corp.
- Coordinated breast implant litigation nationally for 3M, including case management of primary claims, second generation claims, Daubert issues and National Science Panel and Institute of Medicine hearings
- National science counsel for litigation involving Zelnorm, hormone therapy, Ritalin and vaccines.
- Responsible for expert witness selection and preparation nationally in silicone gel breast implant, orthopedic bone screw, latex glove, and fen/phen litigations
- Member of Rhône-Poulenc Rorer's national trial team for Anti-Hemophilia Factor concentrate cases
- Ethyl Corp. v. BP Performance Polymers, Inc., 33 F.3d 23 (8th Cir. 1994), cert. denied, 115 S. Ct. 1108. Appeal addressed applicability of Iowa Comparative Fault Act to $9.4 million commercial breach of warranty claim. (1995)
- Scarpuzzi v. Stratford Woods Apartments Limited Partnership, PI-89-014613, U.S. District Court of Minnesota. Tried four week catastrophic ($6 million+) personal injury/product liability lawsuit to defense verdict.