Domenico Perrella

My focus

My clients expect me to understand their industries and products from the big picture to the technical details. My 20 years of litigation experience in federal and state courts throughout the United States coupled with my extensive product knowledge enable me to quickly evaluate the flaws in claims against my clients. I use my understanding of the technical aspects of their cases to achieve a substantial advantage for them in litigation.

Aviation

My representation of aircraft and component manufacturers and aircraft operators includes defending products liability, contractual and other litigation, regulatory compliance and structuring relationships to minimize potential liability for the acts of others.

Compressed Gases

I defend products liability claims against manufacturers of compressed gas products. I have a deep understanding of these products—how they work and how they can be damaged.

Construction Products

I represent manufacturers of construction equipment and construction materials in products liability and warranty claims and know how to show when poor engineering or construction methods, not defects, cause a problem.

Foreign Governments

I have broad experience representing foreign governments and foreign government-owned companies. I am familiar with the unique defenses and procedural advantages available to such entities in U.S. courts.

Looking ahead

Other than the growing prevalence of consumer class actions against manufacturers of construction products, especially in connection with residential construction, the nature of the claims brought against manufacturers of aircraft, compressed gas and construction products is not changing fast. The development of caselaw under the General Aviation Revitalization Act is making it harder for plaintiffs to plead around the bar on claims against manufacturers of older aircraft, but that statute is not new and there is no federal tort reform likely to make similarly significant nationwide changes for any of these industries in the near future.

One area of change in products liability defense is the growing willingness of clients to allow outside litigation counsel to provide advice or training on steps that can be taken to reduce the risks in litigation after future accidents and to minimize litigation among defendants in such future lawsuits. I see this as one of the best ways I can use my experience to provide a valuable service to my clients.