Michael R.
Powers
(Mike)

Representation of GlaxoSmithKline in more than thirty actions brought by parents who allege that the Thimerosal preservative in childhood vaccines caused their children to develop autism.

Representation of Honeywell International Inc. in actions brought by 65 former employees of a chlor-alkali plant in North Carolina who allege neurological and respiratory injuries from workplace exposure to mercury and chlorine. The North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in Honeywell’s favor.

Representation of Kemira Chemicals Inc. in actions brought by 19 employees of a Montana paper mill who allege respiratory disease and severe allergic reactions from workplace exposure to chemicals used in the paper making process.

Representation of Hercules Incorporated in litigation involving alleged neurological injuries from exposure to arsenic in pesticides. 

Representation of CEMEX, Inc. against claims in state and federal courts involving alleged exposure to naturally-occurring asbestos from a New Jersey quarry. Following hard-fought litigation over whether quarry emissions contained harmful asbestos, the claims were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Representation of a chemical manufacturer in insurance coverage litigation. The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s grant of summary judgment in the insurance company’s favor, holding that the “absolute” pollution exclusion clause in the insurance policy did not bar coverage for personal injury claims from chemical releases not caused by the insured.

Representation of Motorola in an action brought by a businessman who alleged that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from using Motorola’s cell phone had caused his brain tumor. On an interlocutory appeal brought by Motorola, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s denial of Motorola’s motion for summary judgment, holding that there was insufficient scientific evidence that electromagnetic emissions from cell phones can cause harm.

Representation of Nokia Corporation in an action brought by a businessman who alleged that his use of Nokia cell phones caused his brain tumor. The case was dismissed.

Representation of Brown and Williamson in class actions brought by smokers and Medicaid cost recovery actions brought by state attorney generals. 

Representation of the operators of two nuclear weapons production facilities in class actions brought by employees of the facilities and nearby residents who alleged exposure to plutonium and uranium.