Matthew J. Blaschke (Matt)

• Defending multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer and serving as defense liaison counsel in coordinated product liability litigation in which the plaintiffs contend that an over-the-counter heartburn medication caused their cancer
• Defending multinational manufacturer of plastic resin in state AG investigation regarding mechanical recycling and plastic pollution
• Defending multinational manufacturer of plastic resin in federal court litigation over plastic pollution
• Defending manufacturer of perfluoroalkyl chemistry in litigation by Vermont Attorney General; deposed State's experts on hydrogeology and materials science.
• Secured docketwide dismissal of the plaintiffs' claim for punitive damages in coordinated product liability proceeding in California against manufacturer of heartburn medication.
• Defended a large energy company in mass tort litigation arising from facility fire in California.
• Defended Dow in a commercial dispute in California involving product liability claims concerning a plastic resin formerly manufactured by Dow.
• Member of national coordinating team of lawyers representing GlaxoSmithKline (“GSK”) in product liability litigation throughout the country, including allegations that the antidepressant Paxil® causes congenital defects. Matt has prepared numerous cases for trial; deposed plaintiffs as well as third-party witnesses and treating physicians; developed and executed pretrial strategy; briefed dispositive and procedural motions; and coordinated discovery.
• Defended GSK before Pennsylvania appellate courts following summary judgment for GSK in product liability litigation including allegations that Paxil® caused congenital defects.
• Represented a multinational pharmaceuticals manufacturer in personal injury action filed in Florida State Court; coordinated removal of the action to federal court and then successfully moved to dismiss the action at the pleadings stage.
• Defended the Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") in California product liability litigation in which plaintiffs allege that certain Dow products caused injuries to an employee at a manufacturing facility.
• Represented consumer product manufacturers in enforcement actions brought by California's Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• Participated as part of a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys and consultants conducting a risk assessment for a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer in connection with the approval of a new medication. Matt assisted with Company by identifying and recommending steps to minimize product liability risk.
• Participated in the defense of a bellwether lawsuit alleging health claims arising from exposure to dioxins, vinyl chloride, TCE and other soil and groundwater contaminants, including drafting Daubert motions to exclude plaintiffs’ expert witnesses.
• Defended litigation arising under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against client in the healthcare industry, including developing case strategy with codefendant federal agency, drafting dispositive motions, and negotiations with opposing counsel.
• Defended litigation arising under state freedom of information laws for a nuclear power trade group, including drafting of dispositive motions, discovery responses, and settlement agreement to protect the confidentiality of client documents.

Matt Blaschke is a nationally recognized litigator and advisor who represents pharmaceutical, energy, chemical, and petrochemical companies in complex litigation involving scientific or technical issues, with a particular emphasis on largescale coordinated proceedings.  Matt has led the defense of mass torts in numerous jurisdictions, including California where he serves as liaison counsel in Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings (JCCPs).  

Matt also focuses on emerging contaminants and advises his clients regarding practical steps they can take to mitigate their exposure.  He is a frequent presenter on developments and trends in tort litigation and regulations and a regular commenter and author of thought leadership.