Tanenbaum Keale LLP partner Timothy Freeman spoke last week during the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) 2023 Product Safety & Compliance and Product Liability Seminar in Cincinnati. He presentation, titled “Optional Safety Features – An Analysis of Potential Liability Issues” addressed the inherent tension between consumer choice and paternalism while discussing the legal framework governing product liability litigation related to optional safety features. He also offered advice regarding legal strategies to prevent such lawsuits from arising in the first place and how to prepare a defense when they do occur.

The AEM’s annual event focuses on “insights to the latest in standards, regulations and best practices” to move product safety and compliance and liability programs forward for a national membership. AEM is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners in the global marketplace.

Freeman focuses his practice on the litigation of product liability and catastrophic personal injury. His clients include manufacturers of heavy equipment, industrial and consumer products, and automotive products. He is an active member of DRI (Defense Research Institute.