Complex Litigation

Handling and Trying the Significant Case

> The longest civil trial in American history > Consumer class actions in challenging jurisdictions > Federal prosecution of business owners and companies > Mass torts/Medical Monitoring > Product liability class actions > Complex cutting edge environmental cases > The largest trial in American history

Kemner v. Monsanto

The longest civil jury trial in U.S. history, this case ran from February 1984 through October 1987. The case involved a group of plaintiffs who claimed to have been poisoned by dioxin in a 1979 chemical spill that occurred in Sturgeon, Missouri. The trial – expected to last nine to 12 months – spanned more than 600 days in court and included 200 witnesses, 90,000 pages of trial transcripts, 6,000 exhibits and 9,000 evidentiary rulings. The already complex case was further complicated by a ruling that allowed 65 plaintiffs – with a wide range of claims ranging from infected mosquito bites to headaches, high blood pressure, kidney failure and leukemia.

Thompson Coburn LLP’s team of attorneys skillfully managed the expert testimony of dozens of witnesses and meticulously researched the pre- and post-chemical spill medical records of the plaintiffs. The Firm’s management of the case centered on dividing the responsibility of the attorneys by subject matter. Toxicology, specific issues related to the spill and punitive damage issues were handled by a small team of attorneys, while a different group focused on medical issues. Briefing and motion practice were handled by yet another attorney. Thompson Coburn’s management of the case and organization of the defense team enabled the Firm to operate effectively throughout the lengthy trial, and ultimately win a favorable verdict for Monsanto.