Christopher L. Jackson

Partner

Chris’ practice focuses on counseling clients on product liability issues, which includes handling cases from the start of claim investigations through trial. His clients include manufacturers and distributors of medical, industrial, automotive, and recreational equipment. One of Chris’ favorite aspects of product liability defense is working with in-house engineers and professionals, as well as outside experts, to better understand how his clients’ products are designed and operate. He knows that success for clients means balancing an understanding for complicated equipment and how they work with the ability to identify themes, case-specific facts, and explanations a jury can readily understand. Chris’ ability to transform complicated issues into understandable and persuasive defenses is a major factor in his successes. 

His experience includes all aspects of litigation, from initial case assessment, managing discovery, strategic planning, and motion practice, to achieving positive trial and appellate outcomes for clients. He has obtained summary judgments and dismissals on behalf of his clients and has successfully tried cases and defended matters on appeal.

Chris is also experienced in complex litigation, such as defending product manufacturers in multi-district litigation.

Credentials

Education

University of Kentucky College of Law (J.D., 2011)

  • Kentucky Law Journal, senior staff editor

University of Kentucky (B.A., cum laude, 2007)

  • Political Science

Bar admissions

  • Kentucky

Court admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

Affiliations and memberships

  • Fayette County Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Defense Research Institute Product Liability, Recreational Products Special Litigation Group, chair
  • Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), Sustaining Member

Distinctions

  • Best Lawyers®
    • “Ones to Watch” in Lexington for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2022-2024)

Career Highlights
  • Successfully Defended Manufacturer in Entrapment Case

    We represented our client, Genie – a global aerial work platform manufacturer, in a lawsuit after a worker suffered fatal injuries in an entrapment accident. The plaintiffs claimed that aerial work platforms should be equipped with mandatory secondary guarding accessories, which plaintiffs claim would have prevented this death. The plaintiffs sought $69 million, including punitive damages.  Post-accident evidence, including evidence of non-similar accidents, were allowed to go to the jury. Despite these challenges, we received a unanimous defense verdict from the jury after nearly two weeks of testimony.  The jury rendered the defense verdict in under 90 minutes, agreeing these machines, which have been used for decades and millions of man hours, are not defective and unreasonably dangerous. This case was also significant for the industry, as it is the first entrapment case to be tried to verdict.

  • Achieved Unanimous Defense Verdict for National Retailer in Kentucky Product Liability Case

    In a Kentucky state court product liability case, our team represented a national retailer. The plaintiff sought significant damages due to a severe hand laceration. Chris was able to navigate the case and secure a unanimous defense verdict.

  • Defended International Heavy Equipment Manufacturer in High-Stakes California Product Liability Trial

    In a high-stakes product liability case in a California federal court, our team represented an international heavy equipment manufacturer. The plaintiff, who had suffered significant injuries, sought over $60,000,000 in damages at trial. Despite the challenging circumstances, Chris skillfully navigated the complexities of the case and secured a unanimous defense verdict.

  • Defended National Retailer in Kentucky Premises Liability Case Resulting in Unanimous Verdict

    In a Kentucky state court premises liability case, our team represented a national retailer. The elderly plaintiff suffered significant injuries, necessitating multiple surgeries, after falling over a pallet. Chris skillfully managed the defense, obtaining a unanimous defense verdict.

  • Unanimous Defense Verdict in Kentucky Federal Premises Liability Case

    In a Kentucky federal court premises liability case, Chris and the team represented a national retailer. The plaintiff, who suffered significant injuries after falling over an object, sought substantial damages. Chris second chaired this trial as the trial training partner for a young associate. The team achieved a unanimous defense verdict.

Publications
  • June 1, 2022

    And They’re Off! Snap Removal: “A Race to the Courthouse”

  • March 1, 2022

    Considerations for Product Liability Claims Simultaneously Brought Against Manufacturers and Dealers

  • July 6, 2021

    States’ COVID-19 Immunity Statutes and Product Liability Claims Related to COVID-19

  • April 1, 2021

    Understanding and Defending New Technologies

  • February 1, 2020

    Understanding and Defending New Technologies

News
  • July 2, 2024

    Dinsmore’s Product Liability Group Receives Surprise “Legal Eagle Award” from Toyota Material Handling

  • August 17, 2023

    200+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2024 Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch”

  • November 23, 2022

    In Third Big Trial Win for Client Terex, Dinsmore Team Defeats $25M Product Liability Suit

  • August 18, 2022

    Best Lawyers® 2023 Names 63 Dinsmore Attorneys “Ones to Watch”

  • August 19, 2021

    Best Lawyers® Recognizes 64 Up-and-Coming Dinsmore Attorneys

  • January 13, 2021

    Dinsmore Promotes 15 Attorneys to Partner, Makes New Appointments to Board of Directors

  • October 6, 2020

    Dinsmore Successfully Defends Manufacturer in 1st Entrapment Case Ever Tried to Verdict