Geoffrey M. Coan

Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Multidistrict Litigation (AFFF MDL)

• Actively serving as national counsel for a manufacturer of specialized coated and laminated protective barriers in multidistrict litigation alleging perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) injuries arising from firefighting equipment.

Pharmaceutical Litigation

• Actively serving as national counsel and member of the Defense Leadership Team for a pharmaceutical manufacturer in multidistrict and coordinated state court actions involving prescription chemotherapy medication alleged to cause permanent hair loss and ocular injuries.
• Actively serving as national counsel for pharmaceutical finished dose manufacturer and a re-packager in multidistrict and coordinated state court actions involving blood pressure medications (valsartan, irbesartan, and losartan) alleged to cause cancer.
• Actively serving as counsel for several universities in NCAA Football multidistrict litigation with class-action claims involving allegations of knowingly concealing the dangers associated with concussions.
• Served as national counsel for a pharmaceutical generic drug manufacturer in coordinated state court actions involving allegations that a dopamine receptor antagonist used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms (metoclopramide) caused neuromuscular disorders.
• Served as national coordinating counsel for a pharmaceutical company in multidistrict litigation arising out of the use of contaminated heparin.
• Successfully defended a pharmaceutical company in a class action arising out of prescription flea and tick powder.
• Served as national coordinating counsel for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in litigation arising out of a professionally labeled OTC product.

Medical Device Litigation

• Served as counsel for a manufacturer of modular hip systems in several coordinated state court cases alleging product defects and failure to warn.
• National coordinating counsel for a medical device company in multidistrict litigation arising out of the use of a tubeless insulin pump for the delivery of subcutaneous drug therapy.
• Served as local counsel for the New England Compounding Center’s (NECC) national meningitis litigation (Multi-District Litigation – United States District Court for Massachusetts).
• Successfully defended a distributor of an orthopedic product focused in the small bone and joint market in litigation arising from the implantation of joint spacers.
• Served as national counsel and provided risk management services for an orthopedic and spine medical device manufacturer in products liability actions involving various products.
• Served as national coordinating counsel for a medical device company in mass tort litigation arising out of using a pain pump to deliver medication to the shoulder following arthroscopic surgery.
• Successfully defended a leading manufacturer of plastic baby bottles in a class-action lawsuit involving allegations of injuries resulting from the ingestion of Bisphenol-A.

Hinshaw’s team of more than 75 attorneys assists domestic and international clients in minimizing potential exposure and achieving favorable outcomes both in and out of court. Over the decades, the firm has successfully prepared, tried, and won complex trials and appeals in some of the most challenging jurisdictions across the United States. With national coverage, Hinshaw provides on-the-ground support in regions experiencing heightened claims activity.

The firm’s product-liability defense approach is customized to address each client’s unique needs. Hinshaw focuses on assembling appropriately sized and skilled teams, developing robust defense strategies, and communicating arguments with clarity and precision. Core elements of the process include:

• Conducting early and accurate claim evaluations
• Litigating cases locally while managing them centrally
• Leveraging an established network of proven and respected jury-trial experts and consultants
• Defending products in both single and multi-claim lawsuits

Hinshaw has represented clients in nearly every major industry, developing deep sector-specific experience in:

• Appliances and Outdoor Power Equipment
• Beverage and Food Ingredients
• Chemicals, Coatings, Building Products, and Other Products
• Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals
• Vehicles and Vehicle Component Parts

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with more than 500 lawyers providing sophisticated legal counsel across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, the firm combines national reach with local insight through offices in major cities nationwide.

Hinshaw is committed to building long-term client relationships by offering practical, creative, and tailored solutions designed to help clients achieve their goals. The firm advises a diverse range of businesses, nonprofits, and government entities in industries such as financial services, health care, insurance, manufacturing, construction, and real estate.

Its multidisciplinary practice includes litigation, corporate and business law, labor and employment, professional liability defense, consumer financial services, environmental, health care, and tax and wealth preservation. As a member of Global Access Lawyers, Hinshaw delivers consistent, high-quality service through a collaborative, one-firm approach.