Combating Plaintiffs' Reptile Tactics in Commercial Vehicle, Premises Liability, Products Liability, and Med Mal Cases

This CLE course will guide litigators in recognizing and avoiding "reptile" litigation tactics frequently used by plaintiff's attorneys in commercial vehicle accident claims, premises liability, and medical malpractice cases to recover excessive verdicts and settlements. The panel will discuss how reptile tactics work, how they have evolved, and how defense counsel avoid falling prey to reptile tactics at every stage of the case.

The infamous trial strategy called "reptile theory" is entrenched among the personal injury plaintiffs' bar. Well-prepared defense counsel must understand what it is, how it has evolved, and how to disrupt it. Reptile tactics attempt to persuade jurors that defendants had and have an obligation to keep the community and the plaintiff safe, that somehow defendants failed to do so, and that the jury alone can restore balance and safety by awarding an unforgettable verdict.

Reptile tactics are common in commercial vehicle accident claims, premises liability, and medical malpractice litigation where many safety rules may exist.

Defense counsel must combat reptile strategy during every phase of the case, paying particular attention to depositions. Admissions favorable to plaintiffs are virtually impossible to "clean up" at trial.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the use of reptilian tactics in commercial vehicle accident claims, premises liability, and medical malpractice litigation, as well as how defense counsel can challenge these tactics to increase their client's chances of success.