Dean is an associate in the Product Liability Litigation practice group. He focuses his practice on defense of claims against automobile manufacturers and public utility providers, including defense of claims involving various commercial and consumer products, injuries to persons and property, and other business transactions and relationships. Dean also has experience counseling product manufacturers and service providers with regard to warnings, warranties, and terms and conditions of sales and services. In addition to defense of consumer product claims, Dean has experience defending workplace injury and premises liability actions involving serious physical injuries and death.
Prior to joining the firm, Dean worked as a law enforcement agent for the State of Ohio where he investigated white collar crimes and other financial fraud cases. As an agent, he was granted top secret security clearance and worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate suspected terrorism and illegal activity. He also participated in internal investigations of businesses and government agencies to uncover employee embezzlement and theft.
Dean is admitted to practice law in Ohio, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Education
- Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D., 2005, magna cum laude, Moot Court Chairperson, 2003-2004; Law Review Managing Editor, 2003-2004; Lewis F. Powell Jr. Medal for Excellence in Advocacy
- University of Toledo, B.S., 1995, magna cum laude
Representative Matters
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in wrongful death action based on allegations of design defect in rollover accident.
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in design defect claim involving alleged "park-to-reverse" theory.
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in alleged design defect claims involving airbag and seatbelt design.
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in claims of alleged defectively designed hitch mechanism.
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in numerous claims of personal injury and property damage arising out of vehicle and structural fires.
- Defense of aerial-lift manufacturer in personal injury claims with allegations of design and manufacturing defects in boom attachment.
- Defense of aerial-lift manufacturer in personal injury claim with allegations of design defect causing tip-over. Obtained dismissal.
- Defense of public utility provider against claims of wrongful death and negligent supervision/retention of former employee involving motor vehicle accident. Obtained Summary Judgment.
- Defense of manufacturer of various food processing equipment in numerous personal injury cases with allegations of design defect.
- Defense of toxic tort, fraud, and civil conspiracy claims against chemical manufacturers based on alleged occupational exposure to vinyl chloride.
- Defense of resin manufacturer against allegations of defective and non-conforming goods.
- Defense of automobile manufacturer in personal injury and premises liability action with allegations of improper roof guarding. Obtained dismissal.
- Defense of public utility provider and employees in various personal injury claims.
- Defense of propane tank valve manufacturer in personal injury action with allegations of an explosion from defective products.
- Defense of manufacturers of silica and asbestos containing products.
Professional & Civic Involvement
Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Ohio State Bar Association
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association
Community Activities
Executive Board Member for Bellflower Center for Prevention of Child Abuse
Cleveland State University Cleveland Marshall College of Law Moot Court Advisor
Cleveland Bar Association's 3R's Program
Harvey Rice - Santa in holiday gift program
Advised Haitian delegates in the Haiti Anti-Corruption project with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs 2004