Kevin Chignell is a litigator focusing his practice on product liability cases, industrial accident litigation, and trucking and transportation defense. He has handled matters in state and federal courts for more than 20 years and is well-versed in the representation of companies and insurers in claim-related litigation and regulatory matters. Kevin is also a leader within Parker Poe, serving as the firm’s Raleigh Office Relationship Partner.
Kevin is skilled at counseling clients on managing litigation expenses. He collaborates closely with clients to understand their goals in order to resolve product liability, industrial accident, and commercial motor vehicle injury lawsuits, while delivering effective and value-efficient results. When resolution cannot be reached, Kevin does not hesitate to bring cases to trial.
While Parker Poe’s geographic footprint is in the southeastern region of the United States, Kevin handles claims all over the country and is accustomed to partnering with other firms when in the client’s best interest.
Kevin has earned a Yellow Belt Certification in Legal Lean Sigma® and Project Management from the Legal Lean Sigma Institute. He teamed up with clients to earn the certification through a two-day course that Parker Poe hosted.
Product Liability Defense
Kevin has significant experience representing companies in product liability lawsuits, including manufacturing defect claims, design defect cases, and failure to warn claims. He handles cases involving medical devices; flooring, roofing materials, and windows; asbestos-related bodily injury; and property damage claims. Kevin’s product liability practice frequently includes complex consumer fraud allegations, such as unfair and deceptive trade practice claims. He has considerable experience using jury focus groups to help clients evaluate case exposures.
Industrial Accident Litigation
Kevin routinely serves as defense counsel in serious industrial accident cases, including the 2003 explosion that destroyed the West Pharmaceutical facility in Kinston, North Carolina, and resulted in six deaths. He has defended claims involving hydrogen explosions, catastrophic injuries, chemical releases resulting in inhalation injuries, third-degree burns, and traumatic brain injuries. He also has significant experience defending Woodson claims when employees attempt to sue their own employers for on-the-job accidents.
Trucking and Transportation Defense
Based in Raleigh, Kevin’s national practice serves trucking and transportation companies and insurance carriers in wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims resulting from commercial motor vehicle accidents. He frequently presents on safety issues, claim avoidance, crisis management guidelines, and accident response protocols and investigations. Both Kevin and Parker Poe are involved with the North Carolina Trucking Association. Kevin also serves on the board of directors for the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), the nation’s leading industry group for the defense of trucking and transportation companies.