EDUCATION

University of Wisconsin,
B.A. (1990)

William Mitchell College of Law,
J.D. (1995)

ADMISSIONS

California (1998)

Minnesota (1995)

Nevada (2000)

Washington (1997)

AREAS OF FOCUS

Litigation Products Liability

ASSOCIATIONS

California Bar Association

Nevada Bar Association

Washington Bar Association

American Bar Association

tcavanaugh@yukelaw.com

Todd Cavanaugh is a civil litigator and trial attorney with expertise in product liability, toxic tort, and business litigation. Licensed to practice in California, Nevada, and Washington, his experience includes all aspects of litigation, from administrative proceedings to mediation to trials and appeals. For nearly 15 years, he has defended the interests of manufacturers and excess insurers in cases venued in state and federal courts in more than a dozen states. In product liability litigation, Mr. Cavanaugh has defended the design, manufacture, and performance of a diverse array of products made by some of the world's largest manufacturers. These products include automobiles, construction equipment, tires, automotive friction products, industrial machinery, and power generators. He also coordinated and executed a nationwide product liability resolution program for a major automobile manufacturer.

Mr. Cavanaugh has achieved Martindale-Hubbell's highest AV rating, and consistently has been recognized by Law & Politics as one of Southern California's "Rising Stars" in the industry. He has lectured on topics including jury selection, principles of contribution and indemnity, and strategies for overcoming the threat of joint liability. His publications include Tumble v. Cascade Bicycle Corp.: A Hypothetical Case Under the Restatement (Third) of Torts, published in the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform.

Mr. Cavanaugh was born and raised in Minnesota, and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin in 1990. In 1995, he graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he served as Executive Editor of the William Mitchell Law Review. From 1995 to 1997, he was Managing Editor of the Journal of Products and Toxics Liability. Prior to joining James Yukevich and Alexander Calfo, he practiced at Perkins Coie in Seattle, Washington, where his practice focused on the defense of aircraft manufacturers.

RECENT TRIAL EXPERIENCE:
Pineda v. Deere & Company.  Los Angeles County, California.  Industrial accident with allegation that fatal injury was caused by backhoe design and warning defects.  Defense verdict following two-week trial.

Deal v. Michelin North America, Inc.  Clark County, Nevada.  Rollover of pick-up truck with allegation that two fatalities were caused by tire manufacturing defects.  Defense verdict following six-week trial. 

Jones v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  Los Angeles County, California.  Rollover of two-door coupe with allegation that quadriplegic injury was caused by vehicle design defect.  Defense verdict following six-week trial.

Arroyo v. Ford Motor Company.  Dade County, Florida.  Single-vehicle crash with allegation that occupant injuries were caused by vehicle cruise control system defect.  Defense verdict following two-week trial.

Gaudry v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  Los Angeles County, California.  Motorcycle crash with allegations that traumatic leg amputation was caused by vehicle design and warning defects.  Defense verdict following two-week trial.

Tepei v. Michelin North America, Inc.  Lewis County, Washington.  Rollover of mini-van with allegations of tire defects and traumatic brain injury to several vehicle occupants.  Defense verdict following eight-week trial.

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