Benjamin C. Johnson (Ben)

Shareholder & Co-Chair, Product Liability and Complex Torts

Ben is a skilled litigator who helps clients across a variety of industries to navigate legal disputes and achieve results. Ben brings to his practice a sharp intellect for complex issues, combined with a common-sense approach and blue-collar work ethic. He has a knack for quickly digging in and learning a client’s business, products, and goals, and then tenaciously advocating on their behalf. Ben’s practice primarily involves defending corporate clients in products liability and personal injury matters, as well as commercial and business disputes. Beyond litigation, Ben counsels clients on litigation avoidance and risk management strategies, including product safety issues, regulatory compliance, and recalls.

When not representing clients, you can find Ben outside—either biking, running, or skiing—and spending time with his wife and children in South Minneapolis.

Key Practice Experience

Products liability defense
Commercial and business litigation
Toxic torts
Construction law
Appellate practice
Fire and explosion litigation
Contract, warranty, and UCC disputes and litigation
Consumer warranty litigation
Premises liability
Fiduciary and professional liability
Preventative measures and risk management counseling, including regulatory compliance, recalls, and product labels and warnings

Key Industry Experience

Recreational and powersports products
Medical device, pharmaceuticals, and other health care products
Consumer products
Construction and building materials
Automotive
Transportation
Manufacturing
Insurance
Sporting goods
Ski area defense

Representative Matters

Henry v. 3M Company, et al. (won defense verdict as trial counsel in week-and-a-half long jury trial involving wrongful death asbestos exposure claims)
Block v. Ford Motor Co. (won defense verdict as sole trial counsel in jury trial involving breach of warranty claims)
Interstate Logo, Inc. v. Logo Signs of America, Inc. (second chaired three-week AAA arbitration involving complex partnership dispute)
Illinois Farmers Ins. v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (won summary judgment for automobile manufacturer in fire case)
Alotech v. North Star Imaging, Inc. (won summary judgment for manufacturer of X-ray imaging system in commercial dispute involving fraud and misrepresentation claims)
Hansen v. The Northwestern Mutual Life Ins. Co. (won summary judgment in insurance coverage case, affirmed by Minnesota Court of Appeals)
Defense of recreational products manufacturer in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country in wrongful death and significant injury cases involving ATVs, side by sides, and snowmobiles
Multiple dismissals of product manufacturer in asbestos litigation in several jurisdictions
Secured dismissal of punitive damages claim on behalf of medical device manufacturer in multi-million dollar contract and royalty dispute
Defense of major chemical manufacturer in pesticide product liability matter; obtained complete dismissal based on federal preemption defense
Part of local defense team for medical device company in consolidated spinal implant litigation
Defense of bicycle component manufacturer in traumatic brain injury case
Defense of ski area in ski and alpine slide injury cases
Defense of radiation therapy equipment manufacturer in medical malpractice case

Recognitions and Honors

Selected to Minnesota Rising Stars list, published by Super Lawyers (2014-2021)
Law Clerk for the Honorable Larry B. Stauber, Minnesota Court of Appeals
Managing Editor, Hamline Law Review
CALI Awards (highest grade): Legal Research & Writing I & II, Contracts I, Intellectual Property, International Law, and Employment Law
MSBA Labor & Employment Award for Excellence in the Study of Employment Law

Publications and Presentations

In-House Experts: How to Build Your Case Through the Use of Employee Experts, MDLA Mid-Winter Conference, January 2014