Key Takeaways

• RPWB focuses on complex asbestos and MDL cases involving large-scale harm and high-stakes litigation.
• Our firm combines national coordination with individualized client advocacy. 
• RPWB attorneys have been appointed to leadership roles in major national litigations.
• South Carolina’s coordinated asbestos docket provides efficiencies similar to MDL, which RPWB is well-positioned to navigate.

When multiple people are harmed by the same product, exposure, or corporate conduct, the legal challenges quickly become complex. These cases demand more than basic litigation experience—they require a law firm with the resources, strategic insight, and national reach to take on powerful defendants while still delivering individualized client advocacy.

Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC (RPWB) is built for exactly this type of work. As a national boutique firm that handles asbestos and multidistrict litigation (MDL), RPWB handles high-stakes cases where coordination across hundreds—or even thousands—of claims is essential. At the same time, our firm remains committed to telling each client’s story and pursuing the maximum recovery based on their unique circumstances.

RPWB attorneys regularly collaborate with co-counsel across the country and are frequently appointed to leadership roles in complex litigation—helping shape strategy, manage discovery, and move cases toward resolution or trial.

Multidistrict Litigation: Where RPWB Leads

Mass tort cases—such as those involving defective products or toxic exposures—often involve thousands of injured individuals. Handling these cases effectively requires coordination, resources, and strategic leadership.

Through multidistrict litigation (MDL), cases filed across the country are centralized before one federal judge for pretrial proceedings. This structure allows firms like RPWB to:

• Conduct and contribute to coordinated discovery.
• Work alongside court-appointed leadership to develop case strategy.
• Avoid duplicative litigation while strengthening claims against defendants.

Unlike class actions, MDL cases remain individual lawsuits. This means RPWB can pursue outcomes tailored to each client, whether through negotiated settlements or trial.

RPWB attorneys are well-versed in MDL structure and frequently serve in or alongside leadership teams, ensuring their clients benefit from high-level litigation strategy while maintaining personalized representation.

Representative MDL Leadership Experience

RPWB attorneys have held leadership roles in some of the most significant multidistrict litigations in the country. These court-appointed positions reflect both experience and the trust placed in our firm to help guide complex, high-stakes cases:

• 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Litigation 
  • Elizabeth Middleton Burke, Esq. — Co-Chair, Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee 
  • Christiaan A. Marcum, Esq. 
  • Aaron R. Dias, Esq.
• Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Litigation 
  • Christiaan A. Marcum, Esq. — Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee 
• Bausch & Lomb Contact Lens Solution Litigation 
  • Thomas D. Rogers, Esq. (retired) – Chair, Plaintiffs’ Science Committee 
• Chantix Litigation 
  • Christiaan A. Marcum, Esq. — Discovery & Science Committees 
  • Elizabeth Middleton Burke, Esq. — Discovery & Science Committees 
  • Thomas D. Rogers, Esq. — Discovery Committee 
• Zyprexa Litigation 
  • Thomas D. Rogers, Esq. — Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee

These leadership roles place RPWB attorneys at the center of critical litigation decisions—from shaping discovery strategy to working with experts and negotiating resolutions—experience that directly benefits the firm’s clients.

Asbestos Litigation in South Carolina: RPWB’s Home Advantage

While asbestos litigation was once centralized in a federal MDL, those proceedings are no longer active for new cases. Today, most mesothelioma and asbestos claims are handled individually.

In South Carolina, however, there is a coordinated system that aligns well with RPWB’s experience in complex litigation. Asbestos cases are often:

• Assigned to a single judge
• Managed through a centralized docket
• Coordinated for discovery and pretrial matters

This structure allows RPWB to efficiently handle multiple cases while leveraging shared evidence and strategy—without losing focus on the individual client.

With offices across South Carolina, RPWB combines national MDL experience with deep familiarity with the local court system—an advantage for clients navigating complex asbestos claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my case go to trial in an MDL?

Not necessarily. Many MDL cases resolve through settlement. However, RPWB prepares every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring strong positioning throughout the process.

Do I still have my own lawyer?

Yes. RPWB represents you directly, even when working within a larger MDL structure. The firm remains focused on your individual case and outcome.

Are asbestos cases still part of a federal MDL?

No. New asbestos cases are typically handled individually, though RPWB applies its MDL experience to efficiently manage and litigate these claims.

Contact RPWB for Asbestos and MDL Litigation Matters

If you have been harmed by asbestos exposure or are involved in a complex mass tort, RPWB has the experience and resources to help. Our firm is committed to guiding clients through every stage of litigation—from initial filing to resolution or trial. Call 843-727-6500 or complete an online form to schedule a free case evaluation. We have offices in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina.