AM Best to Host Webinar on Strategic Approaches to Defending Product Liability Claims for Insurers

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best and Best’s Insurance Professional Resources will host a complimentary webinar, titled, “The Misuse Defense: Strategic Approaches to Defending Product Liability Claims for Insurers,” sponsored by HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. (EDT). Register today.

Product liability claims remain among the most complex and costly exposures facing insurers today. When a claimant alleges injury or damage from a defective product, the path to a successful defense often hinges on one critical factor: how the product was used. Product misuse—whether foreseeable or not—can dramatically alter liability outcomes and coverage determinations.

This webinar brings together seasoned insurance defense professionals to examine the strategic and evidentiary considerations essential to mounting effective product liability defenses. Our expert panel will address:

• Establishing the misuse defense: Elements, burden of proof, and jurisdictional variations;
• Foreseeable vs. unforeseeable misuse: When misuse bars recovery and when it doesn’t;
• Failure-to-warn claims: Balancing manufacturer duties against user responsibilities;
• Evidence preservation and investigation: Building a compelling misuse narrative from day one; and
• Expert witness strategies: Leveraging technical and human factors testimony.

Through real-world examples and practical guidance, attendees will gain actionable insights into identifying misuse early in claims handling, developing persuasive defense theories, and effectively managing product liability exposure from initial notice through resolution.

Panelists include:

• Janine McCartney, PhD, MBA, CSP, CHST, CSHO, HHC Safety Engineering Services and HHC Safety Consulting Services, Corporation
• Michael Salvati, shareholder, product liability practice group, Marshall Dennehey
• Shari Goggin-Ganter, complex bodily injury case director, Resnick & Louis, P.C.
• Lindsay Lorimer, partner, McMillan LLP

Attendees can submit questions during registration or by emailing [e-mail]. Playback will be available shortly afterward.

Those unable to attend the live webinar can still register to receive the playback to view at their convenience.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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