Tracy D. Knox

Tracy defended major corporations and other businesses in complex product liability claims involving serious injuries, loss of life, multimillion-dollar property damage and business interruption losses. For many years, Tracy represented the world’s largest manufacturer of home appliances in the defense of product liability claims in federal and state courts nationally and in Canada.

These matters involved defense of fire, explosion and water loss claims alleging defects in a variety of products, including dryers, washers, microwave ovens, refrigeration, ice makers and other compressor products, dishwashers and cleaning products. The claims and lawsuits involved property damage, personal injury (burns, broken bones, lacerations, amputations and electric shock) and wrongful death. His product liability experience was diverse, including the resolution of claims prior to suit and resolution through trial and appeal.

Tracy was valued for his direct, straight forward and clear communication skills. A West Point graduate, 10-year Army veteran and former company commander, Tracy brought a sense of leadership and direction to the defense of lawsuits. He knew, from hands-on experience, the importance of understanding a client’s business model and aligning the functions of outside counsel with internal business operations to the extent feasible. He worked diligently and effectively with engineers and other experts to substantiate his client’s position and develop cogent, persuasive arguments in their defense. Tracy understood that the effective defense of a product requires a deep understanding of the design principles behind the product.

After graduation from law school in 1991, Tracy resumed active military service with the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps as a paratrooper at Fort Bragg, N.C. While at Fort Bragg, he gained litigation experience prosecuting military courts-martial and, as a special assistant U.S. attorney, prosecuting felony offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Following his military service, Tracy practiced with a Detroit, Michigan, product liability litigation firm before joining Barnes & Thornburg in 1995.

He was a frequent lecturer on legal topics before local construction industry trade organizations.