Carmen M. Bickerdt
Partner – Bowman and Brooke LLP
Description of field of expertise
Carmen Bickerdt is an experienced litigator representing clients in product liability, toxic tort, and warranty litigation. Based in Michigan, Carmen’s work has taken her all over the country defending both individual claims and coordinated mass actions, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Iowa, and South Carolina.
Dedicating the majority of her practice to defense of the automotive industry, Carmen has extensive experience in catastrophic personal injury litigation involving company car accidents, autonomous vehicle technology, restraints as well as asbestos and warranty matters on behalf of multiple domestic, Asian and European motor vehicle manufacturers. One of her notable assignments was as regional counsel that defended a major automotive manufacturer in its widely publicized unintended acceleration litigation. In addition, Carmen defends other large corporations in a broad range of commercial, premises and subrogation litigation, including industrial equipment manufacturers, a national retailer, a hotel chain, an energy utility provider, a global appliance manufacturer, and multiple trucking companies.
Outside of the courtroom, Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as interior design, fashion styling and event planning.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
Attorneys interested in product liability litigation should determine the types of product that sparks their interests. Find a law firm that defends the product or a company that manufactures it. Show enthusiasm by performing research and staying updated on the product’s latest technological advances, as well as high profile cases involving the product in the news and media. Join organizations to network with other attorneys that have similar interests and be ready to chat about hot topics on the product to display your knowledge. Most importantly, find a great mentor in the field who can provide advice and support.