Michael J. Drahos
SHAREHOLDER
West Palm Beach
561.847.2318
mdrahos@fowler-white.com
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A civil litigator, Michael Drahos focuses his practice on the defense of products liability and related litigation, such as catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death. He represents leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers in actions by individual plaintiffs, class actions and complex aggregate liability matters. Michael’s experience includes the defense of products from diverse industries, such as automotive, agriculture and construction to sports and recreation. In addition, Michael brings valuable insight to the defense of claims related to medical devices from his prior experience handling medical negligence claims on behalf of health care providers.
Michael regularly practices before state and federal courts and also represents clients during investigations conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To continue sharpening his trial skills, Michael recently attended the International Association of Defense Council’s Trial Academy, a well-respected and rigorous program designed to develop defense trial advocacy skills.
In addition, Michael assists with litigation concerning aviation, maritime and employment matters, as well as commercial disputes.
Representative Matters
St. Cyr v. Flying J Inc., 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37962 (M.D. Fla. 2008). Privileged communications between Plaintiff's counsel and expert waived.
Lerer v. Ferno-Washington, Inc., 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 84347 (S.D. Fla. Nov. 14, 2007). Denying Plaintiff's request to videotape compulsory medical examination.
Barnett v. Carnival Corp., 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 37481 (S.D. Fla. June 15, 2007). Granting motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction.
Laux v. Carnival Corp., 470 F.Supp.2d 1379 (S.D. Fla. 2007). Granting request for evidentiary hearing to resolve factual issues pertaining to personal jurisdiction challenge.
St. Cyr v. Flying J Inc., 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 52239 (M.D. Fla. July 31, 2006). Granting motion to dismiss strict liability and negligence per se claims.
Published Works
Author, Compendium of Product Liability Law Issues (Florida Section), ALFA International Product Liability Practice Group, 2011
Co-Author, “Applying Punitive Damages under Federal Common Law," Punitive Damages: A 50 State Compendium, Defense Research Institute, 2009
Author, “The Adequacy of Product Warnings Written Only in English,” Strictly Speaking, Defense Research Institute, November 2009
Co-Author, Compendium of Product Liability Law Issues (Florida Section), ALFA International Product Liability Practice Group, 2009
Co-Author, "The Viability of the Critical Self Analysis Privilege,” Product Liability Perspectives, ALFA International, Fall 2008
Author, “Florida Compendium on Product Liability Failure to Warn Issues,” Product Liability Cases and the Duty to Warn: A 50 State Compendium, Defense Research Institute, 2007
Professional & Civic Involvement
Florida Defense Lawyers Association
Defense Research Institute, Product Liability Steering Committee, Membership Chair
Florida Defense Lawyers Association
Palm Beach County Bar Association, Professionalism Committee, Judicial Relations Committee
Dade County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches
Wellington Chamber of Commerce
The Village of Wellington, Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board