Overview

Based on Kristian Rasmussen’s time serving as a Judge Advocate General Officer in the U.S. Navy, some may assume that he was inspired to become a lawyer from the movie, A Few Good Men. Although a fan of the movie, Mr. Rasmussen’s reason for becoming a lawyer is quite simple: he has a passion for helping people.

Mr. Rasmussen has practiced law for more than 21 years, most of which have been devoted to representing plaintiffs against pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers, typically involving claims consolidated in multidistrict litigation. He sees the law as the great equalizer for people who have been injured by large corporations. He strives to represent each of his clients as if he were representing a close personal relative.

A family man, Mr. Rasmussen is most proud of his three children– two boys (Quaid 21 yrs., Clayton 20 yrs.) and daughter (Reese 17 yrs.). He considers himself a retired little league football and baseball coach. His daughter jokingly says he would have coached her gymnastics teams if he had any experience.

Mr. Rasmussen’s legal career has been fun, interesting, and exciting. He has represented clients on both sides of the “v,” including serving as a criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s office and representing defendants in both criminal and civil litigation. Judges and peers from across the country recognize his leadership and skill as evidenced by being selected to lead complex products liability claims.

Notable Cases and Leadership Roles

Judges have appointed Mr. Rasmussen to leadership roles in prosecuting claims in the following Multi-District Litigations:

In Re: Recalled Abbott Infant Formula Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3037

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Executive Committee

In Re: 3M Combat Arms Earplug Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2885

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Steering Committee and Joint Armed Services Committee

In Re: Abilify (Aripiprazole) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2734

Leadership Role: Co-Lead Counsel

In Re: Chantix (Varenicline) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2092

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Executive Committee

In Re: Viagra (Slidenafil Citrate) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2691

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Executive Committee

In Re: Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2592

Leadership Role: Co-Chair of Discovery Subcommittee (Bellwether Sales Representatives)

In Re: Fresenius GranuFlo/Naturalyte Dialysate Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2428

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Steering Committee

In Re: Bextra and Celebrex Unfair Sales Practices and Prod. Liab. Lit., MDL No. 1699

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs Steering Committee (Chair Discovery Committee)

In Re: High Sulfur Content Gasoline Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1632

Leadership Role: Co-Lead Trial Counsel

In Re: Trasylol Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 1928

Leadership Role: Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (Chair of Discovery Committee)

Verdicts and Settlements

• 2018: $1.2 million confidential settlement, pharmaceutical products liability
• 2013: $4 million confidential settlement, pharmaceutical products liability
• 2012: $64 million confidential settlement, pharmaceutical products liability
• 2010: $41.5 million confidential settlement of consumer class action
• 2010: $5.75 million pharmaceutical products liability
• 2009: $1.36 million pharmaceutical products liability settlement
• 2008: $3.75 million pharmaceutical products liability
• 2007: $1.2 million for client involved in an automobile collision with multiple injuries, including the non-paralyzing fracture of a cervical vertebra
• 2006: $2.7 million for pharmaceutical, products liability case
• 2006: $98 million working with national co-lead counsel in securities class action
• 2005: $2.8 million for pharmaceutical, products liability case

Legal Publications

• Chantix: The Next Mass Tort; AAJ, Section on Toxic, Environmental & Pharmaceutical Torts; Vol. 15, No. 2, Spring 2008
• Farm Bill Opens Door for Disadvantaged Farmers; AAJ, Civil Rights, Vol. 16, No. 1, Fall 2008
• Bextra – No Different Than Vioxx; AAJ, Section on Toxic & Environmental Torts, Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring 2005
• Knowing Your Medications; Book published, Nov. 3, 2010 (Editor)

In The Media

• Visual: Movie, Medicating Normal; Host, Law Line, Host, NAS Live (2001-2002); Fox News 6; CBS42; Various other appearance for news media.
• Print: Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Birmingham News, CNN Money, Wallstreet Journal, etc.