Rachel is described by clients as a bold advocate, who is practical, efficient, and a creative problem-solver. Her practice focuses on product liability defence and products-related regulatory issues in the automotive, industrial manufacturing and consumer products sectors. She has extensive experience defending manufacturers in product liability actions, involving products ranging from automobiles, construction, agriculture, and industrial machinery, and recreational vehicles, to fire and security products, consumer products, building materials, and juvenile products.
Rachel acts as national coordinating counsel for several manufacturing clients, managing their product liability litigation matters across Canada. She provides advice to clients in relation to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and routinely handles product recalls, working on global recall teams. She further provides proactive risk management advice and strategies, including warnings and manual reviews.
Rachel is recognized for her expertise in Chambers Canada as a leading lawyer in the area of Litigation: Product Liability. She is Vice Chair of the Products Liability Section of the Federation of Defence and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) and is the Chair of the Building Products Specialized Litigation Group for the Defence Research Institute (DRI).
Evolving medical device regulations: explore Health Canada updates, streamlined Type III recall reporting, and ensure compliance for a proactive approach.
It is now clear: the revised preferability analysis under the amended Class Proceedings Act is a strict, more onerous hurdle for plaintiffs to satisfy.
Ontario Court expands scope of negligence claims to include innocent bystanders.
This bulletin discusses the recent decision in Bothwell v. London Health Sciences Centre regarding the absence of relevant evidence in a mental injury claim.
Ontario Court of Appeal allows appeal and stays tort action against foreign defendants due to lack of jurisdiction of the provincial court.
Two recent cases from the Ontario Superior Court demonstrate judicial intolerance for parties amending pleadings years after an action has commenced.
The decision of the Court of Appeal in Burr v. Tecumseh Products of Canada Limited, 2023 ONCA 135 provides a helpful overview of product liability law.
Recent decision in Wilson v. 356119 Ontario Ltd. et al. details occupiers' liability and contributory negligence analysis required for slip and fall actions.
While consumer interest in electric bicycles is increasing, regulatory interest in electric bicycles, or ebikes, is waning.
This decision highlights that occupiers will not be found liable for injuries if they implement and follow a reasonable system of inspection and maintenance.
Ontario court upholds automatic dismissal for delay despite temporary suspension of limitations periods and court closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ontario Court of Appeal has recently upheld a non-pecuniary damage award from a jury exceeding its previous guidance.
Ontario Divisional Court clarifies that automobile insurance only applies to direct causes of injury under the Statutory Accidents Benefits Schedule.
The decision in Barz concerns the interplay between Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Act and Traffic Safety Act.
On December 8 2020 Ontario passed Bill 118 amending the Occupiers Liability Act and shortening the notice period in slip and fall claims from 2 years to 60 days
A summary of the key ways to advance or continue litigation during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet contained and while governments struggle to respond, businesses are bracing for the inevitable economic downturn.
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