Business Details
Trusted Litigation Experts in Kansas City
Wagstaff & Cartmell is a litigation boutique dedicated to handling high-stakes and complex legal cases nationwide. Our practice spans professional liability, business litigation, product liability, mass actions, class actions, and catastrophic personal injury. With decades of combined experience, our team includes attorneys trained in large law firms, former federal law clerks, and professionals consistently recognized by peers as industry leaders. We measure success by achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, whether through trial victories or strategic settlements.Our firm has secured over $2 billion in recoveries, 50+ favorable jury verdicts, and 30+ court-appointed leadership positions in MDLs and class actions. We champion clients in cases ranging from individual personal injury to large-scale antitrust litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants with equal dedication to excellence. Our culture prioritizes client rapport, community engagement, and ethical practice, distinguishing us as a trusted leader in complex litigation.
Services
Complex Litigation
Class Action Lawsuits
Product Liability Defense
Mass Tort Representation
Appellate Advocacy
Highlights and features
- We have recovered over $2 billion for plaintiffs in complex litigation.
- Our attorneys hold leadership roles in 30+ multi-district litigation cases.
- Team includes former federal law clerks and peers recognized as top lawyers.
- We prepare every case for trial, ensuring maximum client advocacy.
- Served as counsel for state governments and Fortune 500 companies.
What people say
Proven track record in MDLs
Dedicated trial preparation
Award-winning attorneys
Secured billions in settlements
Client-first philosophy
Services
Complex Litigation
Our firm specializes in high-stakes litigation requiring advanced legal strategy and courtroom expertise. We handle cases involving multidistrict litigation, antitrust violations, and catastrophic personal injury claims. With a focus on trial preparation, we secure favorable verdicts and settlements for clients nationwide.
Class Action Representation
We represent plaintiffs and defendants in large-scale class actions and mass tort proceedings. Our experience includes antitrust cases, pharmaceutical litigation, and product liability claims. We have secured over $7.25 billion in settlements across 100,000+ cases in multidistrict litigation.
Product Liability Defense
Our team defends manufacturers and represents injured parties in product liability cases. We handle medical device litigation, pharmaceutical claims, and consumer goods disputes. With deep expertise in scientific evidence, we deliver results in high-profile cases involving national corporations.
Appellate Advocacy
We provide strategic appellate representation in complex civil cases. Our attorneys leverage decades of experience to challenge or uphold trial court decisions, focusing on preserving favorable outcomes and correcting judicial errors in high-value litigation.
Government Representation
We represent state governments and public entities in consumer protection cases, antitrust litigation, and contractual disputes. Our work includes advising on regulatory compliance and defending against large-scale claims involving public health and safety issues.
People
Thomas P. Cartmell
Founding Partner
Recognized leader in complex litigation with appointments in 30+ MDL leadership roles. Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and lead counsel in $3B+ pharmaceutical settlements.
Eric D. Barton
Partner
Award-winning attorney with expertise in antitrust and class action litigation. Secured $151M+ in settlements for indirect purchasers in polyurethane foam and potash antitrust cases.
Tyler W. Hudson
Partner
Specializes in multidistrict litigation and commercial disputes. Appointed co-lead counsel in Asacol antitrust case and represented community banks in $7M+ settlements.
Diane K. Watkins
Partner
Experienced trial attorney with focus on product liability and medical device litigation. Successfully defended healthcare providers in high-profile malpractice cases and represented plaintiffs in catastrophic injury claims.
Jonathan P. Kieffer
Partner
Lead counsel in medical negligence and personal injury cases. Achieved $12.1M verdict in a landmark quadriplegia case and serves on plaintiffs steering committees for national MDLs.
Questions
What areas of law does Wagstaff & Cartmell specialize in?
We focus on complex litigation including class actions, product liability, antitrust cases, and catastrophic injury claims. Our team handles both plaintiff and defense cases nationwide.
How experienced is your litigation team?
Our attorneys have 30+ court-appointed leadership roles in MDLs, 50+ favorable jury verdicts, and over $2 billion recovered for clients in high-stakes cases.
Do you handle both plaintiff and defense cases?
Yes, we represent plaintiffs in personal injury claims and defendants in commercial litigation, maintaining equal dedication to both sides in complex legal matters.
What makes your firm different from other litigation boutiques?
We combine large-firm experience with personalized service, led by attorneys recognized in Chambers USA and Best Lawyers, with a culture prioritizing trial readiness and client rapport.
Can you handle cases outside Missouri?
We practice nationwide with extensive experience in multidistrict litigation courts, having represented clients in major cases across California, Kentucky, Kansas, and New York.
