PLAC helps domestic and multinational companies stay at the forefront of emerging issues. Exponent is a proud sponsor of this event, which brings together a global, diverse network of professionals.
![Collection of personal care products in bright modern bathroom](/sites/default/files/styles/fifty_media_large/public/media/images/GettyImages-1310777903.jpg?itok=cEEcAB0Q)
"Trends in Talc and PFAS Litigation and Regulations to Watch in 2024"
Thursday, april 4 | 9:15-9:45 A.M.
Panelist: Sarahann Rackl, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Engineer, Environmental and Earth Sciences
Exponent's Sarahann Rackl will speak alongside Marissa Alkhazov, Esq. from Buchalter & Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Esq. from Day Pitney LLP.
![Lithium-ion High-voltage Battery Component for Electric Vehicle or Hybrid Car. Battery Module for Automotive Industry on Production Line. High Capacity Battery on Conveyor](/sites/default/files/styles/fifty_media_large/public/media/images/GettyImages-1570041396.jpg?itok=8EXO9UIf)
"Debunking the Unsound Methodology for Determining Fire Causation in a Lithium-Ion Battery"
THURSDAY, april 4 | 3:45-4:30 P.M.
Panelist: Keith Beers, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Engineer, Polymer Science and Materials Chemistry
Exponent's Keith Beers will speak alongside Jonathan T. Barton, Esq. from Stanton | Barton LLC on the current theories utilized by plaintiffs experts to establish causation as well as review the state of the scientific literature and testing regarding the ability to determine when a lithium-ion battery cell is the cause as opposed to the victim of the fire.
![Modeling & Analysis [EBS]](/sites/default/files/styles/fifty_media_large/public/media/images/GettyImages-1169539468.jpg?itok=IW6f_kHv)
"Computer Modeling & Plaintiffs Alternative Design Obligation"
FRIDAY, april 5 | 10-10:50 a.M.
Panelist: Sarah Easley, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Managing Engineer, Mechanical Engineering
Exponent's Sarah Easley will speak alongside Tom Bazemore, Esq. from Huie, Fernambucq & Stewart on the burden of establishing a reasonable or practical alternative design. This segment explores the tactics relied upon in discovery and at trial, and offers strategies to limit these efforts.