Reid Carpenter is a go-to litigator for resolving the toughest cases
Reid is at his best when he’s “on his feet” advocating for his clients in front of judges and juries. His experience includes multiple jury trials as well as arbitrations. As a solution-focused attorney, Reid also prides himself on tailoring a defense strategy that is specific to each client’s unique situation and desired endgame, which often involves creative resolutions outside of trial. Known for finding a path forward in even the most intractable disputes, Reid is both a skilled negotiator and a tireless advocate in the courtroom.
While Reid maintains a general litigation practice at Lightfoot, his work primarily focuses on three key areas: product liability, natural gas and healthcare. He regularly represents a natural gas operator in Alabama and defends major manufacturers in the automotive, industrial, agricultural and forestry equipment sectors. His product liability work includes cases involving defective firearms and ammunition, as well as post-collision fuel-fed fire litigation for a leading U.S. semi-truck producer and claims involving various types of farm equipment for multiple international farm equipment manufacturers. Reid also dedicates a significant portion of his practice to defending doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice matters.
Among Reid’s successes:
- Obtained multiple defense verdicts on behalf of physicians in jury trials throughout various parts of the state.
- Secured a favorable settlement for a farm equipment manufacturer in a case where the plaintiff sought damages for lost income in the amount of $800,000 a year for 15 years.
- Secured dismissal of major breach of warranty claim against farm equipment manufacturer at the Motion to Dismiss phase.
- Obtained summary judgment in a unique case of malicious prosecution against a state-wide national gas provider.
- Secured judgment as a matter of law on behalf of a hospitalist in a wrongful death matter after nine jury trial days, successfully arguing that the patient's estate failed to present substantial evidence showing the hospitalist’s care was a proximate cause of the patient’s post-surgical death.
Reid is an active member of the Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC), a select group of global professionals who help leading companies stay at the forefront of emerging product-related issues. He has also been recognized by various industry groups, including Birmingham Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40,” Benchmark Litigation’s “40 and Under Hot List,” Benchmark Litigation’s “Litigation Star,” BL Rankings “Best Lawyers in America,” Birmingham Business Journal’s “Rising Star of Law” and Thompson Reuters “Mid-South Super Lawyers – Rising Star.”
Originally from Talladega, Alabama, Reid is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and woodworking. In his free time, he crafts hand-turned wooden bowls and turkey calls.
