Joe Fullenkamp represented businesses and individuals in the resolution of commercial disputes, product liability defense, construction litigation, transportation contracts and litigation, and insurance coverage matters. Joe’s experience spanned virtually all phases of litigation, including discovery, pre-trial motions and trial, and appellate counsel in courts throughout the United States.
For more than three decades, Joe litigated product liability lawsuits. He served on national product liability teams representing Fortune 500 companies and other businesses in litigation throughout the country. His clients included manufacturers and distributors of home appliances, kitchen appliances and utensils, manufacturing equipment and consumer goods.
Joe also represented owners, designers, general contractors and subcontractors in construction disputes and litigation. He handled matters involving manufacturing facilities, solar projects, hotels, dormitories, parking ramps, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and concrete. His experience included advising, negotiating and litigating the range of issues that can arise before, during and after actual construction. In addition, he litigated virtually all aspects of transportation law and also negotiates carrier and broker contracts. He also handled litigation disputes between healthcare entities and insurance coverage disputes regarding medical malpractice, professional liability and commercial general liability claims.
Joe focused on identifying the central issues of a claim that will affect the end result. He worked to understand each client’s non-legal goals early on, because those often determine the outcome of the dispute. After decades of practice, Joe remained committed to delivering honed skill in predicting possible case outcomes and adjusting his arguments and negotiation tactics accordingly. Judges, mediators and opposing counsel were known to comment on Joe’s calm demeanor, patience and preparation.
Experience
- Barnes & Thornburg attorney represented client in mandamus action concerning consolidation of competing class action lawsuits.
- Barnes & Thornburg attorneys defended client in competing class actions brought on behalf of landowners adjoining railroad rights-of-way abandoned by Penn Central. The ten years of litigation led to several appeals to the Indiana Court of Appeals, an appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court, and a writ of mandamus to the Indiana Supreme Court. Ultimately, a class action settlement was reached in which the client, a defendant, received payment from the co-defendant.
Credentials
Education
- University of Iowa, B.A., 1985
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1988, with distinction
Bar Admissions
- Indiana
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana