Alan Thomas

Alan Thomas

Partner

Our Attorneys
“In everything, strive for excellence by planning, by preparation and execution.”

Alan Thomas

Print Profile

Direct

Phone
205.297.8839

Fax
205.251.1256

Email
[email protected]

Social
LinkedIn

Legal Asst
Jan Humphries

Asst Email
[email protected]

Practice Areas

Appellate

Automotive Litigation

Product Liability

  • Bio

    Alan Thomas takes a personal interest in the success of his clients. Early in his career, he earned a reputation for being determined, tireless and relentless in his goal to achieve excellence and favorable outcomes for the companies he represents. The son of a cattle rancher, Alan has a heavy-duty work ethic. He brings a tenacious energy to the firm and to every case he takes on. He brings more than three decades of trial experience to the firm and takes an interactive and highly collaborative approach to building relationships with clients, judges and juries alike.

    Since joining the firm in 1985, Alan has litigated on behalf of large automobile manufacturers, successfully defending them in cases involving every form of product liability. His personal interest in building and restoring cars provides him with a unique perspective and understanding of his specialized practice area of automotive product liability. And, his extensive experience defending clients in State and Federal courts has earned him national recognition and respect in all types of product liability and complex litigation. Alan regularly serves as lead trial counsel and coordinating counsel throughout the Southeast and across the country. He is passionate about the law, and welcomes the unpredictability that comes with practicing it. He enjoys the variety from day to day and case to case, and takes great pleasure in the opportunity to serve as an investigator, influencer, advocate and always a true professional.

    When he’s not working, Alan spends time with his family, including his three boys: Jonathon, Jackson and David.

    Alan earned his BS from Auburn University and his JD from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

    Bar & Court Admissions

    Alabama State Bar

    U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama

    U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama

    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama

    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

    Supreme Court of the United States

    Memberships

    Alabama Defense Lawyers Association

    American Bar Association

    Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine

    Birmingham Bar Association

    Defense Research Institute

    Diversity Law Institute

    International Association of Defense Counsel

    Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

    Product Liability Advisory Council

    Society of Automotive Engineers

  • Representative Experience
    01

    Defense verdict for an automotive client in a product liability case. Plaintiff claimed that the front crash structure of the vehicle was defective and that the vehicle should have been designed with a wider bumper and a different front structure to engage better in small offset collisions. The case was tried in Mobile County, Alabama in October 2023.

    02

    Defense verdict in large automotive manufacturer case involving the loss of control of an SUV which resulted in a rollover and the death of plaintiff's decedent.  Plaintiff alleged that the vehicle contained a defective seat belt buckle ("false latch") and that the vehicle should have been equipped with a rollover-activated side safety canopy airbag.  The case was tried in Greene County, Alabama in April 2016.

    03

    Defense verdict in a case involving the loss of control of a vehicle that was towing a 26 foot camper trailer. The plaintiffs alleged that the vehicle's owners manual failed to adequately warn of the truck’s towing capabilities and failed to warn of the proper type and placement of a fifth wheel hitch.  The case was tried in DeKalb County, Alabama in May 2014.

    04

    Defense verdict in wrongful death case brought by the children of the deceased driver in Springfield, Georgia. Plaintiffs alleged that the driver’s seat belt inertially unlatched when the vehicle was impacted causing the driver to be ejected.  The case was tried in the State Court of Cobb County, Georgia in November 2013.  Defense verdict.

    05

    Defense verdict for large automotive manufacturer case that involved a one-vehicle crash which resulted in the fatality of the driver and two other injured passengers. Plaintiffs alleged that the vehicle should have been equipped with electronic stability control.   The case was tried in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in May 2013.

    06

    Defense verdict in a case that involved a fire that Plaintiffs claimed originated in the engine compartment, entered the cab of the vehicle through the air conditioning vents, and consumed the passenger compartment of the vehicle.  Plaintiff suffered severe burn injuries.  The case was tried in the Circuit Court of Autauga County, Alabama in October 2012.

    07

    Two-vehicle crash case.  The defect allegations included roof, handling and stability, and glass.  The case was tried in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Arkansas in August 2010.  Plaintiff’s verdict.

    08

    Single-vehicle crash case.  The defect allegations included a defective roof and restraint system.  The case was tried in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Alabama in March 2010.  Plaintiff’s verdict.

    09

    Defendant’s verdict in a case that involved the lack of electronic stability control.  The injuries included one alleged brain injury and one fatality.  The case was tried in the State Court of Cobb County, Georgia in November 2009.

    10

    Represented large automotive manufacturer in a case that involved a single-vehicle crash which resulted in defect allegations with respect to roof design, seat belt design, and lack of electronic stability control.  The case was tried in Marengo County, Alabama in October 2009 and resulted in a hung jury.

    11

    Case involving a rollover following a tread separation.  Plaintiffs claimed that the vehicle was defective due to its handling and stability characteristics.  This was a one-vehicle crash which resulted in a fatality.  The case was tried in July 2008 in Chatham County, Georgia. Settled favorably during trial.

    12

    Defendant's verdict in case that involved a two-vehicle crash consisting of two automobiles produced by the same large automotive manufacturer. Plaintiffs alleged that there were defects in both vehicles.  For Vehicle 1, Plaintiffs alleged that its instability led to the rollover resulting in the collision. In Vehicle 2, Plaintiffs claimed that the vehicle was not crashworthy.  The case was tried in the Superior Court of Richmond County, North Carolina in March 2008.

    13

    Defendant's verdict in case involving defective airbag allegations.  The two-vehicle crash resulted in the death of the driver (Plaintiff's decedent).  The case was tried in the Circuit Court of Winston County, Alabama in December 2007.

    14

    Case involved handling and stability allegations following a tread separation.  The crash resulted in two injuries and one death. The case was tried in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.  Defendant’s verdict in August 2007.

    15

    Defendant's verdict in large automotive manufacturer case that involved roof and seat belt allegations.  Plaintiff's injuries included a C5-6 fracture, facial scarring and a brain injury. The case was tried in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Alabama in April 2007.

    16

    Case involved defective restraints and cruise control allegations in the State Court of Greenville County, South Carolina.  A verdict was found in favor of the Plaintiffs in July 2006.  However, the South Carolina Supreme Court reversed the jury verdict and granted Judgment as a Matter of Law in the defendant's favor in September 2010.

    17

    Case alleged defects including handling and stability, restraints, roof, and failure to incorporate an ESC system in a 2002 SUV.  The crash resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.  The case was tried in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta, Division.  Settled favorably during trial in January 2007.

    18

    Case involving handling and stability allegations.  The accident resulted in personal injuries to an upcoming and proposed professional soccer star.  The case was tried in the United States District Court in Greenville, South Carolina.  Plaintiff’s verdict on compensatory damages in March 2006.

    19

    Defendant's verdict in case involving handling and stability allegations with respect to a rollover crash which resulted in one death.  The case was tried in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi in February 2006.

    20

    Case involved a tread separation which resulted in a rollover.  Plaintiff was ejected and suffered incomplete quadriplegia.  The case was tried before the mother of the plaintiffs' attorney in the State Court of Nueces County, Texas.  Plaintiff’s verdict, January 2006.

    21

    Plaintiffs alleged that defendants were negligent in designing, inspecting, testing, manufacturing, assembling, marketing, selling and providing warnings for the subject 1994 SUV, which resulted in four deaths and one personal injury.  Case was tried in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of GA ‑ Atlanta Division.  Defense verdict, December 2005.

    22

    Two and one-half week trial for two fatalities with respect to handling and stability, glass and roof allegations in the United States District Court in Charleston, South Carolina.  Plaintiffs'  verdict on compensatory damages and hung jury in punitive phase in October 2005. Defendant's verdict in April 2006 during Phase II.

    23

    Case involved handling and stability and roof allegations.  Plaintiff had recently completed medical school and suffered from an alleged brain injury.  The case was tried in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in August 2005.  Defendant's verdict.

    24

    Case involved handling and stability claims with respect to an SUV which resulted in personal injuries to Plaintiff.  Case was tried in the United States District Court of Mississippi.  Plaintiff was awarded $5,600.00 in compensatory damages.  The Court later entered a defense judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

    25

    Defendant's verdict in case involving negligence claims against car rental company.  The case involved claims regarding handling and stability which resulted in a significant brain injury to Plaintiff.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court of Dade County, Florida, in October 2004.

    26

    Plaintiffs alleged negligent handling and stability design of an SUV which resulted in one wrongful death and significant personal injuries.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court of Pickens County, Alabama in July 2004.  Defendant’s verdict.

    27

    Handling and stability case involving large automotive manufacturer.  Allegations included the wrongful death of New York Mets minor league baseball player.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court of Jasper County, Mississippi in May 2004 and resulted in a hung jury.

    28

    Handling and stability and roof allegations case involving an SUV.  Plaintiff was a 17‑year‑old male who sustained injuries resulting in paraplegia and a significant brain injury.  Case was tried in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana in March 2004.  Defendant’s verdict.

    29

    Defendant's verdict in handling and stability case involving two wrongful death allegations.  Tried in the Circuit Court of Kootenai County, Idaho in October 2003.

    30

    Handling and stability allegations for a large automotive manufacturer involving an SUV and the wrongful death of Plaintiff and her unborn child.  Tried in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division in June 2003.  Defendant’s verdict.

    31

    Defendant’s verdict in handling and stability allegations.  Case involved both personal injury and wrongful death allegations.  Tried in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in February 2003.

    32

    Seat back strength allegation tried in the Circuit Court for Bibb County, Alabama.  Plaintiff was a 62‑year‑old male who sustained back injuries with partial paralysis.  Settled favorably during trial in September 2002.

    33

    Restraint/airbag deployment case tried in Iberia Parish, Louisiana.  Plaintiff was a 25‑year‑old female who suffered from quadriplegia and a brain injury.  Settled favorably during trial in May 2002.

    34

    Rollover of a 1984 Ford Bronco in which Plaintiff suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida in June 2001.  Defendant’s verdict.

    35

    Defendant’s verdict in sudden acceleration case in which plaintiff, a police officer, allegedly suffered from major depression and post‑traumatic stress disorder as the result of an accident involving his 1997 Crown Victoria.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County in November 2000.

    36

    Airbag deployment case in which Plaintiff sustained (1) compound fractures to her left radius and ulna; (2) injury to her front teeth; (3) a laceration of her lower lip; (4) a fracture of her nose; (5) an injured left shoulder and (6) bruising across her chest.  Tried in April 2000 in Louisville, Kentucky.  Defense verdict.

    37

    Represented large automobile manufacturer in airbag deployment case in which Plaintiff sustained approximately 30 fractures in both arms.  Tried in Louisville, Kentucky in January 1999.  Plaintiff’s experts limited and precluded post‑testimony under Daubert motions and directed verdict granted at the close of Plaintiff’ s case.

    38

    Represented major automotive manufacturer in a case alleging a forklift was not equipped with a backup warning device, including backup alarms and warning beacons. Plaintiff claimed insignificant personal injuries. Case was tried in the Circuit Court of Coweta County, Georgia in September 1999.  Hung jury/mistrial. The case was re-tried in July 2001.  Defendant’s verdict.

    39

    Products liability case tried in Mobile County, Alabama.  Involved a rollover of a van occupied by nurses.  Crash resulted in two deaths, one quadriplegic and three other injuries.  Tried for two weeks and resulted in hung jury.

    40

    Case involving large automotive manufacturer was tried in Jefferson County, Alabama.  Brain damage case involving a 17‑year‑old driver who alleged loss of control as the result of a brake malfunction.  Plaintiffs claimed improper brake proportioning between front and rear systems.  Defendant's verdict.  Verdict upheld on appeal.

    41

    Paraplegic and two other Plaintiffs with more moderate injuries alleged brake malfunction in chassis incorporated into garbage truck.  Plaintiffs allege sudden brake loss as a result of negligent design of air brake system.  Case was tried in the Circuit Court for Etowah County, Alabama.  Directed verdict granted in favor of major automobile manufacturer during trial.  Directed verdict upheld on appeal.

    42

    Seat back strength case involving a frontal impact resulting in paraplegia to 21‑year‑old front seat passenger.  Tried in the Clayton Division of Barbour County, Alabama (in Plaintiff's counsel home town).  Plaintiff's verdict awarded considerably below Plaintiff's last demands.

    43

    Airbag non‑deployment case tried in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.  Plaintiff alleged various injuries (including back) as a result of failure of the airbag to deploy in intersectional crash.  Also involved negligent manufacturing issues.   Defendant's verdict.

    44

    Wrongful death action tried in the Circuit Court for Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.  Plaintiffs alleged that the driver seat belt restraint system failed as the result of "skip lock" and other retractor‑related allegations.  Defendant's verdict.  Sustained on appeal.

    45

    Rear seat shoulder belt case tried for two months in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Alabama.  Plaintiff suffered closed‑head injuries, allegedly as the result of the lack of a rear seat shoulder belt in Chevrolet Chevette.  Defendant's verdict.

    46

    Represented major automobile manufacturer in seat back strength allegation tried in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Alabama. Rear-end accident in which the driver's seat underwent deflection causing Plaintiff severe back injuries resulting in multiple fusions and disability. Defendant's verdict.

    47

    Allegation of recall of semi tractor. Plaintiff suffered back injuries resulting in multiple fusions and complete disability. Tried in the Unites States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Recall was admitted and the case was tried on proximate cause issues. Defendant's verdict.

    48

    Defendant's verdict in restraint system allegation tried in Jefferson County, Alabama. Plaintiffs claimed that the subject vehicle was defective due to use of an energy management loop in the lap belt which resulted in excessive excursion and excessive femur loading. Plaintiff suffered debilitating lower leg and hip injuries.

    49

    Defendant's verdict in wrongful death case tried in Jefferson County, Alabama, involving rollover and partial ejection of the driver. It was alleged that the vehicle was defective for lack of laminated safety glazing.

  • Resources & News
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  • Distinctions & Contributions
    01

    Named a Litigation Star in Benchmark Litigation 2025

    02

    Listed by The Best Lawyers in America since 2001 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2001 - 2025)

    03
    04

    Listed by Super Lawyers (2008-2024)

    05
    06
    07
    08

    Speaker, Alabama Court Reporters Association "Writing Is Power" 2020 Convention

    09
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14

    Faculty, DRI 2018 Product Liability Conference in San Diego; "Biomechanics & Injury Causation - Recent Experiments in Occupant Kinematics and Injury Mechanisms"

    15
    16

    Speaker, Alabama Tire Dealers Association 2016 Annual Convention in Orange Beach

    17
    18

    “Products Liability and Contributory Negligence in the Wake of Williams v. Delta International Machinery Corp.”, published in The Alabama Lawyer

    19

    “Products Liability—Warning to Prescribing Physician Regarding Unavoidably Unsafe Drugs Held Adequate Under A.E.M.L.D.”, Cumb. L Rev.

    20

    Co-authored “The Application of Seat Belt Laws in Automotive Trials”, DRI

    21

    "Crashworthiness-Based Product Liability and Contributory Negligence In the Use of the Product", The Alabama Lawyer

    22

    "Personal Responsibility in Product Liability: Who is Responsible for What and Why?", American Journal of Trial Advocacy

    23

    Quoted in Litigators on Experts, Strategies for Managing Expert Witnesses from Retention through Trial

    24

    Faculty – International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy (2009)

    25

    International Association of Defense Counsel 2011 Midyear Meeting Defense Research Institute – Strictly Automotive Seminar (September 2011)

    26

    Frequent speaker in various other automotive industry and/or legal meetings, seminars and conferences

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