Elizabeth Burnett

Liz Burnett is an experienced litigator who represents clients nationwide in products liability, commercial, and disaster litigation, including toxic tort and class action cases. Many of these high-stakes matters stem from fires and explosions involving combustible dust or natural gas. Representing plaintiffs and defendants, Liz’s clients range from product manufacturers to plant owners to subrogated property insurers. In recent years, Liz has devoted a portion of her practice to securing recoveries for those injured or killed in fires and explosions.

A former claims adjuster, Liz also litigates property and commercial insurance coverage disputes for industry leaders. She brings a depth of understanding and uniquely practical perspective to coverage cases, helping her clients navigate all stages of litigation.

Liz is recognized as a Minnesota Rising Star by Super Lawyers and was previously named an Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer. 

Education

• University of St. Thomas School of Law, J.D., cum laude; St. Thomas Journal of Law and Policy, Publications Editor 
• Creighton University, B.A. in English Literature and Spanish, magna cum laude

Languages

Representative Matters

Representing Plaintiffs

Represented a 32-year-old male with 3rd degree burns over 70% of the body resulting from an industrial accident. Settled with defendants for $15.4 million.

Obtained partial settlement of $3.4 million for a 49-year-old male who was burned in a dust explosion at a Midwest manufacturing facility.

Obtained confidential settlement for grocery store owner in property damage litigation following a natural gas explosion and fire.

Obtained confidential settlement for plant owner from third-party vendor for damages caused by a combustible dust explosion.

Obtained confidential settlement for a family in property damage and personal injury litigation after a natural gas explosion damaged their home.

Obtained confidential settlement for woman with third-degree burns in product liability litigation.

Obtained confidential settlement for a couple in property damage litigation after their home was destroyed in a natural gas explosion.

Representing Defendants

Obtained summary judgment for product manufacturer following a hazardous chemical release and explosion where the personal injury plaintiffs later settled for $18.5 million.

Obtained dismissal with prejudice for product manufacturer in litigation following an explosion and fire that killed more than 30 people and injured dozens more at a natural gas refinery.

Second-chaired federal jury trial for property insurer in Superstorm Sandy litigation involving the applicable sublimit and reformation of the policy. After an eight-day trial, the jury issued an advisory verdict for the client that was later confirmed by the court.

Defended product manufacturer in toxic tort litigation due to alleged environmental contamination involving more than 600 personal injury and property damage plaintiffs.

Defended plant owner in litigation arising from a combustible dust explosion that killed two employees and injured several more.

Obtained summary judgment for product manufacturer in personal injury litigation involving amputation injuries.

Obtained partial summary judgment in favor of property and liability insurers in coverage dispute related to food contamination and equipment breakdown.

Obtained voluntary dismissal for product manufacturer in personal injury litigation involving amputation injuries.

Defended product manufacturer in class action litigation following a train derailment, hazardous chemical release, and explosion.

Defended product manufacturer in property damage litigation following a combustible dust fire.

• Named a "Woman Worth Watching in Leadership," Profiles in Diversity Journal (2023)
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025 editions)
• Named to "Top Lawyers List," Minnesota Monthly (2024)
• Named a “Minnesota Rising Star,” Super Lawyers (2018-2020)
• Named an “Up and Coming Attorney” by Minnesota Lawyer (2016)
• Named a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing at least 50 hours of pro bono legal services (2014)

Professional

• Federal Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Minnesota Women Lawyers Board of Directors (2019-present), Partner Leadership Council (2017-2020), Co-Chair and Board Liaison for the Equity Committee
• H2O for Life, Board of Directors and Co-Secretary (2022-present)

Speeches

• The Property Case Law Update
  Loss Executives Association 91st Annual Meeting & Educational Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (February 3, 2022)
• The Property Case Law Update
  Loss Executives Association June Webinar Series (June 2, 2021)
• The Property Case Law Update
  Loss Executive Association 89th Annual Meeting and Mid-Winter Educational Program, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (January 16, 2020) 
• The Property Case Law Update
  Loss Executive Association 88th Annual Meeting and Mid-Winter Educational Program, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (January 31, 2019) 

Media Mentions

• “Elizabeth Burnett: Rewriting the Odds — DEI in Action,” profiled in Attorney at Law Magazine (November 2022)