R. John Wells is an experienced trial attorney who represents clients in complex litigation involving toxic torts, product liability, transportation, and oil and gas matters. He approaches each case with a strategic, issue-focused mindset, quickly identifying the facts and legal questions most critical to advancing his clients’ broader litigation objectives.
John’s toxic tort practice includes the defense of manufacturers, contractors, and premises owners in matters involving a wide range of alleged exposure scenarios. He regularly develops and implements defense strategies addressing bystander and take-home exposure claims, low-dose theories, and disputed or speculative product identification. His work in this area often involves highly technical factual records and nuanced causation issues.
In the transportation arena, John has represented transportation companies, including Class I railroads, in personal injury, employment, and property damage litigation. He has also defended manufacturers whose products were used on locomotives. Drawing on his deep understanding of railroad and transportation law, John has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts across the Upper Midwest and has achieved favorable outcomes through targeted motion practice and early case resolution.
John also has substantial experience representing companies and individuals in oil and gas matters, including cases arising from pipeline strikes, blowouts, and incidents involving catastrophic injuries. These matters frequently require detailed analysis of complex indemnity and risk-transfer agreements, and John’s work in this area has resulted in significant protections for clients early in the litigation process.
Outside the office, John is active as a coach and scout leader for his sons’ activities. He also enjoys attending concerts, spending time with family, and getting outdoors to hunt and fish.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
• Plaintiff v. Railroad (2025) Obtained favorable verdict in federal court in an admitted liability FELA case involving a thirty-five year old plaintiff who alleged a traumatic brain injury and a brachial plexus injury disqualified her from all future employment. Jury awarded less than 5% of what Plaintiff’s attorneys requested.
• Plaintiff v. various defendants (2022) Analysis of complex arrangement of oilfield indemnity agreements results in client obtaining full indemnification and defense protection early in the litigation
• Plaintiff v. Railroad (2019) Defense verdict in a FELA case alleging unsafe workplace resulted in the development of tinnitus
• Plaintiff v. various defendants (2015). In a living mesothelioma case with product identification, obtained summary judgment in Minnesota state court on behalf of various electronic manufacturers.
• Plaintiff v. various defendants (2017). In a deceased mesothelioma case with product identification, obtained summary judgment in federal court in Wisconsin on behalf of a valve manufacturer.
• Plaintiff v. various defendants (2017). In a deceased mesothelioma case with product identification, obtained summary judgment in Minnesota on behalf of a manufacturer of foundry products.
LAW SCHOOL
University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D.
COLLEGE
Valparaiso University, B.A.
ADMITTED
Minnesota
North Dakota
Wisconsin
U.S. District Court – Minnesota, North Dakota, Western District of Wisconsin
MEMBER
Defense Research Institute
Douglas K. Amdahl Inn of Court
Minnesota State Bar Association
HONORS & AWARDS
Minnesota Super Lawyers (2024–2025)
Minnesota Monthly, Top Lawyers in Minnesota (2025)