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Foodborne Illness Litigation
Tony Coveny

Tony Coveny ,
J.D., Ph.D.

Attorney

"When foodborne illness impacts your life, you need counsel who understands both the science and the legal strategy required to prove your case."

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Publications
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Academic Degrees
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Biography

About Tony

Tony Coveny has spent more than 15 years focused exclusively on foodborne illness and infectious disease litigation. He manages the firm's Houston office and works directly with clients throughout investigation and case development.

His background combines legal training with advanced academic research. Tony earned a J.D. from the University of Houston in 2007, magna cum laude, after completing a Ph.D. in Political Science (University of New Mexico, 2002), an M.A. in Latin American Studies (University of New Mexico, 1997), and a B.A. in History and Political Science (Seattle Pacific University, 1994).

Before dedicating his practice to food safety law, Tony served as a professor of Public Administration and American Government. That teaching background helps him explain complex legal and scientific issues in clear, practical terms for families navigating a claim.

Tony regularly contributes to public understanding of food safety through legal publications, policy commentary, and community education efforts, including sponsorship of the Annual Mock Trial at Prairie View A&M University.

Working alongside Ron Simon, Tony has helped resolve claims against major food companies, international suppliers, and domestic distributors, with a methodical approach centered on tracing contamination and proving accountability.

"
Tony works with clients, local and state health departments, and technical experts to trace contamination to its source and pursue accountability for preventable harm.
— Tony Coveny

Education

Juris Doctor, magna cum laude
University of Houston
2007
Ph.D., Political Science
University of New Mexico
2002
M.A., Latin American Studies
University of New Mexico
1997
B.A., History and Political Science
Seattle Pacific University
1994

Professional Affiliations

  • Houston Bar Association (2008-Present)
  • Order of the Coif
  • Order of the Baron
Recognition

Awards
& Achievements

Consistently recognized by peers and legal organizations as a leader in food safety litigation.

2007

Order of the Coif

Legal Honor Society

2007

Order of the Baron

Legal Honor Society

2005-2006

University of Houston Law Review

Publishing & Marketing Editor

2004-2006

Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students

Director

2008-Present

Houston Bar Association

Member

Publications

  • Executive Activism Not Reciprocated with Judicial Activism: Wyeth v. Levine and Cuomo v. Clearing House Return Preemption to the Legislative Branch, St. Thomas Law Review (Spring 2010).
  • When the Immovable Object Meets the Unstoppable Force: Search and Seizure in the Age of Terrorism, American Journal of Trial Advocacy (2007).
  • Preemption Protects Pharmaceutical Manufacturers While Leaving Health Care Professionals Exposed to Liability: The Supreme Court Considers Wyeth v. Levine, Journal of Nursing Law (Spring 2009).
  • Judicial Activism on the Rehnquist Court: An Empirical Analysis, St. John's Journal of Legal Commentary (2008, co-authored).
  • Saying Goodbye to Texas' Homestead Protection: One Step Toward Economic Efficiency With The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Act of 2005, Houston Law Review (2007).
  • The Theory of Surge and Decline: Revisiting the Midterm Presidential Loss and the Role of the Economy, American Government: Continuity and Change (2004).
  • Public Opinion and the Environment, Public Opinion and Polling Around the World (ABC-CLIO, 2004).
  • Public Opinion and the Middle East, Public Opinion and Polling Around the World (ABC-CLIO, 2004).

Speaking Engagements

  • Sponsor of the Annual Mock Trial at Prairie View A&M University.
  • Director of the Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students (2004-2006).
Track Record

Landmark
Victories

View All Results
$13,246,000

E. coli Case

5 year old boy and 7 year old girl who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome from E. coli poisoning

Victims
2
Discuss Your Case
Career Path

Professional Timeline

1994

B.A. Degree

Completed B.A. in History and Political Science at Seattle Pacific University.

1997

M.A. Degree

Completed M.A. in Latin American Studies at the University of New Mexico.

2002

Ph.D. and Media Commentary

Completed Ph.D. in Political Science and provided election commentary on television.

2004

Community Leadership

Began directing the Pre-Law Initiative for Minority Students (2004-2006).

2005

Law Review Editor

Served as Publishing & Marketing Editor for the University of Houston Law Review (2005-2006).

2007

J.D., magna cum laude

Earned J.D. at the University of Houston with honors and legal society distinctions.

2008

Houston Bar Association

Became a member of the Houston Bar Association.

Present

Foodborne Illness Practice

Leads foodborne illness work from the Houston office and partners with health departments on outbreak investigations.

Media Coverage

In The News

Tony Coveny's expertise is sought by major news outlets covering food safety issues nationwide.

Television

  • First Coast News (NBC/ABC Jacksonville)
    Cyclospora Outbreak Lawsuits
    2019
  • News4Jax (WJXT Channel 4)
    Food Contamination Lawsuit Coverage
    2019
  • KENS5 (CBS San Antonio)
    Pasha Mediterranean Grill Salmonella Outbreak
    2018
  • FOX NEWS (Nashville Affiliate)
    Election Commentator
    2002
  • WSMV Channel Four News (Nashville)
    Election Commentator
    2002

Print & Digital

  • USA TODAY
    Boar's Head Listeria Wrongful Death Coverage
    2024
  • VPM (Virginia Public Media)
    Boar's Head Plant Closure and Listeria Outbreak
    2024
  • The Virginian-Pilot
    Boar's Head Listeria Victim Representation
    2024
  • Las Vegas Sun
    Firefly Tapas Salmonella Outbreak Litigation
    2014
  • NPR Weekend Edition
    Guest on Hispanic Vote
    1998
  • NPR Which Way LA
    Debate Guest with Ralph Nader
    1998

As Featured In

USA TODAY VPM (Virginia Public Media) The Virginian-Pilot First Coast News (NBC/ABC Jacksonville) News4Jax (WJXT Channel 4) KENS5 (CBS San Antonio) Las Vegas Sun FOX NEWS (Nashville Affiliate)
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Work With
Tony Coveny

If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning, you deserve an attorney with a proven track record of holding corporations accountable. Contact Tony directly to discuss your case.

Rapid response for urgent food safety matters

Why Choose Tony?

  • No Fee Unless We Win
    You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
  • 15+ Years Focused
    Proven focus on food safety litigation and corporate accountability.
  • 8 Publications
    Consistent work in analysis, legal strategy, and client advocacy.