Asbestos Exposure Lawyers: Lawsuits and Litigation
The Lanier Law Firm’s talented attorneys are passionate about holding large companies accountable for asbestos exposure. Asbestos manufacturers engaged in a decades-long cover-up that cost millions of individuals their lives, including tens of thousands of U.S. military veterans. Our team of asbestos lawyers based in Houston, New York, and Los Angeles serve clients nationwide and are led by Managing Attorney, Darron Berquist.
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- Asbestos Manufacturers Knew
- The Lanier Law Firm Stands Up to Asbestos Companies and Manufacturers
- Our Asbestos Lawsuit Case Results
- Asbestos Litigation Appeals
- The Client Stories Behind Our Successful Settlements and Verdicts
- The Lanier Law Firm’s Caring and Personalized Approach
- Meet Our Dedicated Asbestos Attorneys
- What Are the Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims?
- Contact Our Award-Winning Asbestos Exposure Attorneys
Asbestos Manufacturers Knew
Asbestos manufacturers knew as far back as the 1930s that their product causes deadly diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and asbestosis. Despite this knowledge, they continued selling massive quantities of asbestos to the public and the military, even at the peril of their own workers who mined asbestos and manufactured products composed of asbestos.
Their conduct extends beyond mere negligence. The actions of asbestos companies were deliberate and willful, for the simple reason that they value profits over human life. Even today, when confronted with heartbreaking cases of mesothelioma cancer, they use their vast resources to fight their victims and evade accountability.
The Lanier Law Firm Stands Up to Asbestos Companies and Manufacturers
At The Lanier Law Firm, we believe no one is above the law. Our attorneys have been standing up to asbestos manufacturers since 1998. We are one of the most experienced asbestos and mesothelioma law firms in the world, having helped thousands of asbestos exposure victims get justice and well-deserved compensation in order to cope with their illnesses.
Our Asbestos Lawsuit Case Results
Below are just a few examples of our successful case results on behalf of our clients in asbestos litigation:
Asbestos Litigation Appeals
The Lanier Law Firm has won landmark rulings in asbestos litigation, including the following appeals:
- A reversal on a loss of consortium claim on behalf of a wife whose husband had mesothelioma
- An appeal on behalf of a plumber with mesothelioma, which ruled that equipment manufacturers have a duty to warn when products contain asbestos – a ruling that was upheld by the New Jersey Supreme Court
The Client Stories Behind Our Successful Settlements and Verdicts
We are proud to have represented and helped find justice for our clients. Below are some of the stories behind our successful settlements and verdicts that fuel our resolve:
- We helped a pipefitter who handled gaskets with dangerous levels of asbestos for more than 41 years
- Secured compensation for a 67-year-old refinery worker diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure
- We represented a 39-year-old brake mechanic with mesothelioma after years of exposure to asbestos in automotive friction products
- Obtained compensation for a 48-year-old woman with mesothelioma whose father unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on his work clothes throughout her childhood
- Successfully represented 78-year-old railroad worker with mesothelioma due to occupational asbestos exposure
Call 800-723-3216 now to see if our asbestos and mesothelioma law firm can pursue compensation for you and your family. Consultations are free.
The Lanier Law Firm Protects Asbestos Exposure Victims
The Lanier Law Firm will go to any length to protect victims of asbestos exposure. In one case, we were approached by a company we had previously sued. Mark Lanier, founder of The Lanier Law Firm, had previously settled claims against T&N, Ltd. on behalf of 1,600 clients.
In an act that could only be described as an abuse of the justice system, another asbestos manufacturer, Owens-Illinois, Inc., sued T&N for $1.6 billion and won a default judgment. Due to human error, T&N did not know about the lawsuit until four months after the judgment was rendered.
If allowed to stand, this judgment would force T&N to pay Owens-Illinois, Inc.’s asbestos exposure liabilities without Owens-Illinois, Inc. paying any damages for the harm it had caused mesothelioma victims. Even worse, T&N would have been prevented from compensating its own victims. Mark Lanier was successful in winning a reversal of the default judgment and protecting the settlements of T&N’s victims.
The Lanier Law Firm’s Caring and Personalized Approach
Our attorneys have witnessed the devastation caused by asbestos-related illnesses firsthand. We have seen our clients quickly deteriorate from these debilitating conditions. We admire their strength and have supported their families through the most difficult experiences of their lives.
Each of our clients receives personalized, compassionate care and can always expect to be treated with dignity and respect. Below are some examples of the feedback we receive from our clients:
“I truly want to thank you for your tenacity in winning battles for your clients of mesothelioma. Our family is very grateful to know your tireless efforts are not only helping us but so many others that share the same story.”
Kathleen R.
“Thank you and your law firm for the wonderful job you have done in helping us with our Mom. Your firm has been nothing short of professional, helpful and compassionate.”
Peggy H.
“Every individual in your firm with whom I had contact was so very kind and respectful to me. I want to thank all who handled my case so brilliantly.”
Patricia J.
We operate on principles of integrity, honesty and transparency. We fight vigorously and tirelessly on behalf of our clients, refusing to give up until justice is served and clients receive their well-deserved compensation for asbestos exposure. This is how we define legal care. It is not just a job for us. It is a calling.
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- Passionate legal advocates with decades of trial experience
- Billions recovered for asbestos-exposure victims nationwide
- No upfront costs or fees
Meet Our Dedicated Asbestos Attorneys
Meet some of our skilled asbestos exposure lawyers, all of whom are dedicated to helping people just like you receive the damages they’re entitled to.
Mark Lanier
Mark Lanier is consistently recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in America. He is known as a zealous advocate for individuals in personal injury and product liability claims against major corporations.
Mark Lanier’s Asbestos Exposure Case Results
Mark won the largest verdict in Texas in 2016, according to VerdictSearch and Texas Lawyer, as well as the third largest verdict, with $1 billion and $502 million, respectively. Mark’s $118 million verdict on behalf of 21 asbestos victims is considered one of the largest asbestos liability awards in U.S. history.
Sam Taylor
Sam E. Taylor, II joined The Lanier Law Firm in 2014 and is the Senior Litigation Counsel of the asbestos litigation section in our Houston office. Mr. Taylor has over 30 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts. As lead counsel, he has tried over 40 personal injury jury trials, including cases involving mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure, wrongful death and other serious personal injuries.
Darron E. Berquist
Darron E. Berquist is the Managing Attorney of the firm’s asbestos practice in New York. In addition to representing individuals with asbestos-caused diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and ovarian cancer, he assists the firm’s pharmaceutical and product liability groups, particularly on matters related to expert witnesses.
Maura Kolb
Maura Kolb came to The Lanier Law Firm in 2003 after working with the firm on complex business and personal injury litigation. In 2011, Maura was promoted to the high profile role of managing the bankruptcy claims department for the asbestos section of the firm. In 2014, her role expanded to include management of the historical asbestos docket. Her management of the Asbestos Resolution Team continues today collecting millions of dollars for clients every year.
What Are the Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims?
Asbestos exposure victims who have developed asbestos-related illnesses have three potential pathways to recovering compensation. In many cases, victims can recover compensation for asbestos exposure through more than one of these methods.
Asbestos Trust Fund Claims
Many asbestos manufacturers that were overwhelmed with asbestos lawsuits went bankrupt under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Code and established asbestos trust funds for the benefit of their victims as a required provision under the bankruptcy reorganization. Asbestos victims can file claims for compensation directly through these asbestos trust funds.
Why Contact an Asbestos Lawyer for a Trust Fund Claim?
Trust fund claimants should contact an experienced asbestos attorney to help them verify eligibility and potentially identify additional sources of exposure for compensation. It is not uncommon for claimants to have been exposed through more than one source.
VA Claims for Asbestos Exposure
The VA provides monthly disability compensation and free medical care to eligible veterans who become ill as a result of asbestos exposure while in the military. These claims are filed directly through the VA in person, by mail, or through an experienced asbestos lawyer. Disability award amounts are based on the degree of disability. The higher the degree of disability, the higher the compensation. Mesothelioma patients are typically rated at 100 percent disability.
Asbestos Lawsuits and Personal Injury Litigation
Personal injury lawsuits are an option in cases where one or more asbestos exposure sources are not military-related or bankrupt. Compensation in asbestos-related personal injury cases can include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (husbands and wives)
- Loss of society
- Punitive damages (in some jurisdictions)
- These cases require the representation of experienced asbestos attorneys.
Compensation for Surviving Family Members of Asbestos Exposure Victims
Surviving family members have various asbestos claims after death they can pursue. Family and loved ones can initiate or continue a trust fund claim or file a VA claim for survivors’ benefits. Surviving family members can access many of the same benefits as the living veteran or trust fund claimant.
Asbestos Litigation and Wrongful Death Claims
If litigation is necessary, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive such damages as:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of companionship
- Pecuniary damages (the projected lost income or value of the decedent’s life)
- Punitive damages may also be available in some cases.
Contact Our Award-Winning Asbestos Exposure Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been affected by the devastation asbestos exposure can cause, contact The Lanier Law Firm! Our team of asbestos exposure lawyers will go to any length to protect victims and secure the compensation you deserve. We are here to fight for you.
Why Should You Trust the Lanier Law Firm to Handle your Mesothelioma Case?
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
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